In the 11th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus is called to the home of his friends, Mary , Martha and Lazarus. Lazarus has died and has been dead for four days. Jesus weeps, then calls forth for Lazarus to come alive and to come out of the tomb. Miraculously, Lazarus comes out of the tomb, alive again. However, he is still covered in the cloths that were wrapped around, binding him. Jesus then calls to those disciples surrounding the tomb “Unbind him and let him go” (verse 44).  Jesus has brought Lazarus back to life but he calls for his followers to unbind him, to loosen the cloths reeking of death and allow him to live out his new life.

Addictions bind people and restrict them from the abundant life ( John 10:10) Jesus desires for them. Unbinding Lazarus is a resource for churches to free those constrained by addiction and find ways to help their families and friends.