John 11:44 “The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth.  Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’”

Jesus knew Lazarus was sick, he had been sent for by Mary and Martha to come and heal him.  Jesus chose not to come at that time saying Lazarus would not die but his illness would glorify the Lord.  He stayed where he was two days longer before his disciples urged him to go see Lazarus.  When they arrived Lazarus had been dead four days.  Jesus knew he had passed and told his disciples he was going to wake him up.  He saw Martha crying, He saw Mary crying along with many of their friends and because he loved them, he cried.  His heart was burdened and heavy with their grief; his heart is burdened and heavy with our grief.  When Lazarus came out of the tomb I suspect, after the initial shock of it all, there was a great celebration.  The story of Lazarus death and resurrection is a story of new life.  Just as he died and was raised by Jesus, so are we.  When we claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we die unto sin and step in a new life with him.  Whenever this happens, there is a great celebration and all the saints rejoice.  Praise be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Lord,

Thank you for the gift of redemption you brought to us all.  Open our eyes to see our own resurrection and how miraculous it is.  You weep with and you celebrate with us, you are Emmanuel, you are with us.  Hallelujah!  Amen.