We know that Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead in John 11, but when Lazarus left the tomb he was still bound.

This gives us an insight into what we need to do and focus on in order to find real freedom. Let’s talk about it.

Today, we’re diving deep into the story of Lazarus, a subject I could talk about for hours. Seriously, every single verse feels like it has a 45-minute sermon wrapped around it! But today, I want to hone in on something specific.

If you’re unfamiliar with Lazarus, I encourage you to pause here and read John 11:1-44. It’s not a long passage, but it provides crucial context for our discussion. So, go ahead and check it out – trust me, it’s powerful!

The Story of Lazarus

As a quick recap, Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary, and he was very close to Jesus. In fact, Jesus loved him dearly, which is where we find the famous verse “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). This verse comes after Lazarus has died, and Jesus arrives to raise him back to life. Spoiler alert: Lazarus comes back alive!

Now, while the miracle of raising Lazarus is awe-inspiring, there’s a specific aspect of this story that has been weighing on my heart. Let’s read a short passage from John 11:38-44 (ESV):

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone, and Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The Significance of Being Bound

What stands out to me here is that Lazarus came out of the tomb still bound. John makes a point to describe how he was wrapped and stuck, even after being raised from the dead. This resonates deeply because it illustrates a powerful truth about our own lives: we can be spiritually resurrected but still bound by the things that hold us back.

Imagine witnessing Lazarus rise from the dead, only to see him emerge like a mummy, his hands and feet bound, his face covered. It’s both incredible and somewhat comical when you think about it! But it’s also profoundly symbolic. Jesus could have easily removed those bindings in an instant, yet he chose to say, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

This shows us that even after we’ve been saved, we can still carry the weight of our past struggles, sins, and bindings.

Recognizing Our Own Bindings

So, what binds you? What keeps you from experiencing the full freedom that Christ offers? I want you to take a moment and reflect on your life. Are there areas where you feel stuck, weighed down, or unable to move forward?

For me, even after coming to faith, I grappled with various issues: addictions, unhealthy patterns, and generational curses. I can relate to Lazarus. Yes, I was spiritually alive, but I still struggled with the burdens of my past.

The Process of Unbinding

Jesus instructed others to help Lazarus remove his bindings, emphasizing the importance of community and support in our journeys. We can’t always do it alone. It’s okay to ask for help and seek support from friends or mentors.

What are you afraid to share? What’s holding you back from seeking the help you need? Remember, you’re not alone in this. We all have bindings that can be removed with the right support.

The Power of Our Words

We often underestimate the power of our words. God created the universe through His voice. If we’re made in His image, then our words carry weight. Are you speaking life or death into your situation? Are your words binding you further, or are they a tool for liberation?

Think about the things you say about yourself or the situations you face. Are they uplifting and hopeful, or are they negative and discouraging?

Seeking Freedom

If you’re feeling bound today, I encourage you to lean into the truth that Christ offers. Ask yourself: What are the bindings in my life? What is holding me back from walking in the freedom God has for me?

It’s time to unbind yourself. It may take time, courage, and the support of others, but freedom is possible. Jesus didn’t leave Lazarus bound; He commanded others to help him be free.

Moving Forward

You might still be grappling with shame, guilt, or the weight of your past, but it’s crucial to remember that Jesus loves you. He forgives you. There’s no shame in asking for help or seeking accountability.

As you unbind yourself from the things holding you back, remember: you are a threat to the enemy’s mission. The moment you start to embrace your freedom, the enemy will try to fight back. But remember, he’s already lost the battle.

It’s time to step into your calling, remove the bindings, and live out the life God has planned for you. You are free, and it’s time to walk in that freedom!

Feeling bound doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever.

My Free Prayer Journal gives you a place to bring the chains into God’s presence, honestly, prayerfully, and without shame, and let Him begin the work of setting you free.

Download it here and take your first step toward freedom today.