Lazarus, come forth
Today's focusAt the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus prays, calls the dead man out, and tells those around to unbind him — a sign pointing ahead to his own victory over death.
Read
38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Reflection
Standing before a cave where a stone blocks the way, Jesus meets the reality of death. While others focus on the four days that have passed and the certainty of decay, Jesus looks toward the "glory of God." Even as he feels the weight of grief, "groaning in himself," he turns to the Father in prayer. His words are not a plea for help, but a public thank-offering. He speaks so that those standing by might believe that he is the one sent by God to bring life where there is only silence.
When Jesus cries out, "Lazarus, come forth," the impossible happens. The man who was dead walks out, still "bound hand and foot with graveclothes." In this moment, Jesus shows his power over the grave, yet he also invites the community to participate. He tells the people to "Loose him, and let him go." This miracle is a powerful sign pointing you toward Jesus' own coming victory over death. It reminds you that even in the darkest, most bound places of life, his voice carries the authority to call you into the light.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What in your life feels 'dead and buried', and what might it mean for Jesus to call new life out of it?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life. Speak your life into the places in me that feel dead. Unbind me from what holds me, and help me trust you even at the tomb.