UNWRAPPED Series Part 3

Jesus Unwraps Our Feet So We Can Walk Freely With Him

SCRIPTURES:

Psalm 1; Luke 10:19; John 10:10;

John 11:44 “And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.””

MAIN POINTS:

We can be alive in Christ yet bound in everyday life

We can know the ways of the Lord yet not walk in His path

Only Jesus offers us FREEDOM to not only c give us life, but life abundantly, flourishing.

HOWEVER: When our feet are unwrapped, we can:

Walk more closely with Christ

Step into the calling and destiny He has for our lives

Stand Firm against the shifting sands of cultural changes

Trample over sinful “snakes” and iniquities “scorpions”

Unwrapped: Jesus Frees Us to Walk in His Ways

Walk

When your feet are bound you can’t

Follow in Jesus’ footsteps

Stay in step with the Spirit

Walk in the ways of the Lord

Feet are planted

“I shall not be moved.”

Rooted. Not swayed by the winds of change. The winds of false doctrine. The waves of cultural tides.

Unwrapped: Walking Freely with Christ

Bible Passage: John 11:44, Ps 1:1–6

Summary: In John 11:44, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the grave, unwrapping him from the grave clothes that bind him. Psalm 1 contrasts the way of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the freedom and fruitful life that comes from following God.

Application: This teaching reminds Christians that Christ unbinds us from our sins and the burdens that hold us back, allowing us to walk in freedom and righteousness. It encourages us to discard the wrapping of worldly burdens and walk with Him.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus not only gives life but frees us from what entangles us. Just as Lazarus was set free from his grave clothes, so too can we be released from the things that hinder our relationship with Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme shows Jesus as the ultimate liberator who has power over death and sin. In the context of the Bible, His resurrection assures believers that we too can rise and walk freely in newness of life.

Big Idea: Christ unwraps our lives, setting us free to walk in righteousness and bear fruit, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the nuances of Jesus’ command in John 11:44. You might want to look at the cultural context of burial practices in the Jewish tradition. Logos can be useful for researching commentaries on both passages to uncover deeper theological insights and potential applications for your audience.

1. Unwrapped from Death's Grip

John 11:44

Perhaps you could emphasize how Jesus calling Lazarus out of the grave and instructing others to unwrap him symbolizes Jesus' power to free us from the sins and burdens that bind us. It illustrates that when we are 'unwrapped' by Jesus, we are released from the constraints that hold us back and invited to walk in true freedom with Him. This personal encounter with His liberating power can inspire us to let go of what binds us and respond to His call to life, free from fear and sin.

2. Unwrapped to Flourish

Ps 1:1–3

You could expound on the blessing and freedom that come from walking in righteousness as described in these verses. Just as a tree planted by streams of water flourishes and bears fruit, a life unwrapped from sin thrives when rooted in God's Word. It is Jesus who enables us to walk in this path of righteousness, nourishing our spirits through His teachings and presence, so we can experience the abundance He promises.

3. Unwrapped to Stand Firm

Ps 1:4–6

Maybe consider discussing the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, where the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. This imagery highlights the importance of being unwrapped by Christ to avoid the futility and instability of a life apart from God. With Christ's redemption, we are embraced by God's path for the righteous, which grants us stability and purpose, unlike the perilous way of the ungodly.

Bible Passage: John 11:44

Summary: In the passage from John 11:44, Jesus commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb, demonstrating His power over death. As Lazarus emerges, he is still bound with grave clothes, and Jesus instructs the people to unwrap him. This act symbolizes Jesus’ ability to free us from our own spiritual bindings so that we may walk freely in His guidance.

Application: This message speaks directly to Christians who feel trapped by sin, doubt, or the burdens of this world. It reassures them that Jesus has the power to unbind them from their struggles and enables them to walk in freedom and purpose. We all have areas in our lives where we feel restricted, but through faith in Christ, we can experience true liberation.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus not only has the authority to revive us spiritually but also to liberate us from the chains that hold us back from fully living out His will. Our past does not define us; through Christ, we can move forward and thrive in His light. It emphasizes the importance of community in helping one another shed our bindings and experience healing together.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme consistently reflects the nature of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Just as He unwrapped Lazarus, He also breaks the chains of sin for all humanity at the cross, allowing us to enter a new life with Him. His resurrection power is the source of our freedom.

Big Idea: Through Jesus, we are unwrapped from the bindings of sin and death so we may walk freely with Him and fulfill His purpose in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare to preach this sermon, consider exploring the social and cultural significance of grave clothes in first-century Jewish society. Use your Logos library to examine the original Greek terms used in John 11:44 for deeper insight into the resurrection process. Additionally, researching the implications of unbinding in a spiritual context will enrich your understanding of community support in the Christian walk.

1. Jesus Commands Life

John 11:44a

You could focus on the power of Jesus' command, illustrating how He calls us out of spiritual death into life, just as He did with Lazarus. This is a transformative call that shakes us from old, dead ways of living. It's important to emphasize that our first step toward new life is heeding Christ's call, trusting in His power to bring us from death to life. Highlight that this call is initiated by Jesus, not ourselves, reflecting His grace and sovereign authority.

2. Bound Yet Breathing

John 11:44b

Maybe you should highlight the image of Lazarus coming out bound. This visual can suggest how we often emerge from spiritual awakening still bound by past experiences and sins. Illustrate how, even after responding to Christ's call, we might need help and continuous support from Jesus and our community to fully embrace our freedom. Stress the importance of communal support in overcoming these bindings and stepping fully into the life Christ offers.

3. Community Unwraps Gently

John 11:44c

Consider focusing on the moment Jesus instructs others to "unwrap him." This can symbolize the role of community and obedience in the liberation process. Jesus, by commanding the unbinding, involves others in the act of freeing Lazarus, showing that our journey to freedom often includes others' help. Emphasize how we are called to actively participate in the liberation of others by loving, helping, and supporting them as Christ does.