At least is no consolation

“At least you had a lot of great years together.”

“At least you had the opportunity to be married.”

“At least you know you can get pregnant.”

“At least they’re not suffering anymore.”

“At least you had a great job.”

“At least you had many years to make memories in your beautiful home.”

Jesus had two friends who lost their beloved brother. And these friends, they weren’t just small town acquaintances. These were close friends. The kind of friends who shared dinners together. The kind of friends who hosted him inside their home. The kind of friends whose love was displayed through constant devotion and costly sacrifice.

The kind of friends who were devastated, rightly so, by the sting of death.

Jesus arrived in town to meet the grief-stricken sisters. Both drowning in tears and sorrow, and he offered them no light sentiments. Not once did Jesus utter a statement of “at least” to give them women perspective. To help them realize that while this was bad, there were worse things going on in the world. He didn’t bring up his own experience of loss, comparing his story to theirs. He didn’t even tell them a story of his friend’s sister’s neighbor who had the same thing happen to her only it was twice as devastating.

No, Jesus wept.

Fully God, yet fully man, Jesus felt the pain and sadness of his friends and he joined them in their plight.

Because I think Jesus understood what we often fail to realize.

“At least” is no consolation.

Sure, there are moments when a shift in perspective is necessary. And there are moments when we need to shed a different light into a difficult circumstance.

But there are moments that simply require tears in place of words. Occasions and situations that will never be remedied by offering up half-hearted platitudes or unnecessary cliches.

You probably know how this story played out. After the weeping and mourning came the resurrection. A miracle that could only be performed by the hand of God. And while we might see that is the answer, the solution, I wonder if we’re missing the real consolation scripture is providing.

Because Lazarus, their brother, would die again. This was not a permanent fix by any means. In fact, Jesus tells us this actually occurred so that people would believe He is the Son of God.

The Hope of all mankind. 

That He, Jesus, is our great consolation.

Friend, I’m not aware of your circumstances. And even if I were, my attempts at comfort would likely fall short.

But I know of One who understands. One who will not only sympathize with you but will comfort you. One who will console you on those dark, lonely nights. One who will gently tend to the wound in your heart. He’ll sit with you for as long as you need. Weep with you and welcome your sorrow.

May His consolation be your joy.