I AM: Discovering the Nature of Jesus!
Saturday, March 27, 2004
My Prayer Today
Dear Jesus, I thank you that you have set me saved me from my sins. You have set me free from the grave, and have given me a new life. I admit that there are still "graveclothes" in my life and sins that I am still struggling with. I ask that you would help me to take off the sins that entangle me, and help me to find someone else who loves you who would help me in this area. I want to be totally free from any bondage in my life. I know that you can unwrap me and let me go of my sinful thoughts and actions today. I ask that you would help me to obey you. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
God's Word Today
John 11:43-45
"Then Jesus shouted, 'Lazarus, come out!' And Lazarus came out, bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, 'Unwrap him and let him go!' Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen."
Reflecting on God's Word
What happened when Jesus shouted "Lazarus, come out?"
When Lazarus came out, what did Jesus tell the people to do next? Why?
What was the response of the people as they saw this happen?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
How did Lazarus come forward when he was bound by graveclothes?
How could Lazarus find his way out of the tomb when he could not see because of the headcloth?
Understanding God's Purpose
When we are "born again" and Jesus calls us out of our tomb (so to speak), are there "graveclothes" that we need to be loosed from?
What type of things could be "graveclothes?"
How have others helped you to take off your "graveclothes" in your Christian walk?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
If you witnessed Lazarus coming out of the tomb, what would you be thinking and feeling?
Name some "graveclothes" that could still be on you though you are saved? (Example: sinful thoughts, actions, etc)
Are you accountable with anyone now in your life (same gender) -- who can help take off these graveclothes?
Thoughts
Often when we read the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, we fail to see the second miracle that exists within the story -- a miracle within a miracle. Namely, how can someone tightly bound in graveclothes come forward from them tomb? It was a miracle that Lazarus could even walk forward if his legs were bound together with graveclothes. In the ancient days people would bury their dead with cloths and would wrap them around the arms, legs, feet, and head. This would help to preserve the body, as well as prevent odors from escaping. So the fact that Lazarus came forward was another miracle.
After Lazarus comes forward Jesus makes the statement to the people, "Unwrap him and let him go." It is important to note that the people had a responsibility here too. If they did not unwrap Lazarus soon enough, the cloth covering his face would eventually suffocate him. He was raised, but he had to be loosed. The same is true when we come to Jesus and are raised from death to life when we are born again. There are things in our lives that we need to be loosed from -- addictions, lust, pride, anger, gossip, or other sinful practices. This is why it is so important that we are around other Christians who can help to take these "graveclothes" off through accountability. If you are not in an accountability relationship with someone else, make an effort this week to seek someone out of the same gender. Not only can they help you to take off your graveclothes, but you can help them to remove sin in their lives as well.
Back to the I AM Bible studies