“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”
from John 11:32-37
Jesus was greatly troubled. I feel like this is the first time I've noticed that. He loved Lazarus. He was greatly troubled.
These weren't simple tears, he was weeping too.
When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 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 11:43-44
Lazarus was in the grave four days, but when it was time, he came out.
Unbind him. Let him go. This refers to the grave clothes,
but I think it also means someone can be bound in sin
for a long, long time, but one day come out.
Yes, with Jesus, there is always that hope that we can be set free from whatever sins or heartaches or illnesses have bound us. I do believe that Jesus weeps over our sorrows, because He does truly care for us just like He cared for Lazarus. He weeps when we get bound up by the cares of this world, and He is ready to set us free. Sometimes He is just waiting for us to ask Him to release us from our burdens. Oh Yes, Lord Jesus! Please set me free from all that binds me and keeps me from following after You as I should and want to. Amen. Thank you for this post today, Sandi. This is very good and thought provoking this morning.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift to be unbound...
ReplyDeleteUnbounded freedom.
ReplyDeleteFantastic thoughts about Lazarus and Jesus's grief. Thanks for sharing.
Sue
What a beautiful thought, that Jesus had a true friend like Lazarus. And how wonderful that He loves us, each one of us that much too. "If only you knew the love of God..."
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An interesting analogy!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of it that way -- but I think you may be right.
ReplyDeleteYes, most certainly. God can and does forgive anyone who sincerely asks.
ReplyDeleteWe have been studying this at church. I love how God will communicate a message to us through many avenues.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we overlook things.
ReplyDeleteVery good thoughts today. And I agree.
ReplyDeleteInteresting the analogy about Lazarus.
ReplyDeleteAs a human, as well as God, Jesus felt every human emotion and feelings that we do. He wept, he had pity on people, compassion, mercy, forgiveness; as well as suffering physical pain in His cruel Crucifixion. He did in fact unbind us from our sins.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sandi. Thanx.
God bless.
your comment, "I think it also means someone can be bound in sin
ReplyDeletefor a long, long time, but one day come out." struck a chord in me ... something i have been praying for - re loved ones - for them to "come out" ... yes LORD ...
Yes. Amen.
Deletegood question, covering bridge i am sure just was the style. the craftsmanship that men took upon themselves. enjoy doing it. i am sure it does take time and effort. cannot imagine seeing one you have finished and think i did that. what fun!! those men that did like the Golden Gate, California ...can you imagine??! a person like myself, i came from a family where working with your hands was such a big deal ... even my hubby doesn't get that??! but he does get the bridge thing, weird??! lol. thanks for your visit. take care. enjoy this weekend. ( ;
ReplyDeleteI am amazed all the time looking at architecture. How did they do that?? ๐ People can do wonderful things.
DeleteWhat is interesting is that the Messiah raised a dead man, a young man, and a dead girl (the girl is said to be asleep), but never a woman.
ReplyDeleteHe did so much for women. Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene, the Woman at the Well, the woman about to be stoned to death. Me. I hope you know He loves us too. And you, Catalin. Don't forget about you. ❤️
DeleteI hear you and I care. <3
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