John 11:38-44 – Set free to serve God!

Jesus was now at the tomb where Lazarus was buried. We are told that He was deeply moved. John 11:38 tells us that the tomb, where Lazarus’ body was laid, was a cave with a stone covering its opening. This kind of tomb was commonly used by people of importance in those days. So Jesus asked for the cover to be removed. The response of Martha to the instruction of the Lord was telling. It puts beyond doubt that Lazarus was truly dead. John wanted his readers to know with certainty that what Jesus would soon do, was indeed a mighty miracle. Martha protested because she knew, as well as the people there, that the body of her brother would have decomposed by then. Note that he had been dead and was already buried for four days.

Refused to be sidetracked, Jesus firmly told her that she would experience the glory of God as promised. Here He was giving a hint of what He would soon be doing. In the question, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Jesus was indicating that faith would make access to the glory of God. This is so true in spiritual journey. If we are to experience the glorious workings of God, faith is required. This is made even more certain by the well-rehearsed verse of Hebrews 11:6. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Jesus shows us here that the glory of God can only be experienced by faith.

When the stone was removed, Jesus raised His eyes to God in prayer. Notice how He addressed God. He called Him Father. This indicates to us the unique relationship He has with the Father in heaven. He began by giving thanks for the Father’s availability to Him every time He called on Him. The grammatical structure of verse 41 suggests the possibility that the prayer was not recorded word for word. He just reiterated the fact that He knew God had heard His prayer. The fact that He prayed also tells us that Jesus never acted alone. He always acts in concert with the Father. The reason He prayed in the hearing of the people was for them to know that He was here on a mission from God.  

Immediately following His prayer, He addressed Lazarus loudly and told him to come forth. Probably all the dead would have come forth if He did not mention Lazarus particularly. We know that the resurrection for everyone will take place ultimately. But for this occasion, this miracle was only for Lazarus to experience. He commanded loudly also because He wanted the crowd to know that He is Lord, even over death that takes away life. So at Jesus’ command, Lazarus came forth, still bound in his grave clothes.  John’s specially mentioned the cloth that was used to wrap his face. Like the cloth that covered Lazarus face we are often occluded from the light of God’s work. In much the same way, objects that occlude us from the Light of God must be removed so that we can see the glorious things of God.

Jesus’ command to unbind Lazarus is a timely reminder to us that He is in the business of cutting us loose from the bondages that had kept us bound. He wants us free so that we can serve Him with unquestionable liberty. Today we are free to serve and worship Him. He has come to set us free. So with liberty let us first worship Him, then let us go about serving Him.