John 11 - No longer the same

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John 11

​Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died.” Sometimes we just need to Jesus to tell us plainly what is up. And bonus, He tells them why, “so the Son of God may be glorified through it…so that you may believe.” It’s not just for Lazarus or his loved ones; it is for us too.

For four days the body of Lazarus has laid in the tomb. Mary and Martha are heart-broken over the death of their brother, while simultaneously conflicted over why Jesus did nothing about it. They have full confidence that Jesus had the power to prevent his death; to heal him. But there Lazarus lays in the tomb. They have no idea the extent of Jesus’ power. It doesn’t end with healing the sick and casting out demons. While they are worried about the odor after four days, Jesus is about to blow their mind. Never underestimate the power of Jesus.

Looking to Heaven, Jesus gives thanks to God for what is to come. Always thanksgiving BEFORE the miracle. Then looking to the grave, Jesus cries out with a LOUD voice, “Lazarus, come out.” Sometimes we also need Jesus to yell at us. We are stuck in a pit with the linens of the world covering our eyes and ears.

All heads whip toward the tomb. Eyes glued to the entrance. Postures leaning in. Could it be? No way!

Out hops Lazarus. Hands and feet still bound; face still wrapped with cloth.

What in the world do you do when you are dead for four days and find yourself alive? How does your life change? How does your perspective change? How does your faith change? How do your priorities change? Stop for a moment and think about this. Things would never be the same.

“Unbind him and let him go,” Jesus commands.

But first, you have to get unbound. Joby Martin says, “Living people don’t wear dead people clothes; they don’t fit anymore.”

We too have experienced death – death to our sins; death to our old ways; death to trying to do the impossible on our own; death to condemnation and shame – when we put our faith in the work of Jesus. We can walk out of that pit of death and into a new life of freedom and purpose. Do we live like it? Are we still walking around in dead people clothes, doing the same things, wallowing in the same weak faith, striving for the same worldly things that disappointed us in the past, prioritizing the same shallow tasks?

Joby says, “You don’t have to do the things you used to do because you are not the person that you used to be.” Not only are you forgiven and free, but you are also now imputed with the righteousness of Jesus. When God looks at you, he sees His Son. Whoa and amen!

“______ [your name], come out of the grave! Unbind yourself. Take off those dead people clothes…they don’t quite suit you anymore!”

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