In John 11, we see that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. But before doing so, He instructed others to remove the stone from the tomb’s entrance. Could Jesus not have removed the stone Himself? Of course, He could have. However, He commanded that the stone be removed. This raises the question: what would have happened if they had not removed the stone? Would Lazarus still have been raised? We do not know, but one thing is clear: Jesus expected them to move the stone!

Perhaps there is a lesson here about God’s expectation that we do what we can, while He takes care of what we cannot? 

There is much debate in religious circles about water baptism. Many discussions arise concerning what the Bible teaches on who should be baptized, the method, its theological significance, and whether it is essential for salvation. However, let me pose this question: Did Jesus command baptism? Yes, He did (See Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Jn. 3:3-5). Therefore, if Jesus commanded it, why aren’t we obeying (Lk. 6:46; Acts 22:16)? 

Going back to the story of Lazarus, could Jesus have removed the stone from the tomb Himself? Absolutely. But again, it is important to note that Jesus expected them to act by moving the stone.

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 

39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.”  

43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!”  

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.”

~ John 11:38-44, New King James Version