Loose Him and Let Him Go

John 11: 38-44 ESV

“Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Vese 38 says that He was deeply moved again, why? Because a resurrection was coming. The second reason is Jesus knew it would divide the believers from the sceptics. Jesus knew this, but after three and a half years of ministry, it was time for a line in to be drawn in the sand. Jesus began to pray aloud, and I believe it was loud enough for the whole funeral group to hear. He did not want to leave anyone guessing, anyone asking, “what did he say?” Then as Jesus prayed aloud, the crowd I believe fell silent. They wanted to see and hear with certainty what Jesus was going to say and do. When Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus come out,” I believe His voice probably echoed. I believe people were startled, some were frightened but others had expectations of seeing the dead rise. When Lazarus came out all wrapped up in linens, Jesus said, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Oh, this was not just a voice to those attending, I believe Jesus was telling death and the grave, “you have to turn him loose, he’s for My purpose and plan.”

Prayer:

Lord, I believe this morning that you are telling the enemy to let us go, and leave us alone because we are Yours.  As You call people out of their bindings, loose them and set them free in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!