John 11:40–44
40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will 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.”
When Jesus Calls Us Out of the Tomb
In John 11 we encounter one of the most breathtaking accounts in all of Scripture—the raising of Lazarus. When Jesus learned that His dear friend was gravely ill, He did not rush to Bethany. He delayed, and Lazarus died. To those watching, it looked like Jesus was too late, but His timing (of course) was perfect.
God’s timing
Mary, Martha, and the disciples all thought they knew what Jesus should have done, but Jesus had a greater purpose: to reveal God’s glory in a way far beyond their expectations. Often, our prayers come with a timeline attached, but God—who sees the end from the beginning—works in His perfect time. We may not understand His delays, but they are never wasted.
Jesus feels our pain
Even though Jesus knew Lazarus would soon walk out of the tomb, He paused to weep with those who mourned. This moment reveals the depth of His compassion. He is not a distant Savior; He is our High Priest who understands our sorrows (Hebrews 4:15).
Nothing is beyond His power
Mary and Martha both had faith, but it was limited by their imagination. How often do we do that? We trust Jesus to a point, but we despair that a matter is too big or too difficult to resolve. Yet the command, “Lazarus, come forth!” echoes through history to remind us that no situation is beyond His power. What is bigger or more permanent than death?
Just as Lazarus walked out of the tomb wrapped in grave clothes, Jesus calls us to step into newness of life. He is not bound by our timelines, our expectations, or our limitations. His timing is perfect, His compassion is real, and His power is without measure.
Lord, thank You for reminding us through Lazarus’ story that You are never late, that You offer victory in defeat, and that You offer hope where there is despair. Help us trust Your timing, rest in Your compassion, and believe in Your power. May we seek You in faith, knowing that no situation is beyond Your power. AMEN.
