Biblical Reference: The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 11, verses 1-44.

Context and Setting: The event takes place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, where Lazarus lived with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This miracle occurs shortly before Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem, setting the stage for the culmination of His earthly ministry.

Narrative Overview: The account begins with Jesus receiving news that Lazarus, whom He loves, is ill. Despite the urgency, Jesus deliberately delays 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). This delay serves a divine purpose, allowing for a greater demonstration of His power and authority over life and death.

Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus finds that Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Martha meets Him and expresses 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 assures her, "Your brother will rise again" (John 11:23), and declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).

Mary, along with other mourners, also approaches Jesus, expressing her grief. Deeply moved, Jesus weeps, demonstrating His compassion and empathy for human suffering. He then proceeds to the tomb, commands the stone to be removed, and prays to the Father, thanking Him for hearing His prayer. With a loud voice, Jesus calls out, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in burial cloths, and Jesus instructs those present to "Unbind him and let him go" (John 11:44).

Theological Significance: This miracle is a profound testament to Jesus' divine authority and His identity as the Son of God. It prefigures His own resurrection and underscores His power over death, offering a foretaste of the eternal life promised to all who believe in Him. The raising of Lazarus also serves as a catalyst for the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, as it intensifies the opposition from the religious leaders who perceive Him as a threat to their authority.

Faith and Belief: The account emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the source of life. Martha's confession of faith, even in the face of death, exemplifies the trust that believers are called to have in Christ's promises. Jesus' declaration as the "resurrection and the life" invites believers to place their hope in Him, assuring them of victory over death and the promise of eternal life.

Impact on Witnesses: The miracle had a profound impact on those who witnessed it, leading many to believe in Jesus. However, it also intensified the hostility of the Pharisees and chief priests, who convened a council to plot Jesus' death, fearing the loss of their influence and the potential repercussions from the Roman authorities.

Cultural and Historical Context: In Jewish tradition, the belief was that the soul lingered near the body for three days after death, making the fourth day significant as it marked the point of no return. By raising Lazarus on the fourth day, Jesus demonstrated His power in a way that defied cultural expectations and underscored the miraculous nature of the event.

Conclusion: The raising of Lazarus is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, highlighting Jesus' divine authority and foreshadowing His own resurrection. It serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and life found in Christ, encouraging believers to trust in His promises and to live in the light of His victory over death.