Topical Bible: Families: 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 the brother of Mary and Martha, and together they form a family that exemplifies faith, hospitality, and devotion to Jesus.

Biblical Account

The primary account of Lazarus is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, lived in the village of Bethany, near Jerusalem. This family was known for their hospitality and their close friendship with Jesus. John 11:5 states, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." This verse highlights the special bond between Jesus and this family, indicating a deep personal affection.

The Illness and Death of Lazarus

Lazarus fell gravely ill, prompting his sisters to send word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). Despite the urgency, Jesus 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 demonstration of divine power.

The Resurrection of Lazarus

Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Martha expressed her faith in Jesus, saying, "But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him" (John 11:22). Jesus assured her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).

Moved by the sorrow of Mary and the mourners, Jesus wept (John 11:35), demonstrating His compassion and empathy. He then proceeded to the tomb, commanded the stone to be removed, and called out, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). Lazarus emerged, alive, and Jesus instructed those present to "Unbind him and let him go" (John 11:44).

Significance and Impact

The resurrection of Lazarus is a pivotal miracle that underscores Jesus' authority over life and death, serving as a precursor to His own resurrection. It also solidified the faith of many witnesses and intensified the opposition from the religious leaders, who saw Jesus as a threat to their authority (John 11:45-53).

Family Dynamics

The family of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha is often highlighted for their faith and hospitality. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha is depicted as serving Jesus, while Mary sits at His feet, listening to His teaching. This account illustrates the balance of service and devotion, with Jesus affirming Mary's choice to prioritize spiritual nourishment.

Legacy

Lazarus' resurrection is celebrated as a testament to the power and glory of God. The family of Bethany is remembered for their unwavering faith and their role in the life and ministry of Jesus. Their account continues to inspire believers to trust in Jesus' power over life and death and to cultivate a personal relationship with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... or vault, as is customary in great families) and a ... the company, seems to have lost
that good frame which ... to take a view of her brother Lazarus; Jesus therefore ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

The Anointing of Jesus.
... Lazarus and his sisters may have been in sufficiently good ... eyed children"in a word,
starving families who might be ... a man's ransom on a mere good smell, while ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/i the anointing of jesus.htm

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

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... Was He a good man; had He wrought those great ... such - and there would be few families
that did not ... concealment Christ came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... The dwellings of the other families were all scattered about ... Jesus on His long journeys
after the raising of Lazarus. ... The two Apostles did a good deal of work ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... from El-Azir, the Arabic name of Lazarus); in the ... It was not that many good people
here, as in ... The great sacerdotal families, the Boethusim, the family of Hanan ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

Last Week of Jesus.
... Lazarus was seated at the table, and attracted much ... Meanwhile, the good and upright
soul of Peter was ... that in certain primitive Christian families this latter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxiii last week of.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... consisted of the unmarried brother Eleazar, or Lazarus, and his ... who dwelt together
in unity so good and pleasant ... and even so the best of families must feel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Yet Speaking.
... and which now hold Him, as the graveclothes held Lazarus. ... It is good to cultivate
simple tastes ... and Last Suppers in the ordinary meals, and Holy Families in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xvi yet speaking.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... animal world, in the hearts of all good men, and I ... the Holy Land and intermarried
with the families of the ... whole period between the raising of Lazarus and Palm ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm