How Jesus Handled Grief – The Death of John the Baptist

“As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.”

Matthew 14:13

Dear Family & Friends,

There are many different causes for grief. We can mourn the loss of a stage of life, a position, a possession, or a relationship. But one of the worst causes of grief is when we lose someone we love, especially when it is unexpected. Jesus experienced the heavy emotion of grief while living on this earth and it’s encouraging and enlightening to consider how He handled it.

John the Baptist – An Important Figure in the Gospel Story

John the Baptist is an important figure in the gospel story. His elderly mother became pregnant only months before her relative, Mary, conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Both pregnancies were miracles; the first because Elizabeth had been barren and was now too old to have a baby and the second because Mary was a virgin.

Jesus’ and John’s lives became linked early as the newly pregnant Mary visited her cousin, and they rejoiced together over their mutual good news. In fact, when Mary arrived at Elizabeth’s home, John leaped for joy in his mother’s womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Some years later John, grown now, boldly preached a message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Upon seeing Jesus approach he announced to the crowds, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world.” In fulfillment of the Old Testament Scripture, his powerful voice rang out from the wilderness preparing listeners for the Messiah and the coming Kingdom of God.

In reverence for God’s Son and in recognition of his own sinfulness, John at first declined Jesus’ request for baptism. He finally agreed when Jesus insisted that His baptism was God’s will. As soon as Jesus came out of the water John beheld in awe the heaven opening and the Spirit of God descending like a dove onto Jesus while a voice from heaven declared, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.”

 John’s Violent Death and Jesus’ Grief

With all of these familial ties, linked purpose, and shared encounters it is no wonder that Jesus experienced deep grief when He received the news of John’s violent death. While John’s demise seemed to be the result of a wicked woman’s scheme, it was really part of God’s designed plan, and for John, his death was the doorway to freedom and the joy of heaven. But this truth didn’t lessen the emotions of grief at the temporary loss of a supportive friend and family member.

So how did Jesus handle His grief? Matthew tells us that as soon as Jesus heard the news, He withdrew by boat to a private place. While the passage doesn’t tell us exactly what He did in this private place, my guess is that He spent time praying and pouring out His heart to His Father in heaven. What an example for us! There is only one place we can find true comfort in times of sadness and grief. It is in the presence of the One Who understands our pain and can see beyond the present circumstance to the fulfillment of His perfect purposes.

While getting alone with our Father in heaven brings hope and healing, it has been my experience that it is difficult to find this quiet, uninterrupted time. Jesus was no different! On hearing that He had withdrawn to a private place the crowds sought Him out and when He landed on the other side of the lake a great multitude met Him.

In times of sorrow and distress needy people tend to grate on my nerves and I find it hard to engage. But Jesus responded differently. Despite His sadness, He had compassion on the crowds and ministered to them by healing their sick and providing them food. His personal time with the Father preceded a reentry into His ministry to people who needed Him.

The Greatest Comfort of All

Grief, a normal and healthy emotion, comes to us all. Jesus experienced it and we will too! It’s how we handle it that makes the difference. Get alone, pour out your heart to the Father, and then, like Jesus, continue with what God has called you to do. You are loved and needed.  And the greatest comfort of all is that because of Jesus, believers will see their loved ones again someday soon.

Love,

Mama