Jesus Calls Lazarus from the Tomb

Still deeply moved, Jesus calls Lazarus out and tells the community to unbind him

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself comes to the grave. It is a cave, and a stone lies upon it. He says, 'Take ye away the stone.' Martha, the sister of him that was dead, says, 'Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.' Jesus answers, 'Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?' They take away the stone. Jesus lifts up his eyes and says, 'Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.'

He cries with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth.' He that was dead comes forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face bound about with a napkin. Jesus says, 'Loose him, and let him go.' Lazarus returns to mortal life; this is not yet the Gospel's later presentation of Jesus' own resurrection. The public prayer is for those standing by, not a performance for religious reputation. Unbinding is the community's practical work. It does not make them the source of the life. The sign is testimony to Jesus' life-giving authority. It does not guarantee revival from death or authorize delaying emergency care.

Four days of decay is named, then glory is asked for

Martha's concern is bodily and honest. The stone moves because people move it. The voice calls; neighbors unwrap.