Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha, is featured in John 11 and John 12. He lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem, and he is identified as someone whom Jesus loved (John 11:3, 5).
In John 11, Lazarus became seriously ill, and his sisters sent word to Jesus. Jesus responded that the sickness was not unto death, but for the glory of God. He delayed His arrival for two more days and arrived after Lazarus had already been dead and in the tomb for four days (John 11:17).
When Jesus came to Bethany, He found that many Jews had come to comfort Mary and Martha. Martha went out to meet Jesus and expressed faith that her brother would rise again. Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25).
Moved with compassion, Jesus wept (John 11:35). He then went to the tomb and commanded the stone to be taken away. After praying to the Father, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” Lazarus emerged from the tomb, still bound in grave clothes, and Jesus commanded that he be loosed (John 11:43–44).
In John 12:1–2, Lazarus is seen reclining at a supper in Bethany with Jesus, while Martha served and Mary anointed Jesus’ feet. Because of Lazarus’ resurrection, many Jews believed in Jesus, and the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus as well, since his testimony was leading many to faith (John 12:9–11).
Lazarus’ resurrection demons/”>demonstrated the power of Christ over death and served as a sign of His divine authority. It also foreshadowed Jesus’ own resurrection. Lazarus stands as a witness to the life-giving power of Christ and the truth of His words: “He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”
