Topical Encyclopedia Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is a significant figure in the New Testament, primarily known for his miraculous resurrection by Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 11, and serves as a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine authority over life and death, as well as a foreshadowing of His own resurrection.Background and Context Lazarus resided in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, with his sisters Mary and Martha. The family was known to be close friends of Jesus, as indicated by the Gospel narrative. Mary is noted for anointing Jesus' feet with perfume and wiping them with her hair, an act of devotion mentioned in John 11:2 and further detailed in John 12:3. The Illness and Death of Lazarus The account begins with Lazarus falling gravely ill. His sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). Despite the urgency, Jesus deliberately delayed His visit, stating, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). This delay was purposeful, setting the stage for a greater revelation of His power. Jesus' Arrival in Bethany Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days (John 11:17). Martha, upon meeting Jesus, expressed her faith, saying, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him" (John 11:21-22). Jesus assured her, "Your brother will rise again" (John 11:23), leading to a profound theological declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). The Resurrection of Lazarus Deeply moved by the mourning of Mary and the others, Jesus approached the tomb. He commanded the stone to be removed, despite Martha's concern about the odor of decay. Jesus responded, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). After praying to the Father, Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). Miraculously, Lazarus emerged from the tomb, still bound in his grave clothes, alive and restored. Significance and Impact The resurrection of Lazarus is a pivotal miracle that underscores Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His mastery over death. It served to strengthen the faith of His disciples and many others who witnessed or heard of the event. This miracle also intensified the opposition from the religious leaders, who saw Jesus as a threat to their authority, ultimately leading to the plot to arrest and crucify Him (John 11:53). The account of Lazarus' resurrection continues to be a source of hope and assurance for believers, affirming the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index John 11:38-44Jesus therefore again groaning in himself comes to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay on it. Nave's Topical Index John 12:17,18 Library The Death of Lazarus. --Christ's Conversation with Martha (John ... The Resurrection of Lazarus Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life The Resurrection of Lazarus. The Raising of Lazarus. The Voice that Waked the Dead --The Children of the Kingdom. Jesus the Resurrection and Life. Passages Referring to Bethany in the Sacred Narrative. "Lazarus, Come Forth" Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus. Resources Who was Lazarus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16? | GotQuestions.org How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Lazarus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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