Lessons from John 11: Lay It Down

Now, as some in verse 36 saw Jesus weep, they realized how much Jesus loved Lazarus. Yet those more critical in spirit responded to Jesus’ act of emotion by asking, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Once more deeply moved, Jesus instructed those around to, “Take away the stone.” It was Martha who spoke up and said, “But, Lord…” (She recognized Jesus as her Master and Lord, the one who is sovereign over all.) Then she went on to say, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

The Jews did not embalm the dead as the Egyptians did. We’re told that they wrapped spices on the body, but the spices were basically to counteract the bad order that would come from the decaying of the body. They wrapped the deceased person’s arms with gauze and wrapped the ankles and the feet with gauze. Then they put a little handkerchief-like cloth on the head. We see that evidenced when Jesus left those things when He rose from the grave.

But they did not have an embalming process, so it was clear that Lazarus was dead.

Again, Jesus drew Martha’s faith a little further as He reminded her of His words, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So we see in verse 41 that Martha trusted God and allowed the stone to be rolled away.

Then Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed openly to His heavenly Father.

Jesus began by thanking His Father. He knew what His Father was about to enable Him to do. And then Jesus said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

This is the belief that God the Father had sent Jesus, His Son, to bring the resurrection life, not only in the life of Lazarus but also in the lives of all who believe in Christ Jesus. That upon profession of faith in Christ Jesus, all might be raised from spiritual death to life in Christ.

Jesus’ very purpose in coming to earth was to die and resurrect, that all who believe in Him receive life!

They receive abundant life for both here and eternity.

He calls you today who have never received Him as your personal Lord and Savior to step out of the grave of your sins and be renewed in mind, body, and soul, and spirit and receive new life in Christ Jesus.

Hear these words from the prophet in Isaiah 1:18-20 where the Lord says, “Come now, let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword!”

And so it was with a loud voice Jesus said, “Lazarus come out!”

Is that what He is saying to you tonight? Is Jesus saying come out?!

Come out of a life of unbelief! Come out of a life of sin or addiction and I will give you a new life! A resurrected life! A life of freedom. Freedom from condemnation and sin and I will set you free!

Now the most amazing thing happened next. Lazarus not only came forth, he came forth in all of his grave clothes. This revealed that God truly raised Him from the dead. It revealed Jesus’ power over life and death.

You see, if Jesus only had power over life, what good would that do us in the end? Nothing!

But because He proved to have power over life and death, He proved to conquer all evil and sin for death was the result of sin and in His conquering power, He brings life out of death for all who believe.

Jesus is the resurrection power and in Him, all true life is found! We who believe have been made alive in Christ Jesus!

God is glorified as people are delivered to new life through Jesus Christ

Let me ask you again, do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? How will you show you believe Him? How will you take Him at His word this week? What will you do differently as a result of these truths?

As Jesus said to Lazarus, He says to you. Take off your grave clothes and be free!. Remember, if the Son sets you free you are free indeed!

What is it that you need to lay down as a result of today’s lesson?

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach