John 11:44 – “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse describes the dramatic moment when Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, walks out of his tomb alive. Jesus had just commanded Lazarus to “come out” (John 11:43), and now, at His word, life returns to the lifeless body.

Lazarus comes out “wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.” This detail is significant because it confirms that he had been buried according to Jewish custom. There is no doubt—he had been dead, but now he is alive again.

Jesus then gives a command to the people standing nearby: “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Lazarus was alive, but he was still bound in the wrappings of death. Others had to help him remove them so that he could walk freely.

This moment is both a miracle and a powerful symbol. It shows that Jesus has authority over life and death, but it also reflects how spiritual life works—when Jesus gives new life, believers still need to be freed from the remnants of their old, sinful selves.

Historical Context

In Jewish burial customs, a body was wrapped in linen strips with spices and placed in a tomb, usually a cave sealed with a stone. A separate cloth was placed over the face. These burial wrappings kept the body in place and were a sign of finality—once wrapped, a person was truly dead.

For the Jews, the idea of someone being resurrected after four days was unheard of. Some believed the soul stayed near the body for three days, but by the fourth day, death was considered final. Lazarus’ resurrection left no room for doubt—this was a supernatural act of God.

The command to “Take off the grave clothes and let him go” also reflects Jewish customs. A dead person could not remove their own burial cloths. This action required others to help, emphasizing community involvement in life restoration.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Power Over Death – This miracle proves that Jesus has absolute authority over life and death. If He can call a dead man back to life, He has the power to give eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).
2. A Picture of Spiritual Transformation – Lazarus’ resurrection is a physical representation of what happens spiritually when a person is saved. We are all spiritually dead in sin until Jesus calls us to life (Ephesians 2:1-5).
3. The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth – Lazarus was alive, but he needed others to help him remove his grave clothes. In the same way, believers need one another to fully walk in the freedom Christ gives. Discipleship, encouragement, and accountability are essential for growth.

Literary Analysis

The structure of this verse highlights three important actions:

1. “The dead man came out” – This confirms the miracle. Lazarus was undeniably dead, but now he is alive.
2. “His hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.” – This detail reinforces that he had truly been buried and needed to be freed from the wrappings of death.
3. “Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’” – This command shows that new life is not just about resurrection but about freedom.

The contrast between death and life, bondage and freedom is central to this passage. Jesus does not just bring people back to life—He sets them free to walk in that life.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (Jesus not only gives life but also true freedom.)
• Ephesians 2:1-5 – “You were dead in your transgressions and sins… but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.” (Spiritual resurrection mirrors Lazarus’ physical resurrection.)
• Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self.” (Believers must remove the “grave clothes” of their old sinful life.)
• Romans 6:4 – “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Lazarus’ resurrection foreshadows our new life in Christ.)
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (New life means leaving behind the things of the past.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Lazarus’ resurrection is a picture of salvation. Before Jesus calls us, we are spiritually dead, wrapped in the grave clothes of sin. When He calls us to new life, we must step out of our old ways and allow Him to remove the things that hold us back.

This verse also highlights the importance of Christian community. Lazarus could not remove his own grave clothes—others had to help him. In the same way, we need fellow believers to help us grow, encouraging us as we leave behind our old sinful habits.

Finally, this verse reminds us that Jesus’ work is not just about giving life but also about setting us free. Some Christians struggle because they are alive in Christ but still bound by past sins, guilt, or fear. Jesus calls us not only to be saved but to walk in freedom.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how Jesus does not just raise Lazarus and leave him in his grave clothes—He calls for his complete freedom. This shows that God’s love is not just about giving us eternal life but also about helping us walk in the fullness of that life.

Jesus did not perform this miracle for His own glory but so that people would believe and experience the love of God in action. This shows that God’s love is always working to bring people closer to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life – This verse is the fulfillment of Jesus’ words in John 11:25-26. He does not just talk about resurrection—He demonstrates it.
2. A Foreshadowing of His Own Resurrection – Just as Lazarus came out of the tomb, Jesus Himself would rise from the dead. But unlike Lazarus, Jesus’ resurrection was permanent. He did not need anyone to remove His grave clothes because He had complete victory over death (John 20:6-7).
3. Jesus Frees People from Spiritual Death – Just as He freed Lazarus from physical death, He frees all who believe in Him from the power of sin and death (Romans 8:2).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Lazarus’ resurrection help you understand the power of Jesus over life and death?
2. What are some “grave clothes” that you need to remove in your spiritual life?
3. Why do you think Jesus involved others in removing Lazarus’ burial wrappings? How does this relate to Christian community?
4. Have you ever experienced a time when God called you into new life but you struggled to let go of your past?
5. How does this story challenge you to live in the freedom that Christ has given you?

John 11:44 is more than just a miracle—it is a picture of salvation and freedom. Jesus calls people from death to life, and He does not leave them bound by their past. He invites us not only to believe but to live in the full freedom He offers. The question is: Are we willing to step out of our tombs and let Him remove what holds us back?