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

Friday, August 12, 2022

ToGather: Freed to Serve

Jesus paid the price to free us from sin, death, and hell so we could serve others in love.

 Watch Video
Then 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 on 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

  • Hebrews 2:14-15
  • 1 Corinthians 15:53-58
  • John 5:25-28

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, August 12, 2022

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 10:30
"The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'A Great Have-To' (Jn. 3:7)
"[Jesus said,] "So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again.'""
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Great Joy and a Return to Focus' (Acts 15:30-35)
"The messengers [carrying the letter from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem] went at once to Antioch, where they called a general meeting of the..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 11:43-44 NLT — Then 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!"

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.

More What Jesus Did!