The Honeymoon Life Blog

Jesus Wept

Terri & Curtis Krupp
Terri Krupp

“KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Rescuers scoured a devastated central Texas landscape of mangled trees, overturned cars, and muck-filled debris Saturday in an increasingly bleak mission to locate survivors, including 27 girls who have not been seen since their camp was slammed with a wall of water in a historic flash flood.

The flooding in Kerr County killed at least 43 people, including 15 children, and at least eight people died in nearby counties.” (Texas Flash Flood, Vertuno, 2025)

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

As I attempt to process the horrific events of Friday, July 4th, 2025, I am struck with a deep sadness. My mind seeks to reconcile the sorrow and devastation against the backdrop of so many heroic stories during and after the wall of water swept over the Guadalupe River banks. As is often the case, despite personal risk, many rushed toward danger to assist others.

The search and recovery efforts are just beginning at the time of this writing, and critics and cynics are already pointing fingers and laying blame on anyone who has a hint of authority in the system. We all want answers, and our public safety systems must be improved to prevent future catastrophes from reaching this magnitude. But does this type of premature criticism accomplish that end?

As I prayed and wept over this tragedy, I was struck by the image of how Jesus responded in times of grief. Jesus experienced the pain and agony of human loss while on earth. And the Bible records how He grieved very humanly during these occasions. The account of Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, is a beautiful example. In John 11, Jesus is summoned by Martha and Mary to come to Lazarus before his death. They had faith that Jesus could save their brother from death. Jesus intentionally waits several days before going to him. By the time he arrived, Lazarus was dead and in the tomb for four days. He assures His followers and the sisters of the deceased that Lazarus will be resurrected. Jesus knew that He was about to bring His friend back to life. Still, in the moment of mourning and grieving alongside Lazarus’ loved ones, Jesus cannot help but feel the pain of the loss, even though He knows it is temporary.

As Christians, our response to natural disasters has not always reflected the loving heart of Jesus. I have heard public figures of the Christian church lay blame on the inhabitants of locations devastated by what they refer to as “Acts of God.” Proclaiming that the justice of God is being enacted during such events. There are also examples of so-called “Christians” protesting the funerals of veterans in the name of the “God of Peace.” Biblically, these actions do not reflect the life Jesus lived or the heart of the Father.

Jesus endured heartbreaking this life can be while He lived a human life on earth “When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it.” (Luke 19:42) Jesus is weeping over His people who rebelled and resisted seeing Him as the Son of God. Even when we are to blame, God is heartbroken.

The night of His betrayal, He wept and prayed to the point that He was sweating drops of blood. Our Savior grieves that this life is filled with sorrow and pain. He even wept for His own human experience. (See Luke 22:44)

The only response to catastrophes like the one we are witnessing in Kerr County, Texas, is to grieve with those who have experienced loss from this disaster. There will be time to investigate and fix the holes that are a reality in all human systems. Finger-pointing and accusations do not bring comfort and peace to the situation. Let us endeavor to share the love of Jesus in these and every trying time, let’s weep with those who are hurting.

Happy Honeymooning!

“Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy.” (John 16:20)

Texas flash floods kill over 50 people, leave 27 girls missing | AP News. (2025, July 6). AP News. https://apnews.com/article/texas-floods-missing-hill-country-5044c169b59921b2b4f65a2568c354c0