JOHN 11:38–44
LAZARUS, COME OUT: THE POWER OF THE WORD OF LIFE
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.