LISTEN. . .So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 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.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 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.”(John 11:41-44)
CONSIDER. . .In the prayer that Jesus taught us (The Lord's Prayer), "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us"--it could also be translated, "unbind us, as we unbind those who trespass against us."
In this scripture, Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb to new life and invites his friends to unbind him and set him free. As Jesus arrives at the tomb, burdened not only with his grief but also with the deep sorrow of Mary, Martha and other friends who have gathered. Jesus is deeply moved. Jesus says to his friends, "untie him and let him go." Lazarus lets himself be unbound.
SO WHAT. . .Many times we are bound by sin and an incapacity or even unwillingness to forgive. Jesus waits for us in merciful love and tender compassion. He waits to set us free. . .
- From what or who do you need to be "unbound" or set free?
- What is keeping you from "taking off your grave clothes and letting go"?
PRAYER. . . Lord release me, unbind me and let me go free. Help me to see what I need to be "unbound" from. Give me the courage to open my heart and hands and let Jesus heal me. Amen
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