Lazarus died. It seemed he died too young.

Mary and Martha—sisters of Lazarus—were heartbroken. The entire community gathered around them and mourned with them. Sorrow was in the air.

It was so heartbreaking that even Jesus was moved to tears when he saw all the people who were grieving. But rather than console the crowd or gather everyone together for prayer, he walked up to the tomb and gave an unusual order: “Take away the stone” (John 11:39).

Martha had an understandable objection. She was responsible for making sure that the remains of her brother were not desecrated, and everyone knew that opening the tomb would subject the mourners to an unpleasant smell.

But Jesus persisted. And finally, Martha consented. The stone was rolled away.

You can read the rest of the story in John 11:38-44.

What is behind your stone? What have you kept hidden out of the sight of others?

Maybe you worry that people will be appalled if you dare to open it up. Or perhaps you worry that what’s hidden is even too much for God to handle.

Jesus invites you to take away the stone. He has the power to address the areas of your life that are sealed off. Trust him. Let him speak to the anger, lust, selfishness, or greed that is hidden away in your heart.

He mourns the affect these things have on you, but he can conquer them for you. Where his voice is heard, even those who are dead can walk again.