Topical Encyclopedia Lazarus, a resident of Bethany, was the brother of Mary and Martha, and a close friend of Jesus Christ. His account is prominently featured in the Gospel of John, where his sickness, death, and subsequent resurrection by Jesus are recounted. This event is significant in the New Testament as it demonstrates Jesus' power over death and foreshadows His own resurrection.Sickness and Death The account of Lazarus begins in John 11:1-3, where it is noted that Lazarus was ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, behold, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). This message underscores the close relationship between Jesus and Lazarus, as well as the faith of Mary and Martha in Jesus' ability to heal. Despite receiving the urgent message, Jesus chose to remain where He was for two more days. He explained to His disciples, "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). This statement reveals the divine purpose behind Lazarus's illness and sets the stage for the miraculous event that would follow. When Jesus finally decided to go to Bethany, He informed His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up" (John 11:11). The disciples misunderstood, thinking Jesus referred to natural sleep, but He clarified, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe" (John 11:14-15). This indicates that the forthcoming miracle was intended to strengthen the faith of His followers. Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus was met by Martha, who expressed her faith in Him, 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 exchange about the resurrection. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25), affirming His authority over life and death. Mary, too, came to Jesus, expressing her grief and faith similarly to Martha. Jesus, deeply moved by the sorrow of Mary and the mourners, wept (John 11:35), showing His compassion and empathy for human suffering. The Miracle Jesus approached the tomb of Lazarus, which was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. He instructed those present to remove the stone. Martha hesitated, concerned about the odor since Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus reminded her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). After the stone was removed, Jesus prayed to the Father, expressing gratitude for being heard and stating that His prayer was for the benefit of the onlookers, "that they may believe that You sent Me" (John 11:42). He then called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). Miraculously, Lazarus emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in his burial cloths. Jesus instructed, "Unwrap him and let him go" (John 11:44). The raising of Lazarus from the dead was a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, leading many to believe in Him. However, it also intensified the opposition from the religious leaders, who saw Jesus as a threat to their authority. This miracle, therefore, not only demonstrated Jesus' divine power but also set in motion the events leading to His crucifixion. Nave's Topical Index John 11:1-14Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. Nave's Topical Index Library The Sickness of Lazarus; Christ's Reply to the Messengers who ... Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life The Raising of Lazarus. Passages Referring to Bethany in the Sacred Narrative. The Voice that Waked the Dead --The Children of the Kingdom. Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus. "Lazarus, Come Forth" The Resurrection of Lazarus The Resurrection of Lazarus. The Seventh Miracle in John's Gospel --The Raising of Lazarus 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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