Take off the Grave Clothes and Let Him Go


John 11:39-44 (NIV)

39 "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." 40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 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." 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."


All people who have turned away from God live in absolute despair. Nevertheless, we can find absolute hope in Jesus. Lazarus from Bethany, whom Jesus loved, died one day. However, Jesus came and raised him from the dead. What spiritual lessons does this Scripture give us today?

1. Lazarus was in the grave (Jn 11:39).
Jesus came to Mary and Martha who were crying, looking at Lazarus who was dead. He said to Martha, "Take away the stone from the grave" (Jn 11:39). All people in this world are confronted with the absolute despair of death (Ro 5:12). No one in this world can save us from this despair. Our hopes, wishes, and joy are only found in Jesus. When Jesus comes and takes away the stone of despair, unbelief, sadness, apprehension, and wandering, a miracle is performed. All problems are solved (Mt 11:28).

2. Lazarus was raised from the dead (Jn 11:43-44).
When Jesus called out the name of Lazarus, he rose from the dead. If anyone hears the inviting voice of Jesus and accepts Him, he receives eternal life right at that moment (Jn 3:16). His inner being is revived, and his despair and death are turned into hope and life. His life is changed into a life for Jesus who died on the Cross (Gal 2:20). Therefore, we who are saved and renewed should praise the Lord and live a fruitful, meaningful life to change society to live beautifully.

3. Lazarus was set free (Jn 11:44).
The Lord said to Lazarus, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go," and he was set free. The grace of holistic salvation came upon Lazarus (3Jn 1:2). In our daily living, we are knowingly and unknowingly bound by worry, anxiety, and trouble. Insults, contempt, indignity, and wounds caused by slander leave unhealed trauma in our hearts and restrain our lives, working as heavy burdens upon us. What has been binding you? Look to the Lord, and release all your hurts to Him. Put down all your burdens at the Cross, and be set free. When we trust in the Word and obey it, pray, praise the Lord, and are filled with the Holy Spirit, He releases us from our burdens. Then we can live a creative, proactive, and productive life.

Are you in despair? Look to Jesus who raised Lazarus from the dead. Look to Jesus who set Lazarus free from all burdens. Advance in gratitude, praise, and prayer. Always be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then a miracle will be yours.