April 13th, 2025

Jesus Shares the Sorrow of Death

John 11:28-37

Key Theme: In the midst of loud wailing and chaotic grief, Jesus doesn’t recoil. He enters it. He shepherds through silence—guiding, grieving, and groaning with His people. His presence, His personalized care, and His passion all reveal a Shepherd who shares the sorrow of death and holds sovereign sway over it.

I. The Shepherd’s Presence (v. 28)

1. He is close.
2. He is calling.

II. The Shepherd’s Personalized Care (v.29-32)

1. He shares truth to Martha’s faith.
2. He sheds tears with Mary in her pain.
3. He shepherd’s both tenderly.

III. The Shepherd’s Passion (v.33-37)

1. He feels our pain.
2. He faces our pain.

Where Have You Put Him?
This isn’t just a logistical question. It’s a spiritual invitation.

Yes, Jesus was going to raise Lazarus for the glory of God.
But He also reveals something deeper:
He’s asking us to take Him to the tombs we’ve sealed shut.

He had wept.
He had listened.
He had waited.

And then He asked,
Not out of ignorance—
But to invite the grieving into the grave.

“Where have you put Him?”

Where have you laid what used to live?
Where did you bury your hope?
Your dreams?
Your purity?
Your first love?

Where have you buried the sin you’re too ashamed to name?
The pain you’ve tried to numb or forget?
The bitterness too deep to uproot?

Jesus stands not with condemnation—
But with compassion fierce enough to roll stones.

He asks the question,
So you’ll stop guarding the grave.

And when you dare to take Him there—
To that tomb—

He speaks.
And the silence shakes.

He doesn’t expose your sin to embarrass you—
He calls it to forgive you. He calls it to free you.

“Where have you put Him?”

Show Him the tomb.
Watch Him bring life.