What causes this irritation? Four explanations have been given for Jesus’ tears, which occur in the context of his angered and troubled spirit (Talbert: 174–75): 1. As a human, Jesus was simply grieved to tears. 2. Jesus is grieved over human sin or lack of faith. 3. Jesus experiences intense emotion in light of the situation, especially Mary’s and the Jews’ wailing and unbelief (the most common explanation). 4. John presents Jesus as a counter to the Stoic wise man, who never shows emotion. Ridderbos