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Devotionals

Jesus Wept...But How Many Times?

Jesus “wept” is well know as the shortest verse in the Bible, but is this the only recorded verse/incident of Jesus weeping? The Bible explicitly records Jesus weeping on three occasions:

1) At Lazarus's tomb: John 11:35 - "Jesus wept." (The shortest verse in the English Bible)

Context: Jesus wept when he saw Mary and the others grieving over Lazarus's death, even though He knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead. This shows Jesus's deep empathy and humanity.

Interesting tidbit: The Greek word used here is "δακρύω" (dakryō), which means to shed tears or weep silently.

2) Over Jerusalem: Luke 19:41-44 - "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes...'"

Context: Jesus wept over Jerusalem's coming destruction and its people's rejection of Him as their Messiah.

Interesting tidbit: The Greek word used here is "κλαίω" (klaiō), which suggests audible weeping or lamenting.

3) In the Garden of Gethsemane: This instance is not directly described as "weeping" but is recorded as intense emotional and physical distress including tears: Hebrews 5:7 - "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." Luke 22:44 adds: "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

Context: This occurred the night before His crucifixion as He prayed about His coming suffering.

Interesting tidbit: The medical condition of sweating blood is called hematidrosis, a rare condition caused by extreme stress.

Theological significance: Fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 53:3) that the Messiah would be "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief"

1) Demonstrates Jesus's full humanity and emotional depth

2) Shows different types of weeping: a) Compassion (Lazarus), b) Sorrow over sin/judgment (Jerusalem), and c) Personal anguish (Gethsemane)

3) Reveals Jesus's deep love for people, both individuals and entire communities

References

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Eve…more than meets the eye

Eve is a significant figure in the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). Here are some key points about her:

- Creation: According to Genesis 2:21-22, God created Eve from one of Adam's ribs while he was in a deep sleep. This is often interpreted as symbolizing the close relationship and equality between man and woman.

- Name meaning: The name Eve (חַוָּה Chavah in Hebrew) means "life" or "living." This name was given to her by Adam, as stated in Genesis 3:20: "Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living."

- Role: Eve is often referred to as the "mother of all living," emphasizing her role as the first woman and the ancestress of all humanity according to biblical tradition.

- The Temptation: Eve plays a central role in the story of the Fall of Man. In Genesis 3, she is tempted by the serpent to eat fruit from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She then shares the fruit with Adam.

- Consequences: As a result of eating the forbidden fruit, Eve (along with )

faces several consequences, including expulsion from the Garden of Eden, pain in

The "offspring" of the woman is ultimately understood to be Jesus Christ.

Significance in the Proto-Evangelion

1) The Proto-evangelion, also known as the Protoevangelium or the "First Gospel," refers to Genesis 3:15. This verse is considered by many Christian theologians to be the first messianic prophecy in the Bible. Here's a breakdown of Eve's role in this context:

- The verse: Genesis 3:15 states (in the NIV translation): "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

- Context: This verse is part of God's judgment after Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. God is addressing the serpent, who had tempted Eve.

- Eve's role: In this verse, Eve (referred to as "the woman") is positioned as an important figure in God's redemptive plan. Her offspring is prophesied to be in conflict with the offspring of the serpent.

Interpretation: Many Christian theologians interpret this verse as a foreshadowing of Christ's victory over Satan. In this reading:

a) The "woman" is seen as Eve, but also as a type or foreshadowing of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

b) The "offspring" of the woman is ultimately understood to be Jesus Christ.

c) The "crushing of the head" is interpreted as Christ's victory over sin and death through his crucifixion and resurrection.

- Significance for Eve: This verse, while pronouncing judgment, also offers hope. It suggests that despite Eve's role in the Fall, she and her descendants will play a crucial part in God's plan for redemption.

- Title "Mother of All Living": This prophecy adds depth to Eve's title as the "mother of all living" (Genesis 3:20). In light of the Proto-evangelion, she's not just the physical ancestress of humanity, but also the spiritual ancestress of the one who would bring salvation.

- Theological implications: The Proto-evangelion presents a complex view of Eve. While she played a role in bringing sin into the world, she's also integral to God's plan for salvation. This dual role has been the subject of much theological reflection throughout Christian history.

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