Shedding Your Graveclothes

As believers around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus this month, it’s a great time to remember that His resurrection power is available to us today. The Bible declares that we’ve been raised with Christ (Colossians 3:1), and the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11). So we have no reason to remain bound by sin, unbelief, or destructive habits that hinder us from living an abundant life.

Yet perhaps you’ve faced difficulties and felt like the Lord is showing up late. This was the sentiment in John 11 (ESV) when Jesus delayed responding to the news of His friend Lazarus’s illness. Instead of rushing to heal Lazarus, Jesus waited—allowing him to die.

Thankfully, Lazarus’s story doesn’t end in despair, just as God wants to bring hope and redemption to the challenges you face today.

Knowing He Loves You

Jesus loved Lazarus (v. 5), so why didn’t He save him from death? The answer lies in God’s greater plan. Jesus didn’t just want to heal Lazarus; He wanted to perform a resurrection, “so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (v. 4).

Whatever your situation, God’s resurrection power can bring transformation, and when He does, He alone will receive the glory.

When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, and Martha was distraught: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 21).

Martha’s words were logical, but her focus was on the past. She was consumed by regret and assumed it was too late for a miracle. If you’re wrestling with similar feelings—haunted by failures or missed opportunities—know that Jesus is ready to meet you in the present.

Miracles Today

When Jesus told Martha, “Your brother will rise again” (v. 23), she assumed He was referring to the distant future, the resurrection “at the last day” (v. 24).

Many of us share Martha’s mindset, believing God’s power was available in the past or will be in the future, but doubting His ability to work miracles today. Yet Jesus remains “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV). He wants to touch your life now—with His healing, provision, and peace.

Jesus challenged Martha to have faith in what He could do today: “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (v. 40). Faith isn’t just about past experiences or future promises; it’s a present-tense posture.

Take a moment to ask yourself: Are you embracing present-tense faith, or are you stuck in regrets about the past or fears of the future?

Removing Obstacles

Lazarus’s tomb was sealed with a heavy, but Jesus commanded, “Take away the stone” (v. 39).

Like Lazarus’s grave, we often face obstacles that seem insurmountable. The massive stones in our lives—whether it’s doubt, fear, or bitterness—block the way to breakthrough.

For Martha, there was another concern: “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days” (v. 39).

What a vivid picture of how our situations can feel—hopeless, decayed, and beyond repair. But Jesus isn’t deterred by our odors. If we’re willing to remove the stone and let Him work, He’ll do the rest.

With a loud voice, Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come forth!” (v. 43). These words echo to us today: You can leave your tomb behind. Whatever darkness has held you captive, Jesus is calling you into the light of a new day.

What About the Graveclothes?

Even after Lazarus came back to life, he emerged with “his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face was wrapped with a cloth” (v. 44).

This detail is crucial. Many believers experienced new life in Christ but still carry remnants of their old life—addictions, fears, or unhealthy patterns. These graveclothes hinder us from walking in the full freedom Jesus intends.

But Jesus wasn’t satisfied with leaving Lazarus half-free. He instructed, “Unbind him, and let him go” (v. 44).

Ask yourself honestly: Are there still graveclothes holding you back? Are you weighed down by past habits, shame, or bitterness? Jesus wants to remove them so you can walk unhindered in the abundant life He offers.

This can be your day of resurrection and deliverance. Let Him roll away the stone, remove the graveclothes, and set you free to embrace all He has for you.