JOHN 11:38–44
LAZARUS, COME OUT: THE POWER OF THE WORD OF LIFE
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – John 11:38–44
38 Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it.
39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me.
42 I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.”
43 And when he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
44 The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Tombs in first-century Judea were often caves sealed with stones. After four days, death was considered irreversible. Burial involved binding the body with cloths and spices. Rolling away the stone exposed the reality of death, intensifying Martha’s concern. Jesus’ public prayer reflects Jewish practice of blessing God aloud and underscores His intimate relationship with the Father. Calling the dead by name emphasizes authority and personal relationship, distinguishing divine command from human plea.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals Jesus’ sovereign authority over death. Catholic theology teaches that life and death are subject to Christ, who speaks with creative power. The miracle prefigures Christ’s own Resurrection and anticipates the general resurrection at the end of time. Jesus’ command, “Untie him and let him go,” signifies liberation—grace restores life, and the community participates in freeing the restored person. Faith is the condition for beholding God’s glory, not the cause of the miracle but the opening of the heart to receive it.
Parallels in Scripture
Genesis 2:7 – God giving life by His word.
1 Kings 17:21–22 – Elijah raising the widow’s son.
Ezekiel 37:12–14 – The dry bones restored to life.
John 5:25 – The dead hearing the voice of the Son of God.
Romans 8:11 – The Spirit giving life to mortal bodies.
Key Terms
Tomb / stone – The finality of death by human measure.
Glory of God – Manifestation of divine life and power.
Believe – Trust that opens the eyes to God’s work.
Come out – The life-giving command of Christ.
Untie him – Liberation and restoration to community.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Lent, especially in Year A, and is central to the Church’s catechesis on Baptism and resurrection. The raising of Lazarus prepares the faithful for the Paschal Mystery and strengthens hope in eternal life.
Conclusion
John 11:38–44 proclaims the triumph of life over death through the authoritative word of Jesus. What was sealed and decaying is restored by divine command. The sign reveals Christ as Lord of life and invites faith that sees beyond death to God’s glory.
Reflection
What “stones” still block areas of life from Christ’s power?
Do I trust Jesus’ word even when hope seems gone?
How can I help others be “untied” and restored?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Word of Life, call me out of every tomb of sin and despair. Remove the stones that hinder faith, and set me free to walk in newness of life. May I trust Your word and witness Your glory. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
The passage Gospel of John 11:38–44 presents the climax of the Lazarus narrative and one of the most powerful signs in the Gospel. Jesus comes to the tomb, a cave sealed with a stone, reflecting Jewish burial practices of the time. By now, Lazarus has been dead four days, leaving no doubt about the reality of death. Martha’s hesitation about opening the tomb underscores this finality. In Jewish thought, such a state meant total separation from life, making what follows unmistakably an act of divine power.
Jesus’ actions are deliberate and deeply theological. He prays aloud, not for His own sake, but for those standing around, so that they may believe that the Father has sent Him. Then, with a loud voice, He commands, “Lazarus, come out.” In biblical tradition, God’s word is creative and life-giving, as seen in Genesis. Here, Jesus speaks with that same divine authority. The dead man emerges, bound in burial cloths, and Jesus commands others to unbind him, inviting the community to participate in the restoration of life.
Jn 11:38 — “So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it.”
This verse brings the narrative to its most intense threshold. Jesus now stands before the physical reality of death. Emotion and authority converge as He approaches the sealed place where life has been surrendered to the grave.
“So Jesus, perturbed again” recalls the deep inner agitation described earlier. The repetition is important. Jesus’ disturbance is not fading; it intensifies as He draws nearer to the tomb. He confronts death not with detachment, but with passionate resolve.
“Came to the tomb” signals decisive movement. Compassion now advances into confrontation. Jesus does not speak from a distance; He approaches the place where death reigns. Redemption always moves toward the wound.
“It was a cave” emphasizes darkness and enclosure. A cave suggests depth, silence, and finality. This is not an open grave, but a closed, hidden space—symbolic of death’s grip and human helplessness.
“And a stone lay across it” underlines absolute closure. The stone is heavy, immovable by ordinary strength. It seals off hope, memory, and presence. From a human perspective, nothing more can be done.
This verse deliberately slows the reader. Before the command that will shake death itself, the Gospel forces us to stand with Jesus at the sealed tomb. The power of what follows can only be understood if the finality of this moment is fully felt.
In the wider theology of John, this scene anticipates Jesus’ own burial. He who now stands before a sealed tomb will soon lie behind one Himself—and will also emerge victorious.
For believers today, this verse speaks to moments when life feels completely shut in by loss or fear. Jesus does not avoid such places. He comes to them, deeply moved and ready to act.
Historical and Jewish Context
Rock-cut tombs sealed with stones were common for families. Once sealed, they signified completed burial and final separation.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ confronts death directly. His emotional response reveals both true humanity and divine resolve to overcome death (cf. CCC 470, 1505, 1008).
Key Terms
Perturbed — intense interior agitation
Tomb — place of death and finality
Cave — darkness and enclosure
Stone — barrier beyond human power
Conclusion
John 11:38 places Jesus before the full weight of death. The tomb is sealed, the stone is set, and human hope has ended—yet Christ stands ready to speak life.
Reflection
What are the sealed places in my life where I believe nothing more can be done—and am I willing to let Jesus stand there with me?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You come even to the places sealed by fear and finality. Stand with me before every stone that feels immovable, and prepare my heart to trust in the life You are about to reveal. Amen.
Jn 11:39 — “Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, ‘Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.’”
This verse brings faith to a moment of decisive testing. Jesus issues a command that requires human cooperation, and Martha responds with honest resistance shaped by realism, fear, and incomplete understanding. Revelation now demands action.
“Jesus said” signals authoritative command. He does not pray yet; He speaks. The One who is the Resurrection now directs the removal of what seals death in place.
“Take away the stone” is both literal and symbolic. The stone represents finality, fear, and human acceptance of death’s rule. Jesus asks others to do what they can, even as He prepares to do what only God can do. Divine power invites human participation.
“Martha, the dead man’s sister” is named again to emphasize relationship and emotion. This is not abstract theology for her; it is her brother’s body, her grief, her memory. Faith is being asked to move against instinct.
“Said to him, ‘Lord’” shows that even resistance is framed by reverence. Martha does not challenge Jesus without faith; she speaks as one who believes, yet struggles. Faith and fear coexist in this moment.
“By now there will be a stench” voices the harsh reality of death. Martha names what everyone knows but avoids saying. Decomposition makes death undeniable. Her words express both concern and a desire to protect dignity.
“He has been dead for four days” returns again to finality. This is not doubt about Jesus’ power in general, but about the wisdom of this moment. Faith reaches its limit where human sense insists: this is too far gone.
This verse reveals the final barrier before miracle—not the stone, but fear. Martha believes in resurrection at the last day, but struggles to trust resurrection now. Jesus will soon address this hesitation with a reminder of faith’s promise.
For believers today, this verse is deeply relatable. We may trust God in principle, yet resist when faith asks us to roll away what we have sealed for emotional survival. Christ invites us beyond guarded belief into risky trust.
Historical and Jewish Context
After four days, decomposition was assumed. Opening a tomb was culturally shocking and emotionally disturbing, reinforcing the sense of finality.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that faith often meets resistance at the point where human reason reaches its limits. Christ calls believers to cooperate with grace even when fear remains (cf. CCC 548, 2737).
Key Terms
Take away — call to human cooperation
Stone — barrier of finality and fear
Stench — undeniable reality of death
Four days — death beyond human hope
Conclusion
John 11:39 reveals the last struggle before life breaks forth. Jesus commands the removal of what seals death, and faith trembles on the edge of obedience.
Reflection
What “stones” have I sealed in my life out of fear, and is Christ asking me to trust Him enough to roll them away?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You ask me to remove what I have sealed in fear. Give me the courage to obey even when I am afraid, trusting that Your word brings life where I see only finality. Amen.
Jn 11:40 — “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?’”
This verse recalls promise at the very edge of obedience. Jesus gently but firmly draws Martha back to faith, reminding her that glory is revealed not before belief, but through it. The moment of hesitation becomes a moment of invitation.
“Jesus said to her” underscores personal address. Even at this decisive instant, Jesus speaks directly to Martha. Faith is not corrected publicly or harshly; it is shepherded personally.
“Did I not tell you” recalls the earlier dialogue. Jesus invites Martha to remember His word. Faith often falters not because truth is absent, but because memory grows weak under fear. Jesus restores faith by restoring remembrance.
“That if you believe” places the condition clearly. Belief is not passive assent, but trusting obedience. Jesus does not ask Martha to understand fully—only to believe enough to let Him act.
“You will see” points to experience, not theory. Faith opens the eyes. What is about to happen will not be imagined or symbolic; it will be seen. Revelation follows trust.
“The glory of God” reveals the true purpose of the moment. Glory here is not spectacle, but the visible manifestation of God’s life-giving power. What Jesus promised earlier (Jn 11:4) now stands on the threshold of fulfillment.
This verse connects promise, faith, and revelation into a single movement. Jesus does not deny the stench or the stone; He invites Martha to look beyond them. Belief becomes the doorway through which glory enters.
In the wider theology of John, this verse expresses a recurring pattern: belief precedes sight (cf. Jn 20:29). Faith is not the reward of miracles; miracles confirm the faith that dares to trust God’s word.
For believers today, this verse speaks powerfully to moments of hesitation. When fear resurfaces and obedience feels costly, Christ calls us back to His promise: Believe, and you will see.
Historical and Jewish Context
God’s “glory” in Scripture refers to His manifest presence and power, often revealed when human hope has failed.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that faith opens the believer to perceive God’s saving action. Glory is revealed where trust overcomes fear (cf. CCC 548, 260).
Key Terms
Believe — trusting obedience
See — lived experience of God’s action
Glory of God — visible revelation of divine power
Conclusion
John 11:40 calls faith back to promise. At the edge of fear and finality, Jesus invites belief once more—assuring that glory follows trust.
Reflection
When fear rises at the moment of obedience, do I return to Christ’s promise and choose to believe?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, remind me of Your word when my faith wavers. Help me believe even when fear speaks loudly, trusting that Your glory will be revealed where I dare to trust You. Amen.
Jn 11:41 — “So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you for hearing me.’”
This verse marks the decisive shift from human obedience to divine action. What Jesus commanded is now carried out, and what follows is not immediate command, but prayer. Glory unfolds through cooperation, gratitude, and communion with the Father.
“So they took away the stone” records simple but courageous obedience. The barrier of fear and finality is removed. Human hands do what they can, making space for what only God can do. Faith moves before understanding is complete.
The removal of the stone does not raise Lazarus; it prepares the moment. Obedience creates openness. The impossible is approached through faithful cooperation.
“And Jesus raised his eyes” is a gesture of filial relationship. His gaze turns upward, not toward the tomb. Even as He stands before death, His orientation remains toward the Father. Authority flows from communion.
“And said, ‘Father’” reveals intimacy. Jesus does not address God distantly or formally, but as Son. What is about to happen proceeds from relationship, not ritual. Resurrection is born from communion.
“I thank you” is striking. Jesus gives thanks before the miracle is visible. Gratitude precedes manifestation. Thanksgiving here is an expression of absolute trust and unity of will.
“For hearing me” affirms ongoing communion. Jesus speaks not as one hoping to be heard, but as one who knows He is heard. His prayer reveals confidence, not petition. The relationship is already complete.
This verse teaches that the miracle is not an attempt to persuade God, but a revelation of what already exists within the Father–Son relationship. The prayer is spoken aloud for the sake of those present, drawing them into understanding.
For believers today, this verse offers a profound lesson in prayer. True prayer flows from relationship, gratitude, and trust—not anxiety or performance. Faith thanks God even before seeing the outcome.
Historical and Jewish Context
Raising one’s eyes in prayer was a common posture, symbolizing dependence and reverence. Public prayer before an act invited witnesses to recognize God as the source.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ’s prayer reveals His filial relationship with the Father and instructs believers in trustful, thankful prayer rooted in communion (cf. CCC 260, 261).
Key Terms
Took away — obedient cooperation
Raised his eyes — orientation toward the Father
Father — intimate divine relationship
Thank you — gratitude before manifestation
Hearing — assured communion
Conclusion
John 11:41 shows faith moving into prayer and obedience into thanksgiving. Before life is commanded, communion is revealed. Resurrection flows from relationship.
Reflection
Do I give thanks to God in trust, even before I see how He will act?
Prayer
Father, teach me to pray with trust and gratitude as Your Son does. Help me obey faithfully, thank You confidently, and rest in the assurance that You hear me as I place my life in Your hands. Amen.
Jn 11:42 — “I knew that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.”
This verse unveils the purpose behind Jesus’ public prayer. What He speaks aloud is not for His own assurance, but for the faith of those who stand watching. Revelation is shaped for the sake of belief.
“I knew that you always hear me” expresses absolute confidence in His relationship with the Father. Jesus does not pray out of uncertainty or need for reassurance. Communion with the Father is constant and unbroken. This is not a request seeking approval, but a statement of filial certainty.
“But because of the crowd here” shifts the focus outward. Jesus is conscious of the witnesses gathered around the tomb. The miracle to come is not private power, but public revelation meant to instruct and invite faith.
“I have said this” refers to His spoken thanksgiving. The prayer is pedagogical. Jesus allows others to overhear His communion with the Father so that they may understand the source of His authority.
“That they may believe” reveals the goal. Everything unfolds toward faith. The raising of Lazarus is not an end in itself, but a sign ordered toward belief. Miracles serve revelation; revelation serves faith.
“That you sent me” states the heart of Jesus’ mission. He identifies Himself as the One sent by the Father. This language of sending expresses divine origin, authority, and obedience. What Jesus does, He does as the Father’s envoy.
This verse makes clear that the miracle is not meant to glorify Jesus in isolation, but to reveal His unity with the Father. Resurrection will be the visible confirmation of divine mission.
In the wider theology of John’s Gospel, belief that Jesus is sent by the Father is foundational. Eternal life flows from recognizing and trusting this truth (cf. Jn 17:3).
For believers today, this verse teaches that God’s works in our lives are often meant not only for us, but for the faith of others. Public faith can awaken belief in those who watch and listen.
Historical and Jewish Context
Public prayer before a sign invited witnesses to acknowledge God as the source of power, guarding against misunderstanding or self-glorification.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Jesus is the one sent by the Father for our salvation. Signs are given so that people may believe and have life in His name (cf. CCC 547, 548, 444).
Key Terms
Always hear me — unbroken communion
Crowd — witnesses to revelation
Believe — response of faith
Sent me — divine mission and authority
Conclusion
John 11:42 reveals that resurrection is ordered toward belief. Jesus speaks so that those who witness the miracle may recognize Him as the One sent by the Father.
Reflection
Do I recognize God’s action in my life as an invitation for others to believe, not only as a blessing for myself?
Prayer
Father, help me believe deeply that You have sent Your Son for my salvation. Open my heart to recognize Your work and let my faith become a witness that draws others to believe in Jesus, whom You have sent. Amen.
Jn 11:43 — “When he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’”
This verse stands as one of the most powerful moments in all of Scripture. After prayer, thanksgiving, and revelation, Jesus now speaks directly to death itself. What follows is not gradual healing or symbolic action, but a sovereign command.
“When he had said this” connects the act to what preceded it. The command flows from communion with the Father. Resurrection is not an isolated display of power; it emerges from divine relationship and mission.
“He cried out in a loud voice” conveys authority and intentionality. Jesus does not whisper or gesture. His voice is raised, public, and commanding. Life is summoned openly, before witnesses, without ambiguity.
The loud voice also signifies that death must hear and obey. What was sealed, silent, and final is now addressed directly. The voice that once said, “Let there be light,” now calls life from the grave.
“Lazarus” is spoken by name. This is not a general call, but a personal summons. Jesus knows the dead by name. Relationship transcends the grave. The one who is loved is the one who is called.
“Come out!” is a command, not a request. Jesus does not ask Lazarus to return; He orders him to leave death behind. Authority over life and death is exercised with a word.
This verse reveals that resurrection is not cooperation between life and death; it is victory. Death does not negotiate. It releases its captive at the command of Christ.
In the wider theology of John’s Gospel, this moment anticipates the final resurrection, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and live (cf. Jn 5:28–29). What happens to Lazarus prefigures what Christ will accomplish universally.
For believers today, this verse proclaims hope with clarity and power. No situation is beyond Christ’s call. What is dead—faith, hope, joy, or life itself—can be summoned by His word.
Historical and Jewish Context
Public cries were associated with authoritative proclamation. Calling the dead by name would have been unthinkable—unless one truly possessed power over death.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ has authority over life and death. His word is effective, accomplishing what it declares (cf. CCC 994, 1003).
Key Terms
Cried out — authoritative proclamation
Lazarus — personal call of love
Come out — command over death
Conclusion
John 11:43 reveals the voice of the Lord over the grave. With a word, Jesus calls life from death, showing that nothing lies beyond His authority.
Reflection
Do I believe that Christ’s word still has power to call life out of the dead places in my own life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You speak with authority over death and darkness. Call me out of every place that binds me, and lead me into the fullness of life You desire for me. I trust in the power of Your word. Amen.
Jn 11:44 — “The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, ‘Untie him and let him go.’”
This verse completes the great sign with vivid realism and profound symbolism. Life has returned, yet traces of death still cling. Resurrection has occurred, but freedom must now be completed through human cooperation.
“The dead man came out” states the impossible with simplicity. At the command of Jesus, death releases its hold. Lazarus obeys the voice of life. The power of Christ’s word is proven not in theory, but in visible reality.
“Tied hand and foot with burial bands” reminds us that Lazarus returns still bound. Life is restored, yet he is constrained by what once belonged to death. Resurrection is real, but its effects must now be unfolded.
“And his face was wrapped in a cloth” underscores the remnants of burial. Sight, movement, and expression are still partially restricted. Lazarus is alive, but not yet fully free.
“So Jesus said to them” shifts attention to the community. What Jesus alone can do—raise the dead—He has done. What others can do—remove the bindings—He now entrusts to them. Grace invites cooperation.
“Untie him” is a command of liberation. Those who witnessed death are now summoned to participate in freedom. The community that mourned must now act in hope.
“And let him go” completes the work. Resurrection is not meant to imprison; it releases. Life given by Christ is ordered toward freedom, dignity, and restored relationship.
This verse reveals an important theological truth: Christ gives life absolutely, but He often uses the community to help restore full freedom. Healing continues after the miracle through loving service.
In the wider Gospel, this scene anticipates the Church’s mission. Christ raises sinners to new life; the community helps remove what still binds them. Salvation unfolds through divine power and human cooperation.
For believers today, this verse speaks deeply. Christ may have called us out of death, but habits, fears, and wounds may still bind us. Jesus invites others—and us—to participate in ongoing freedom.
Historical and Jewish Context
Burial bands were strips of cloth used to bind the body. Removing them was necessary for normal movement and reintegration into life.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that while Christ alone gives new life, the community assists in healing, reconciliation, and growth in freedom through love and sacramental life (cf. CCC 1425, 1469).
Key Terms
Came out — obedience to life-giving command
Burial bands — remnants of death
Untie — liberation through cooperation
Let him go — restoration to freedom
Conclusion
John 11:44 reveals resurrection completed in freedom. Christ gives life with authority and entrusts the community with the task of unbinding what death once held.
Reflection
What burial bands still limit my freedom, and am I allowing Christ—and the community—to help untie them?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You have called me from death into life. Untie whatever still binds me, and teach me to help others walk freely in the life You give. May I live not only alive, but truly free in You. Amen.
CONCLUSION
John 11:38–44 reveals the absolute authority of Jesus over death. In the present time, this passage proclaims hope in a world marked by loss, fear, and despair. While physical death remains a reality, Jesus reveals Himself as the Lord of life, whose word penetrates even the darkness of the tomb. His voice calls not only Lazarus, but all humanity, from death toward life.
This miracle also points beyond itself to the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of new life for all who believe. The command to “unbind him” reminds believers that new life often unfolds within community, through compassion, forgiveness, and accompaniment. Christians today are invited to trust the power of Christ’s word, allowing Him to call them out of whatever binds them, and to walk in the freedom of life given by God.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Word of Life, speak into the places of death and despair within us. Call us out of darkness and free us from all that binds us. Strengthen our faith in Your power and help us to walk in the new life You offer, trusting always in Your life-giving word. Amen.