In a world filled with turmoil and sorrow, Jesus illustrates that lament is essential for attaining true contentment. It is easy to overlook the profound emotions that content individuals experience. But look at Jesus. The most content man to have ever lived exemplified a full range of human emotions throughout his life.

Contentment in the Midst of Temptation 

In the midst of temptation, contentment is possible. During a wilderness experience Jesus earned our righteousness and provided us with a beautiful example. In the face of temptation, Jesus remained steadfastly content with his Father’s plan. During his time in the wilderness, Satan tempted him three times, trying to sow seeds of discontent (Luke 4:1-13). Yet, Jesus turned away from the allure of instant gratification, worldly power, and self-interest. 

In his most anguished moments, such as in the Garden of Gethsemane, he lamented profoundly: “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:38a). Still, he submitted to the Father’s will, praying, “yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).

These moments of lament show us that Jesus did not shy away from expressing sorrow and suffering during temptation. Instead, he embraced them, modeling a life where lament and contentment coexist. In doing so, he teaches us that lament is not merely an expression of grief; it is a vital part of our spiritual journey. It allows us to release the tension that comes from living in a broken world while still striving for Christlike contentment.

Contentment in the Midst of Pain 

One of the most poignant moments in the Gospels, when we see Jesus lament, is when he wept at the graveside of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). In the face of a personal tragedy, he allowed himself to feel. His friend died and he cried. However, this act of sorrow was not an isolated incident. In Luke 19:41-42, we see another instance of Jesus’s lament as he approaches Jerusalem. Here, he weeps over the city, expressing a deep longing for its people to recognize the path to peace: “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” This sorrow reflects Jesus’s deep concern for those who are lost and estranged from God. 

The emotions he displayed throughout Luke 19 serve as a powerful reminder of his humanity. The chapter begins with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The moment is filled with joy and hope, yet quickly shifts to a moment of deep lament over the city. Right after this, Jesus cleanses the temple, exhibiting righteous anger over sin. This sequence of 1) weeping over a city, 2) entering triumphantly, 3) dealing with sin, and 4) making a way for men to be brought near to God paints a beautiful picture of a fully embodied, emotional, and righteous Savior. By feeling, thinking, and acting perfectly, Jesus paved the way for us to find true contentment. 

Ultimately, the life of Jesus illustrates that lament is an essential part of attaining true contentment. Lament invites us to acknowledge our struggles and pain while still holding on to hope and faith. In embracing our own moments of lament, we too can find peace and a deeper understanding of God’s plan for our lives. So, let us not shy away from a full range of emotions, but rather embrace it as a path toward greater contentment and connection with God.