The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unwrap him and let him go."

John 11:44 CSB

Jesus power brought Lazarus back from the dead, you'd think he could've cleaned him up and put some new clothes on him to finish the job. 

But he didn't.

Jesus invited Lazarus's community to roll away the stone, and he invites his community to step towards him, towards the stench and mess, and set him free. 

Jesus did the supernatural part, and he called those around Lazarus in to help with the rest. 

I wonder if I'd been in that crowd if I'd have stepped in. Would I have accepted Jesus invitation to partner with him in this work of resurrection? 

Lazarus needed help to get out of the graveclothes, get cleaned up, get some new clothes, he'd been sick (& died) so probably was hungry and thirsty, needed somewhere to lie down, and someone to talk to about his experience, what it all meant, and what was next for him.

He needed his community. 

Jesus invites us to join him in his work, to step towards, to not be afraid of the mess...this is community. 

#lovepeople