Jesus Raises Lazarus From Death

The incident of Lazarus' death and resurrection appears only in the Gospel of John (John 11:1-44). This miracle sparked immense fury and hatred toward Jesus and Lazarus from the Pharisees.

Lazarus was a friend of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha. This was the same Martha who sat at Jesus' feet to learn from Him. Lazarus and his sisters all lived together in Bethany, which was located in Judea, south of the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem.

Lazarus' death occurred in the final year before Jesus' crucifixion. At this time, Jesus' denunciation of hypocrisy and corruption in Jewish worship and teachings was stirring great opposition. The many miracles He had performed were fueling the fire of jealousy and envy among His critics.

As a result, Jesus found it necessary to leave the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem to escape persecution. He was beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist had first baptized, when He received a message that His friend Lazarus was sick. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick." (John 11:3)

Upon hearing this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4)

However, Jesus delayed for two more days before going to Bethany. He then told His disciples that Lazarus was asleep, but they did not understand that He meant Lazarus had died. Jesus clarified, telling them plainly that Lazarus was dead and that He was going to Bethany in Judea to awaken him.

Jesus' decision to return to Judea was met with great concern from His disciples. They knew how much hatred was rising against Him and reminded Him that the Jews had recently attempted to stone Him.

To calm their fears, Jesus reminded them that His mission was not yet complete and that divine providence was at work. He asked them, "Are there not twelve hours in a day?" (John 11:9)

By this, He meant that just as a day follows a set course according to God's plan, so too would His life unfold according to God's perfect timing. Jesus and His disciples then set out for Bethany.

Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary

When they arrived, they found that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Before Jesus reached the house, Martha came to meet Him and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21)

Jesus reassured her, saying, "Your brother will rise again." (John 11:23)

Martha, misunderstanding His words, replied, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." (John 11:24)

Jesus then made one of His most powerful declarations about Himself, His divinity, and His resurrection power:

"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)

Martha responded, "Yes, Lord. I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." (John 11:27)

When Jesus arrived at the house, He met Mary and those who had come to console her. Seeing their grief, He was deeply moved. The shortest verse in the Bible describes His response simply: "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)

Jesus then asked where Lazarus had been buried. They led Him to the tomb, and He requested that the stone be removed. Martha, concerned about the smell, said, "Lord, by this time there will be a bad odor, for he has been there four days." (John 11:39)

Jesus replied, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said,

"Father, I thank You that You have heard me. I knew that You always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent me." (John 11:41-42)

After saying this, Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"

Immediately, the dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

The news of Lazarus' resurrection spread everywhere, and many believed in Jesus because of it. Lazarus became a powerful testimony to the power and grace of God throughout his life.

This remarkable event teaches us that with God, all things are possible. If Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead, He can raise you from your lowest point to your greatest height, where your light will shine and never diminish.

Thank you for reading. God bless you!