He Wants You
John 11:41-44
The most famous part of this story is only written about in less than a dozen lines. It is a miraculous event; John even says this was a big turning point for a lot of people. (v 45) Not a great deal of words are recorded about the miracle and yet there is a great deal to be learned from what Jesus does and does not do here.
The first thing Jesus does is stop and pray. The stone has been moved. The crowd is surely still grumbling and questioning His actions. It seems like Jesus takes a breath or a moment to gather Himself and then He prays. This is not a fancy prayer, but it is a prayer spoken loud enough for those all around Him to hear. Jesus thanks His Father for listening to Him and He does all this so more people will believe!
When Jesus calls Lazarus, Lazarus wakes up, comes alive and stands up. There are a few things going on now. First, Lazarus is alive. It is a miracle! Something to see! But Lazarus is still covered in stinky bandages. Can you imagine the smell? Lazarus can see his friend Jesus. He heard Him call for him. Lazarus is stuck in the stench of death. As strange as it may sound, I can relate to this. No, I have not ever been called from a tomb or had gross, stinky bandages all over me. I have felt so stuck, depressed, and helpless I did not know what to do. I knew Jesus was there. I knew He loved me and was calling me to come to Him. I just could not move, or at least it seemed like I couldn’t move.
Not wanting to get out of bed in the morning is a scary feeling. Wrestling with addiction and thoughts of life being better without me in it are terrifying. Looking back on your life and only seeing mistakes and regrets is exhausting. The darkness and heaviness of standing in a tomb covered in death’s clothes, I can see Jesus and hear Him. I need help! Perhaps, you have been there before. Or maybe you find yourself right there as you are reading this. Hold fast my friend! The story does not end in a stinky tomb. You don’t stay in those clothes of death!
The next line from Jesus is nothing short of amazing to me. He told the people standing around, the same people that had doubted, questioned, and mocked Him, “Unwrap him and let him loose”. (v44) Do you see what just happened? Jesus used those regular old folks standing around watching the show to finish His miracle! You would think a guy that can call a dead person back to life could also miraculously clean the person up. Yes, Jesus could do that but He chose not to. Jesus did not need the people around Him to help but He wanted them to be a part of His miracle.
We are called by God to be a part of the miraculous works Heis doing all around us. You and I really have a choice; sit on the sidelines or get our hands dirty. What will it be for you today?