Topical Encyclopedia Lazarus, a resident of Bethany, is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John. He is the brother of Mary and Martha and is most renowned for being raised from the dead by Jesus Christ, an event that underscores the divine authority and power of Jesus over life and death.The Raising of Lazarus The account of Lazarus is primarily found in John 11:1-44. Lazarus fell ill, and his sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). Despite His deep affection for Lazarus, Jesus delayed His visit, stating, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. In a profound demonstration of His divine power, Jesus called Lazarus forth from the grave, commanding, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). This miraculous event not only affirmed Jesus' identity as the Son of God but also served as a precursor to His own resurrection. Reaction and Plotting by the Chief Priests The raising of Lazarus had a significant impact on the people and the religious leaders of the time. Many Jews who witnessed the miracle believed in Jesus, but it also intensified the hostility of the Jewish authorities. The chief priests and Pharisees convened a council, expressing their concern: "If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation" (John 11:48). Caiaphas, the high priest that year, unwittingly prophesied the necessity of Jesus' death for the salvation of the nation (John 11:49-52). The miracle of Lazarus' resurrection was a catalyst for the plot to kill Jesus, as it threatened the religious leaders' authority and control. In addition to plotting against Jesus, the chief priests also sought to kill Lazarus, as his very existence was a living testimony to Jesus' miraculous power. John 12:10-11 states, "So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in Him." Significance in Christian Theology Lazarus' account is pivotal in Christian theology as it highlights the themes of resurrection and eternal life. It serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' claim, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). The event foreshadows the resurrection of Christ and offers believers the hope of eternal life through faith in Him. Lazarus, therefore, stands as a symbol of the transformative power of Christ, illustrating the victory over death and the promise of new life for all who believe. His account continues to inspire faith and hope in the Christian community, reminding believers of the profound love and power of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index John 12:10,11But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 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; Resources What is Abraham's bosom? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Martha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Irresistible Grace - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Lazarus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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