John 11:36-46 CSB
So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" [37] But some of them said, "Couldn't he who opened the blind man's eyes also have kept this man from dying?" [38] Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. [39] "Remove the stone," Jesus said. Martha, the dead man's sister, told him, "Lord, there is already a stench because he has been dead four days." [40] Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" [41] So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you heard me. [42] I know that you always hear me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so that they may believe you sent me." [43] After he said this, he shouted with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" [44] The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unwrap him and let him go." [45] Therefore, many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what he did believed in him. [46] But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
Mark 11:23-24 CSB
Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. [24] Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for-believe that you have received it and it will be yours.
Faith for Others
Is my faith enough to affect others? Can I pray for the salvation of a lost friend or relative? Can I pray when I see someone who is sick and struggling? Can I pray for those whom I hurt in my past, or for a relationship that is straining today? Faith is a powerful torrent of water—an engulfing river that, when combined with prayer, rushes through the lives of those who are defeated, sweeping away death and bringing life.
Our reflection today takes place just after Jesus wept. Even in this time of turmoil and grief, as neighbors gathered to support Mary and Martha, people argued over their differences of opinion. Some saw Jesus’ tears and whispered, “See how He loved him!” Others, with the seeds of doubt, questioned His power: “Could He not save Lazarus? He opened the eyes of a blind man!”
Even Martha showed a moment of hesitation. When Jesus commanded the stone to be removed from the dark tomb, she was struck by the reality of death. She knew her brother was gone, and the harsh reality of decay—the stench—was a reminder of her loss. Interestingly, a similar stone would be removed from Jesus’ own tomb by angels only a month or two later.
Jesus reminded her of His promise: if she believed, she would see the glory of God. Martha put her trust in the Lord, and they moved the stone. Jesus did not whisper; He did not pray timidly. He spoke to the Father so that those standing by would know the Source of His power, and then, with a loud voice, He commanded: “Lazarus, come out!”
Lazarus emerged bound by his grave clothes, waiting for others to help him break free from the linens that restrained him. This is a powerful example of how the faith of one can affect the healing of another. Whether it is a mother praying for a lost child, a spouse praying for an alcoholic partner, or a friend interceding for the sick, Jesus often uses our faith to fill the gap for those who cannot yet believe for themselves.
It also shows that the miracle is often just the beginning. Just as the onlookers had to help remove the strips of cloth that bound Lazarus’ hands and feet, a refreshed soul often needs the community of believers to help them move on from their past. We are called to help “unwrap” those whom Jesus has called out of the dark.
Many believed after seeing this miracle, but the darkness was already closing in. Some went immediately to report the event to the Pharisees, putting both Jesus and Lazarus in jeopardy. The religious leaders could not let such undeniable proof stand.
Reflection Questions
- Who in your life is currently “bound” or “in the tomb”? How does the story of Lazarus encourage you to pray for a “torrent” of faith to reach them?
- Martha worried about the smell of decay. Is there a “stench” in your past or someone else’s that is making you hesitant to “roll away the stone” and let Jesus work?
- Once someone is called to new life in Christ, they are often still “bound” by old habits or hurts. Who can you help “unwrap” this week so they can truly walk free?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You that Your voice is stronger than the grave. We thank You for the people who prayed for us when we were still in the dark. Give us the faith to stand in the gap for our friends and family who are struggling. Help us to be a community that doesn’t just watch the miracle, but steps in to help unwrap the bound and lead them into full freedom.
Amen.
