Dealing with loss

In this scene, the disciples share their stories as they sit around the fire. Before long, the conversation becomes vulnerable. Several of them talk about people they’ve lost – a father, a mother – and the weight of grief is unmistakable.

Have you experienced loss in your life? Loss takes many forms – loss of a person, loss of health, a broken relationship, a dream that collapsed, a season of life that ended too soon. How do you deal with loss?

After Thomas shares how he lost someone, he says"I need to ask Jesus about that again."

There’s a lesson on dealing with loss: We can take our questions and our grief to Him. The story recorded in John 11 assures us that He understands. Jesus’ friend, Lazarus, has died, and He goes to visit his tomb. When He sees it, and when He sees the grief of Lazarus’ sisters, Scripture says that He begins to weep.

Why does He cry? He knows the resurrection is coming. He knows the miracle He came to perform. Yet, He does not rush past the pain. He does not ignore the grief Lazarus’ loved ones have suffered. He enters it fully. He cries with those who cry.

In Hebrews 4, Jesus is described as our High Priest who understands our weakness and our sorrow because He experienced it all Himself. He has walked through loss, loneliness, pain, and betrayal. So you can come to Him with confidence and without fear of being dismissed.

So let this be an invitation: bring your loss to Jesus again. Bring the questions that still ache, the sadness that still surfaces, and the memories that still hurt. He knows how to meet you there. He knows how to carry it with you.

Reflection Questions

• How have you experienced loss?
• How do you deal with loss?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for coming close in sorrow and suffering. Because of Your work on the cross, I have freedom to come to You with honesty. Please be with those who are walking through a season of loss right now, and let them know Your love. Amen.