Glen Scrivener:

In John chapter 11, Jesus’ best friend lies ill. His family beg Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus does not respond right away. When he shows up, Lazarus has been dead for four days. It seems he’s too late.

But to this tragedy Jesus brings two surprising gifts—tears and triumph. He cries at the grave then raises his friend from death. It’s these tears and triumph that we need in the face of our own tragedies.