What Jesus Did! 'Let Him Go!' — John 11:43-44

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

[After the stone was rolled away from Lazarus' tomb and Jesus thanked the Father for hearing him,] Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him go!"
— John 11:43-44 NLT

Key Thought

I love Jesus' words, "Unwrap him and let him go!" Death cannot bind Lazarus anymore, so don't let his graveclothes bind him either! Think of the power of Jesus' directions for those standing by watching! One day, Jesus will speak our names, call us to himself, and forbid death to bind us. Lazarus is a great example of what we anticipate - receiving back those who have died and gone before us and receiving our call to be set free from the demands of a mortal body. Lazarus is a great reminder that we are free from the power of death to hold us captive!

Today's Prayer

Lord God Almighty, the Father of all that lives, thank you for giving us back what we throw away with sin. Thank you for the assurance that I will be united with those that I love who have died in faith. Thank you for the assurance that death cannot hold me captive. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 11:43-44 NLT — "Lazarus, come out!" —— "Unwrap him and let him go!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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