Laz'arus is a significant figure in the New Testament, primarily known for being the subject of one of Jesus Christ's most remarkable miracles. His account is found in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 11:1-44, and he is also mentioned in John 12:1-11. Laz'arus was a resident of Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, and the brother of Mary and Martha, who were also close friends of Jesus.

The Raising of Laz'arus

The account of Laz'arus's resurrection is a pivotal event in the ministry of Jesus, demonstrating His power over life and death and foreshadowing His own resurrection. According to John 11:1-44, Laz'arus fell ill, and his sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). Despite the urgency, Jesus delayed His visit for two days, 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).

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Laz'arus had been in the tomb for four days. Martha met Jesus and 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), and declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).

Moved by the mourning of Mary and the others, Jesus wept (John 11:35), showing His compassion and humanity. He then approached the tomb and commanded, "Laz'arus, come out!" (John 11:43). Miraculously, Laz'arus emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in his burial cloths, alive and restored.

Significance and Reactions

The raising of Laz'arus was a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and served as a catalyst for belief among many witnesses. John 11:45 notes, "Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him." However, this miracle also intensified the opposition from the religious leaders, who feared Jesus' growing influence and plotted to kill Him (John 11:53).

Laz'arus at Bethany

Laz'arus appears again in John 12:1-11, where he is present at a dinner given in Jesus' honor in Bethany. During this event, Mary anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, an act of devotion that foreshadowed His impending death and burial. The presence of Laz'arus, who had been raised from the dead, attracted many onlookers, further inciting the chief priests to consider killing Laz'arus as well, "for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in Him" (John 12:11).

Theological Implications

The account of Laz'arus is rich with theological significance. It underscores Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the source of eternal life. The miracle serves as a testament to the power of faith and the promise of resurrection for all who believe in Christ. Laz'arus's resurrection is a precursor to the ultimate victory over death achieved through Jesus' own resurrection, offering hope and assurance of eternal life to believers.Laz'arus (16 Occurrences)

Luke 16:20
and there was a certain poor man, by name Lazarus, who was laid at his porch, full of sores,
(See RSV)

Luke 16:23
and in the hades having lifted up his eyes, being in torments, he doth see Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom,
(See RSV)

Luke 16:24
and having cried, he said, Father Abraham, deal kindly with me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and may cool my tongue, because I am distressed in this flame.
(See RSV)

Luke 16:25
And Abraham said, Child, remember that thou did receive -- thou -- thy good things in thy life, and Lazarus in like manner the evil things, and now he is comforted, and thou art distressed;
(See RSV)

John 11:1
And there was a certain one ailing, Lazarus, from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister --
(See RSV)

John 11:2
It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.
(See NAS)

John 11:5
And Jesus was loving Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus,
(See RSV)

John 11:11
These things he said, and after this he saith to them, 'Lazarus our friend hath fallen asleep, but I go on that I may awake him;'
(See RSV)

John 11:14
Then, therefore, Jesus said to them freely, 'Lazarus hath died;
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John 11:17
Now when Jesus came, he made the discovery that Lazarus had been put into the earth four days before.
(See RSV)

John 11:43
And these things saying, with a loud voice he cried out, 'Lazarus, come forth;'
(See RSV)

John 12:1
Jesus, therefore, six days before the passover, came to Bethany, where was Lazarus, who had died, whom he raised out of the dead;
(See RSV)

John 12:2
they made, therefore, to him a supper there, and Martha was ministering, and Lazarus was one of those reclining together (at meat) with him;
(See RSV)

John 12:9
A great multitude, therefore, of the Jews knew that he is there, and they came, not because of Jesus only, but that Lazarus also they may see, whom he raised out of the dead;
(See RSV)

John 12:10
and the chief priests took counsel, that also Lazarus they may kill,
(See RSV)

John 12:17
The multitude, therefore, who are with him, were testifying that he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and did raise him out of the dead;
(See RSV)

Laz'arus (16 Occurrences)
Laz'arus. Lazarus, Laz'arus. Lazily . Multi-Version Concordance Laz'arus
(16 Occurrences). Luke 16:20 and there was a certain poor ...
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Lazarus (19 Occurrences)

/l/lazarus.htm - 21k

Lazily (1 Occurrence)

/l/lazily.htm - 6k

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