Johannine studies are a fascinating aspect of theology, especially scholarly analysis of the Fourth Gospel (FG). Even laymen and newborn converts can appreciate the simplicity and profundity of the Gospel of John, the recommended book for beginner Bible readers. The FG is ahead of all New Testament books in literary brilliance, challenged only by the Pauline work of Romans, although its symbolisms and play on words may also be matched by Revelation. Only Isaiah and the Poetry/Wisdom Old Testament works approach the combined beauty and power of St John. Although redactors might have corrupted the original text, as seen in the variances between John and the synoptic gospels and some oddities in the John chapter 21 epilogue, the FG has the highest Christology offered in any document, ancient or modern. FG Christology is powerful because of its verbal, spiritual and practical superiority. If followers of Yeshua Messiah wanted a single book by which to live, it would be the FG. This column focuses on one of the FG’s most intriguing and powerful messages, the shortest Bible verse: “Jesus wept” (John: 11:35).

Jamaicans can be proud that its most famous international hero also excelled at the types of verbal and symbolic brilliance exhibited by St John and based most of his lyrics on biblical notions. Bob Marley matched John’s double entendre by penning lyrics that simultaneously addressed two or more aspects of romance, religion, and other socio-political issues. Marley’s spiritual brilliance is compatible with John’s, because both point humanity to positive universal values by affirming priority of the Creator and demanding responsibility from humanity. Readers must do their own research on how Marley’s Rastafari and Ethiopian Orthodox beliefs approach John’s Christology. One clue is that Jah lives in hearts, not in religions (John 4:24).

In the context of FG Christology, when Jesus cried at the tomb of Lazarus, it was the equivalent of God weeping like a hurt human. Every word, verse and chapter of the FG must be read through the lenses of the perfectly structured prologue (1:1-18) where logos became flesh. Deeper understanding of “Jesus wept” will be grasped after pondering the Pauline pericope called the Kenosis of the Christ found in Philippians 2:5-11. One is truly saved when one believes, grasps or is spiritually immersed into this concept of the fusion of deity with humanity. Understanding this Hypostatic Union of the Christ is a key to realising salvation through Jesus. Those who get it will gasp at the powerful symbolism of “Jesus wept”, that is, God crying over dying humanity. The FG Lazarus story suggests some subtle symbolisms of why Jesus wept and why God still weeps for humanity.

Most obviously, Jesus wept because there was death in a precious, beloved family. God now weeps because humanity is practically destroyed. Ponder this fact in light of the flood narrative in Genesis 6-8 and wake up to the fact that Earth is dying again because of mankind’s evil deeds. War is the ultimate evil conceived and practised by nations, with the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki being the greatest atrocities ever committed by humans. Second is the slavery holocaust against blacks and third the Nazi holocaust against Jews.

Christ currently cries for Jamaicans who are losing loved ones to criminals and corrupt cops while government and Opposition engage in asinine “kass-kass” concerning Manatt, Phelps and Phillips and other political ploys. The tears shed by children, spouses, parents and other loved ones of the near dozen cops murdered by criminals this year should have moved JLP and PNP politicians to join forces against murderers. But, alas, the tribal gangs and garrisons cultivated by these parties also breed those killers, who are offshoots of imperialist forces to which the JLP and PNP leaders kowtow, as Laurie Gunst showed. Jamaica is sinking into a socio-economic abyss while its major political parties do little or nothing to rescue it, even playing political football with a state of emergency effort that has proved effect in stemming the murders. Jesus weeps for Jamaica.

Jesus wept on losing Lazarus but also for the hopelessness enveloping his loved ones. A similar death-driven despair is enveloping Jamaica. The only other biblical record of Jesus weeping was his tears shed for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), whose people had become dumb, deaf and blind to corruption and criminality. Luke 13:34-35 records Jesus’ thoughts concerning Jerusalem before he wept for the city. Murders and anti-Christ sentiments were hastening the destruction of Jerusalem. After weeping for Jerusalem, Jesus turned to urgent action and whipped the thieves out of the temple court. After weeping for Lazarus, Jesus offered practical help, using his divine skills to resurrect the deceased, as John’s FG alone records. Every Jamaican possesses something to contribute to national salvation and development. Some possess pens mightier than guns; some are politicians, preachers, pedagogues and business people. Even the young can pledge obedience, respect, excellence in studies and high moral attitudes. Bob Marley sought to “free the people with music” and prayed: “Children, weep no more.” Weeping may endure and prayers plausible, but action is mandatory and Jamaicans must “get up, stand up” to rescue and revive their country. Jesus wept and then acted so that Jamaicans could copy his example. It might not be mere chance that my great-grandmother Rebecca Davis and other older Jamaicans would express consternation at terrifying developments by gasping the words: “Jesus wept!”

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