We can see how Jesus grieved. This is Matthew 11:6-14 from the Message: “But at his birthday celebration, he got his chance. Herodias’ daughter provided the entertainment, dancing for the guests. She swept Herod away. In his drunken enthusiasm, he promised her on oath anything she wanted. Already coached by her mother, she was ready: “Give me, served up on a platter, the head of John the Baptizer.” That sobered the king up fast.Unwilling to lose face with his guests, he did it— he ordered John’s head cut off and presented to the girl on a platter. She in turn gave it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples got the body, gave it a reverent burial, and reported to Jesus.
When Jesus got the news, he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by himself. But unsuccessfully—someone saw him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where he was. When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick.
I disappeared into northern Michigan’s
woods to grieve alone and then remerged to weep with others.
I understand this type of grief. I would have done the same thing! Jesus’ beloved cousin had died by evil means. He went off by himself to mourn the sorrow of this life. Goodbye crazy disciples! I can’t deal with your arguments and immaturity!
I lost my beloved cousin this year. Scotty was mentally disabled but emotionally and spiritually alive. I disappeared into northern Michigan’s woods to grieve alone and then remerged to weep with others.
