John 11:37 “Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.”
Unbeknownst to those walking with Him, “Jesus” was approaching this “grave” as a mighty Commander approaches a great battle; for, He is indeed the great “Lord of host” (Zechariah 10:3). At first, they could not see it, but with this mighty Commander on the battlefield, Victory was assured, failure and defeat was impossible. He would demonstrate that He has victorious power over even sin, death, and the grave (I Corinthians 15:55-57). Yet “groaning in himself”, He “cometh to the grave” where “Lazarus’” dead body was laid. The greatest cause of grief and distress and miserable fear is “little faith”; three times our Lord charged His disciples, saying “O ye of little faith” (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 16:8)! This “little faith” disturbs the peace of our Lord’s sheep, and when His sheep are disturbed, He feels it; thus, He was “groaning in himself”. All “born again” Children of God are given “faith” at the instant they are given Spiritual Birth (John 3:1-8), but lack of use and exercise (II Peter 1:5-9) results in “little faith”. Our beloved Lord gives us the antidote for “little faith”; He lovingly exhorts us to “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:29). To “Take my yoke upon you” is to willingly and joyfully submit to our Lord’s Authority and Power over us and to energetically obey His Commands. To “learn of me” is to prayerfully read and study His Holy Word, go to His Church and actively hear His preached and taught Gospel and meditate upon it and apply it to our lives. And, parents must teach it to their children. Then, if we do these things, even in the midst of the most awful trials and tribulations, “happy are ye” (John 13:17; I Peter 3:14; I Peter 4:14) “and ye shall find rest unto your souls”!