Writing some research papers recently for college, I have been focusing a lot on the human aspect of Jesus Christ.

I will refrain from citing all of the theological views regarding the personhood of Christ, and really just focus on one single verse. In fact, it would probably surprise you that one of the verses I think really shows the humanity of Jesus, also happens to be the shortest verse in the Bible translated into English.

Jesus wept.

John 11:35

Jesus was all God and all man. He was present when the stars were spoken into existence. He wasn’t an afterthought after the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden. Jesus as the Messiah wasn’t Plan B. He didn’t give up His role of God when He came to earth, only to resume being God after His ascension. He was always God and part of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Coming to earth, Jesus was all God, all man, and all Messiah.

But in John 11, we see an interesting moment that Jesus displays to those who are gathered around Him after His friend Lazarus dies. He wept. We don’t think of a God who created the very foundations of the universe to weep at the loss of a friend.

In these two words that John writes, we catch a glimpse of a very human Christ. We see a man who isn’t afraid to show sorrow, display sadness, and be emotional. We see a man who is vulnerable. We see a man who is authentic.

Are you and I authentic? Authenticity and “being real” will draw others to us and ultimately to Christ. Authenticity is one quality of a great leader, and that is what Jesus displays here in just two words and one action. It wasn’t for display. It wasn’t for sympathy. As you and I feel sorrow and weep for the passing of a dear friend or loved one, so Jesus felt that same emotion. He was human.

Don’t fall into the trap that to be a Christian you can’t show emotion. That you have to be stoic and reserved. That you can’t let others see a personal side of you. That’s not authenticity. That’s not human.

Be vulnerable.

Be human.

Be authentic.