Topical Bible: Family: Good: Lazarus of Bethany

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Topical Encyclopedia

Lazarus of Bethany is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his close relationship with Jesus Christ and his miraculous resurrection from the dead. He is primarily mentioned in the Gospel of John, where his account serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority and compassion.

Background and Family

Lazarus lived in the village of Bethany, located near Jerusalem. He was the brother of Mary and Martha, who are also prominent figures in the New Testament. The family is depicted as being close to Jesus, suggesting a deep, personal relationship. This is evident in John 11:5, which states, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus."

The Illness and Death of Lazarus

The account of Lazarus begins with his illness, which prompts his sisters to send word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). Despite the urgency, Jesus delays His visit, explaining to His disciples that the sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God (John 11:4). This delay results in Lazarus' death, which sets the stage for one of Jesus' most profound miracles.

The Resurrection of Lazarus

Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus is met by Martha, who expresses her faith in His power, saying, "But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him" (John 11:22). Jesus assures her that her brother will rise again, leading to His declaration, "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 weeps, demonstrating His deep compassion and empathy (John 11:35). He then proceeds to the tomb, where He commands Lazarus to come out. In a miraculous display of divine power, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, alive and restored (John 11:43-44).

Significance and Impact

The resurrection of Lazarus is a pivotal event in the Gospel of John, illustrating Jesus' authority over life and death and foreshadowing His own resurrection. It serves as a catalyst for belief among many witnesses, as noted in John 11:45: "Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him."

However, this miracle also intensifies the opposition from the religious leaders, who see Jesus as a threat to their authority. The raising of Lazarus becomes a turning point that accelerates the plot to arrest and crucify Jesus (John 11:53).

Legacy

Lazarus' account is a profound example of faith, love, and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. It highlights the importance of family bonds and the hope of eternal life through belief in Jesus. Lazarus of Bethany remains a symbol of the promise of resurrection and the assurance of Jesus' victory over death.

Nave's Topical Index

John 11:1-5
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Family of Lazarus. --Martha and Mary; their Different
... The Family of Lazarus."Martha and Mary; their different. ... finding all the cares of
the family thrown upon her ... 620] and Mary hath chosen that good part (that ...
/.../section 229 the family of.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus.
... were offensive to him, or that the family might be ... cannot realize that "All things
work for good to them ... understand this as an assurance that Lazarus shall be ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

"Lazarus, Come Forth"
... He knew that many now weeping for Lazarus would die in ... the death of Abel, the conflict
between good and evil ... pierced with the pain of the human family of all ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 58 lazarus come forth.htm

Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
... says Neander, "in the midst of a family drowned in ... It was part of the miracle that
Lazarus came out ... may have gone to the Pharisees with good intentions toward ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciii peraea to bethany raising.htm

Closing Hours.
... are to us, unsanctified;"receiving back our Lazarus from the ... it ours to follow Him
through good and through ... Like the Bethany family, let us mourn His absence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xx closing hours.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... surely if Jesus loves this dear little family, the next ... being blamed, that he spake
like a good soldier of ... For "When Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had been ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

The Anointing of Jesus.
... Lazarus and his sisters may have been in sufficiently good circumstances to ... of ointment
had cost as much as would keep a labouring man's family for a year ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/i the anointing of jesus.htm

The Message.
... recorded the affection Jesus bore for that honoured family. ... In His own good time
sweet tones of celestial ... are indeed the child of God, as Lazarus was, remember ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/v the message.htm

Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus.
... dead, and shut up in the tomb of his family. ... had loved; and, the stone being removed,
Lazarus came forth ... arguments in support of its thesis when good ones do ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxii machinations of the.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus.
... of Abraham; while the Jews, who enjoyed so good a portion ... two, three, four, or five,
and these family groups were ... Even when Lazarus died at Bethany, he said to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvi the rich man and.htm