Context and Setting:
The event of Jesus approaching the tomb is a significant moment in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 11:1-44. This passage details the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, which serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority over life and death. The setting is in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, where Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, resided. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of mourning and despair, as Lazarus had been dead for four days.

Narrative Account:
Upon hearing of Lazarus's illness, Jesus initially delays His visit, stating, "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). This delay is purposeful, setting the stage for a greater revelation of His power and identity.

When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, He is met by Martha, who expresses her faith in His ability to heal, yet laments that He did not arrive sooner. Jesus reassures her, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). This profound statement underscores His role as the source of both physical and spiritual life.

Mary, Lazarus's other sister, also approaches Jesus, weeping. Moved by the sorrow of Mary and the mourners, Jesus Himself weeps, demonstrating His deep compassion and empathy. This moment is captured in the shortest verse of the Bible, "Jesus wept" (John 11:35), highlighting His genuine humanity and His shared grief with those He loves.

Approach to the Tomb:
As Jesus approaches the tomb, a cave with a stone laid across the entrance, He commands that the stone be removed. Martha hesitates, concerned about the odor of decay, but Jesus reminds her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). This interaction emphasizes the necessity of faith in witnessing the miraculous works of God.

The Miracle:
With the stone removed, Jesus lifts His eyes and prays, thanking the Father for hearing Him. This public prayer serves to affirm His divine mission and connection with the Father, ensuring that the crowd understands the source of His power. He then calls out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). At His command, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still bound in grave clothes, alive and restored.

Theological Significance:
The raising of Lazarus is a pivotal miracle that foreshadows Jesus' own resurrection. It serves as a powerful demonstration of His authority over death and His identity as the Son of God. This event not only strengthens the faith of His followers but also intensifies the opposition from the religious leaders, ultimately leading to the plot to arrest and crucify Him.

Impact on Believers:
For believers, this account reinforces the hope of resurrection and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It illustrates the profound truth that Jesus is the source of life and that through Him, death is not the end but a passage to eternal communion with God. The narrative invites believers to trust in Jesus' power and to find comfort in His compassion and empathy in times of sorrow and loss.