Scriptures to read and ponder

Main teaching text:

John 11:38–44 — Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus; the command to take away the stone; the call to come out; and the unbinding of grave clothes.

Before faith, Jesus calls for obedience: “Take away the stone.”
Deliverance begins with a practical step of obedience, even if faith feels weak.
Stones can be: fear, shame, addictions, excuses, opinions of others, destructive habits, or wrong mindsets.
Jesus is not concerned with the “stench” of our past — He is concerned only with our freedom.

Jesus reframes reality: the world says “seeing is believing,” but He says “believing is seeing.”
Faith unlocks vision; belief precedes breakthrough.
God’s glory is His goodness revealed (Exodus 33:18–19).
Many fail to see God’s glory because they limit themselves to the realm of the possible.

Jesus thanks the Father before Lazarus is raised.
Faith thanks God for the miracle before the evidence arrives — like receiving a confirmation email before the package is delivered.
Mark 11:24 — “Believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Faith celebrates provision already secured through Christ’s finished work.

Jesus speaks life into death; His words activate the promise of God.
We must learn to speak to dead things and mountains in our lives (Mark 11:23).
Too often we talk about our problems instead of to them; or we talk to God about our problems instead of speaking God’s truth over them.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

Lazarus is raised, but grave clothes still bind him.
Resurrection power brings life, but community brings freedom.
Old identities, habits, and mindsets can cling even after salvation.
Jesus commands the community: “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Application: true freedom is communal — we need one another to help unbind what still entangles us.

“He weeps before He wakes you.”
“Deliverance begins with obedience. Take away the stone.”
“The world says: seeing is believing. God says: believing is seeing.”
“Faith celebrates the package before it arrives.”
“Talk to your problems, not just about them.”
“You can be alive but still bound — freedom is finished in community.”
“Your name may say God has helped even when your circumstances say otherwise — but when Jesus calls, your destiny and reality align.”

What does it mean for you that Jesus is near your tombs — present in your grief before the miracle?
What “stone” do you sense Jesus is asking you to roll away in obedience this week?
How does the shift from “seeing is believing” to “believing is seeing” challenge your faith?
Can you think of an area where you need to thank God in advance? How will you practice this?
What “dead things” in your life need you to speak God’s word over them?
In what ways do you feel “alive but still bound”? What “grave clothes” still cling to you?
How can your small group or church family help you walk in freedom?
How does 1 Peter 2:9 reshape the way you see your identity and calling?

Thanksgiving for Christ’s presence: Lord, thank You that You weep with us before You wake us.
Obedience: Father, give us courage to roll away the stones that block Your glory.
Faith posture: Holy Spirit, help us believe before we see, to expect Your goodness revealed.
Gratitude in advance: Teach us to thank You now for what You are already doing.
Speaking life: Empower us to speak resurrection words to dead places and declare Your promises with authority.
Communal freedom: Build LWC as a family that helps one another shed grave clothes.
Identity in Christ: Remind us that we are chosen, called, and unbound in Jesus.