Responding to Tragedy: A Christian Perspective
There are many different emotions that arise when reading the headline that, yet another school shooting occurred in Texas. Anger, frustration, sadness, certainly a lot of other emotions. While these are appropriate feelings to such a senseless tragedy, it’s challenging to know how to respond in the wake of what has taken place.
During this time, I am reminded of a similar time in Jesus’ life when he experienced tragedy—the death of his close friend Lazarus. While there are obvious differences between the current event our nation is experiencing and the event that Jesus experienced, I believe it gives insight on how we can navigate through tragedy and in turn respond to those around us.
John 11 provides a detailed account of Jesus’ response to the death of his close friend Lazarus. As Jesus arrived at the home of his friend, he encountered both of Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary. To each he gave a different response, based on the need of each sister.
Martha is the first to encounter Jesus, her words to him were, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus replied to this by reminding Martha of the truth of who he was. He responded by saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
As Martha is mourning and grieving in this moment, she needed to be reminded about the truth of who Jesus was. The hope of eternal life in the midst of death. Perhaps there are those who in the wake of tragedy, in the midst of death, need to be reminded of the hope that is Jesus. A light in the midst of a dark world.
Yet this wasn’t Jesus’ only response. As Jesus encountered Mary, the other sister of Lazarus, she gave Jesus a similar greeting as her sister Martha, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” The bible records that as Jesus heard these words and saw Mary weeping, his spirit was troubled, and he wept.
Jesus’ response in the case of Mary was not to speak words of truth but rather sit and mourn with her for the tragedy at hand.
He didn’t offer words of encouragement at the moment. He didn’t proclaim the truth of who he was. He sat and wept because the pain and anguish she felt was real, and Jesus mourned with her.
There are many who are mourning right now in the midst of great tragedy. And the appropriate response in this moment is not to engage in debate, or offer an opinion, but to mourn alongside of those who are mourning.
People respond differently to tragedy. Jesus recognized this in both Martha and Mary. His response to each of them was specific to their need in that moment. Martha needed a response of knowledge. Mary needed an emotional response. As people mourn and process their emotions through tragedy, we can rest in the truth that Jesus speaks to all people, regardless of their response. Furthermore, it encourages us to do the same.
I have no other objective in mind as I share these thoughts, other than to remind us how Jesus responded during a time of tragedy. There are many things that could be written about the events in Texas. Surely there will be much debate in the days to come. But right now, we mourn with those mourning. We remember the lives of the victims. And we are reminded that Jesus is Lord and Savior, even in the midst of tragedy.
