March 13
Bible Reading: John 11:28-37
John 11:35, “Jesus wept.”
I’ve officiated lots of funerals in lots of places, but none like the funeral for Lazarus. It was customary in those days to put the body in the ground right away. Folks would come to the home of the deceased. Then a procession would follow to wherever the body was to be placed. Afterwards, the people would return home, and mourners would stay for seven days. No levity was to be expressed. Instead, there was mourning in which folks wailed loudly. Sometimes they even hired professional mourners. Folks would bring food. Everyone would embrace the family and express their sympathy. But all that happened occurred amid loud expressions of grief.
The use of different Greek terms distinguishes how Jesus wept from Mary’s weeping. Jesus shed tears (dakruo), whereas Mary expressed her grief with loud weeping (klaio). Why was Jesus weeping? He knew He was soon to raise Lazarus, having previously told that to His disciples (John 11:4). He could have said, “Stop crying everybody, I’m about to put a quick end to this funeral!” But He who had come in the flesh, to embrace our sin at the cross, embraced the sorrow of those who were grieving (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14). He was, after all, “A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief,” who came to bear our griefs and carry our sorrows (Isaiah 53:3-4)!
Put simply, He came alongside those He loved and entered into their sorrow, having come to embrace the source of it all. We are to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Jesus is the best example in every virtuous thing, and so He is here. They were sorrowful, no one understands sorrow better than He. His tears evidenced His love, every drop proof He cared. He would grant greater evidence at the cross in His willing sacrifice: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16)!
You’ve your own sorrows, as do we all. Trace them all back to sin and the curse. But then turn your eyes to Jesus. Not only does He care deeply for you (beyond the limits of any human), He can even work to turn your “mourning into joy” (Jeremiah 31:13). One day, in heaven, he will wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4), in the meantime we can trust Him to care (1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 4:15-16)!
“O yes, He cares. I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief!”
DOES JESUS CARE?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain:
O yes, He cares- I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near? [Refrain]
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief I find no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long? [Refrain]
Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? does He see? [Refrain]
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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