Jesus Weeps, Then Calls Lazarus Out

Scripture Focus

"Jesus wept."— John 11:35

"Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to Him, ‘Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’"— John 11:38-40

"When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out."— John 11:43-44

Devotional Reflection

Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He wept.

Think about that. The Son of God, who knew that resurrection was moments away, still paused to grieve. He did not rush past the sorrow of His friends, nor did He dismiss the pain of death. He entered into it.

Jesus’ tears remind us of an important truth: grief and hope can coexist. Our Savior is not distant from our suffering. He does not ignore our pain or rush to the solution without first standing with us in the sorrow. He is present in both our weeping and our rejoicing.

But the story does not end in grief. Jesus, deeply moved, called Lazarus out of the tomb. The grave did not have the final word. Neither does yours.

Whatever you are walking through, know this: Jesus stands with you in your sorrow, but He also calls you forward into life. He is near to the brokenhearted, but He is also the Resurrection and the Life.

If you feel stuck in grief, fear, or hopelessness, hear the voice of Jesus today: “Come out.” The grave cannot hold what He has called to life.

Inhale Truth, Exhale Trust

Breath Prayer: (Inhale) Jesus, You are with me in sorrow. (Exhale) You call me into life and hope.

How to Practice a Breath Prayer:

Find a quiet place. As you inhale, let yourself rest in the presence of Jesus, knowing He grieves with you. As you exhale, surrender to His call to step forward in faith.

Practical Application

• Acknowledge the Weeping. If you are grieving, bring your sorrow honestly before Jesus. He does not rush you—He weeps with you.

• Listen for His Voice. What is Jesus calling you to step into? Whether it’s healing, trust, or renewed faith, He is calling you forward.

• Remove the Grave Clothes. When Lazarus came out, Jesus told those around him to unbind him. What fears, doubts, or lies are still keeping you bound? Ask God to help you leave them behind.

Journal Prompt

Where do you need to hear Jesus say, “Come out”? What are the “grave clothes” (fears, doubts, or past hurts) that need to be unbound in your life?

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being a Savior who weeps with me in my sorrow and calls me into new life. Help me to trust that You are near in both grief and resurrection. Teach me to step forward when You call, leaving behind anything that holds me back. I believe that You are the Resurrection and the Life—may my heart live fully in that truth today. Amen.

Invitation to Live with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty

Jesus meets you in your sorrow, but He does not leave you there. He calls you forward. Today, take a step out of the grave and into the life He is speaking over you.