Topical Encyclopedia Lazarus, a significant figure in the New Testament, is primarily known for being the subject of one of Jesus Christ's most remarkable miracles: his resurrection from the dead. This event is recorded in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 11:1-44. Lazarus was a resident of Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, and the brother of Mary and Martha, who were also close friends of Jesus.Biblical Account: The narrative 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 deliberately delays 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 results in Lazarus's death, which Jesus refers to as "falling asleep," indicating His intention to raise him (John 11:11). 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, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). This profound declaration underscores the central Christian belief in Jesus as the source of eternal life. At the tomb, Jesus weeps, demonstrating His compassion and humanity (John 11:35). He then commands the stone to be removed and calls Lazarus forth, resulting in Lazarus emerging from the tomb, alive and still bound in grave clothes (John 11:43-44). This miracle not only affirms Jesus' divine authority over life and death but also foreshadows His own resurrection. Theological Significance: Lazarus's resurrection serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. It illustrates His power over death and His role as the giver of life, reinforcing the hope of resurrection for all believers. This event also precipitates the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Cultural and Historical Context: In the cultural context of first-century Judea, the miracle of raising Lazarus would have been seen as a profound sign of divine intervention. Jewish beliefs about the afterlife and resurrection were varied, but the Pharisees, a prominent religious group, did believe in the resurrection of the dead. This miracle would have resonated deeply with those who held such beliefs, while also challenging the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection. Legacy and Influence: Lazarus's story has had a lasting impact on Christian theology and art. It is often cited in discussions of life after death and the power of faith. The account of Lazarus is celebrated in various Christian traditions, particularly during the liturgical season of Lent, as a prelude to the celebration of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus. In summary, Lazarus's resurrection is a pivotal event in the New Testament, highlighting Jesus' divine authority and the promise of eternal life for believers. It remains a cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing hope and the triumph of life over death. Nave's Topical Index John 11:43,44And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. Nave's Topical Index Library The Voice that Waked the Dead --The Children of the Kingdom. The Resurrection of Lazarus, Four Days Dead "Lazarus, Come Forth" Dives and Lazarus The Rich Man and Lazarus. The Man Born Blind, and Lazarus. Passages Referring to Bethany in the Sacred Narrative. Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life A Preacher from the Dead The Feast at Simon's House Resources What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said "Let the dead bury the dead" (Luke 9:60)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of the Dead? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms |
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