Topical Encyclopedia Lazarus of Bethany is a significant figure in the New Testament, known primarily for being the brother of Mary and Martha and for being raised from the dead by Jesus Christ. His account is primarily found in the Gospel of John, where he is depicted as a beloved friend of Jesus.Family and Residence Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, with his sisters Mary and Martha. The family appears to have been well-known and respected, as indicated by the number of Jews who came to comfort Mary and Martha upon Lazarus's death (John 11:19). The close relationship between Jesus and this family is evident, as the sisters sent word to Jesus saying, "Lord, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). The Raising of Lazarus The most notable event in Lazarus's life is his resurrection from the dead, as recorded in John 11. When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Despite the delay, Jesus assured Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). Jesus then went to the tomb, prayed, and called Lazarus forth, resulting in Lazarus emerging from the grave, still bound in his burial clothes (John 11:43-44). This miracle not only demonstrated Jesus's power over death but also foreshadowed His own resurrection. Dinner with Jesus Following his resurrection, Lazarus is mentioned again in John 12, where he is present at a dinner given in Jesus's honor. The event took place in Bethany, and Martha served while Lazarus reclined at the table with Jesus (John 12:2). During this dinner, Mary anointed Jesus's feet with expensive perfume, an act that Jesus said was in preparation for His burial (John 12:7). The presence of Lazarus at this meal further attests to the close bond between Jesus and the family. Impact and Legacy The raising of Lazarus had a profound impact on those who witnessed it and on the broader community. Many Jews who saw what Jesus did believed in Him (John 11:45). However, this miracle also intensified the hostility of the religious leaders, who plotted to kill both Jesus and Lazarus, as many were turning to Jesus because of him (John 12:10-11). Lazarus's account is a powerful testament to Jesus's divine authority and His compassion for His friends. It serves as a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, illustrating the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ. Nave's Topical Index John 12:1,2,9Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. Nave's Topical Index Library The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Moody's Stories A Canticle of Love Memoir of John Bunyan part ii Resources Jesus wept - why did Jesus weep? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25)? | GotQuestions.org Is Luke 16:19-31 a parable or an account of events that actually occurred? | GotQuestions.org Lazarus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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