The Dead Man Walking Is Finally Set Free
Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash
Belief and faith are not the same. We all may think they are, but they are not.
A famous illustration is that of Charles Blondin, who was famous for his many tightrope walks across the Niagara Falls.
After he walked across blind-folded and pushing a wheelbarrow, Blondin asked the crowd if they believe he could carry a person over the falls in the wheelbarrow. The crowd responded with a resounding, “yes!” But when Blondin asked for volunteers, they all kept quiet.
This is you and I. We’re comfortable and confident with our belief, but hesitant to act on our belief. Faith is belief in action.
Jesus illustrated this truth with His disciples when He walked on the water. At first, when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water towards their boat, they cried out in terror. But Peter called out to Him and asked if it was really Jesus. And Peter asked the Lord to command him to walk out to Jesus on the water.
Amazingly, Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter looked at the waves all around, he sank in the water (Matt 14:25-31). Again, this is you and me.
Martha believed Jesus could bring Lazarus back from the dead. But when Jesus asked for the tomb to be opened, Martha protested (vs 39).
As we read the rest of the story, we see faith is belief in God put into action.
Scripture
Deeply moved again, Jesus went to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone covering the entrance. Jesus said, “Take the stone away.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, told Jesus, “Lord, there must already be a stench. He’s been dead for four days.”
Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you would see God’s glory?” So the stone was moved away from the entrance of the tomb. [vss 38-41a]
Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I’ve known that you always hear me. However, I’ve said this so that the crowd standing around me will believe that you sent me.” After Jesus had said this, he shouted as loudly as he could, “Lazarus, come out!”
The dead man came out. Strips of cloth were wound around his feet and hands, and his face was wrapped with a handkerchief. Jesus told them, “Free Lazarus, and let him go.” [vss 41b-44]
(John 11:38-44 GW)
Key phrase—
“Lazarus, come out! Free Lazarus, and let him go.”
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
How is Jesus described when He walks to the tomb?
What instruction does Jesus give to those near the tomb?
What does Martha say to Jesus and what is her reasoning?
How does Jesus respond to Martha’s caution?
What does Jesus do after speaking to Martha?
What does Jesus say after Lazarus comes out of the tomb?
Reflection...
Jesus illustrates the difference between belief and faith in three ways in this segment of the story. First with Martha, then with the crowd gathered there, and finally with Lazarus.
After Martha’s cautious protest, Jesus tells her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you would see God’s glory?” Then the stone is moved to open the tomb.
Next, Jesus speaks to His Father so the crowd will believe. Believe what? So they’ll believe the Father sent Jesus His Son. How will they believe? This brings us to the third part of the illustration.
The moment of truth arrives—Jesus shouts to Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Martha and the crowd, including Mary, wait expectantly. Jesus waits with confidence. Now it’s up to Lazarus to respond!
Of course, Lazarus come out. But he’s wrapped in the linen burial cloths. Try to imagine what this experience was for Lazarus! Imagine how bewildering it would be for him.
Finally, Jesus tells the people to “Free Lazarus!” Again, this is a turning point in this gospel account and for Jesus. It sets the stage for what would come.
This is the seventh miraculous sign done by Jesus in the Gospel of John. The power of this event is not lost on the religious authorities, but that’s another story.
Taking it to heart...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
How is the scene of this story described in verse 38?
Do you see how Martha has belief but not faith?
Why does Jesus speak out loud to the Father and why is this important?
How does what Jesus says to Lazarus relate to what He says about the Father hearing Him?
Do you struggle with putting your belief into active faith?
Personalize it...
Meditate On This— Belief and faith are not the same. We all may think they are, but they are not. We’re comfortable and confident with our belief, but hesitant to act on it. Faith is belief in God put into action.
Prayer Focus— If you struggle with putting your beliefs about God into active faith in daily life, don’t feel alone. But when this happens, ask God for faith to believe. Don’t complicate it or try to figure it out, just ask the Lord with confident trust.
©2021—Word-Strong
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