“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.’”

— John 11:44 (ESV)

The world sees the graveyard as the end of life. And it is natural to think that way. Anything that is buried is just eaten up, leaving behind only the remains, literally becoming dust. You may be a very influential and powerful person above the ground, but beneath the ground everyone gets the same end result—dust.

But the Bible reveals in several instances where God changed lifeless bodies and situations into fullness of life. Jesus Himself proved that the grave is defeated and that He holds the power over death and life. One such incident in the Bible displays the authority Jesus has over the grave.

Jesus was informed that His friend Lazarus was very sick. Jesus purposely arrived a little late to see Lazarus, for the reason of displaying His glory. When He arrived, Jesus consoled Lazarus’s grieving sisters and told Martha that their brother would rise again.

When Jesus came near the tomb and asked them to roll away the stone, Martha said that Lazarus had already died. But Jesus said to her again, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you will see the glory of God?” After they agreed, the stone was rolled away. Jesus thanked the Father, stood near the tomb, and loudly called out, “Lazarus, come out!”

The Bible says the man who had died came out. His hands and feet were bound with linen strips, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus then commanded, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

This is a wonderful story to be reminded that Jesus has the power to raise anyone from the dead and to unbind and set free. At the sound of His voice, the grave is awakened—the dead come to life.

Does your life feel like a graveyard, and do you feel like a dead person? The One who gives life and life in abundance, Jesus Christ, is living among us. If you believe, you will see the glory of God. When you call on Jesus and allow Him in, He will walk into your “stinky tomb” and awaken your dead life. Not only that, He will unbind you and set you free so you can walk freely in liberty.

Many may see your tomb as lifeless, but only Jesus can see life in your grave. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Your life is considered “dead” only when you lose sight of Jesus. As long as you give access to Him in your tomb, even when you feel buried, you are still alive, and His life still remains in you—from here and into eternity.

So give access to your tomb, and be free.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are the resurrection and the life. Speak into every dead place in my life and call me out of anything that holds me back. Unbind me and set me free so I can walk in the life You have given me. Help me to keep my eyes on You and trust You always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.