Topical Encyclopedia The miracle of the raising of Lazarus is one of the most profound and significant events in the ministry of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' divine authority over life and death but also serves as a pivotal moment that foreshadows His own resurrection. The account is found in John 11:1-44.Context and Setting Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, resided in the village of Bethany, near Jerusalem. The family was known to be close friends of Jesus, as indicated by the deep love and affection He had for them. When Lazarus fell ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick" (John 11:3). Despite the urgency of the message, Jesus remained where He was for two more days, explaining to His disciples that the sickness would not end in death but was for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it (John 11:4). The Journey to Bethany After the two-day delay, Jesus announced His intention to return to Judea, despite the disciples' concern about the hostility He faced there. Jesus explained that Lazarus had "fallen asleep," and He was going to awaken him (John 11:11). When the disciples misunderstood, He clarified plainly, "Lazarus is dead" (John 11:14). Thomas, also called Didymus, expressed a willingness to accompany Jesus, even if it meant facing death (John 11:16). Arrival and Interaction with the Sisters Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Martha, upon hearing that Jesus was coming, went out to meet Him. In her conversation with Jesus, she expressed her faith that if He had been there, her brother would not have died, yet she also affirmed her belief in the resurrection at the last day (John 11:21-24). Jesus responded with the profound declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). Martha affirmed her faith in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God (John 11:27). Mary, upon meeting Jesus, echoed her sister's sentiment, and her weeping, along with that of the Jews who accompanied her, deeply moved Jesus. The shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept" (John 11:35), reveals His compassion and empathy for human suffering. The Miracle at the Tomb Jesus approached the tomb, a cave with a stone laid across the entrance, and instructed that the stone be removed. Despite Martha's concern about the odor of decay, Jesus reminded her of His earlier promise that she would see the glory of God if she believed (John 11:40). After a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father, acknowledging that He always hears Him, Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). The dead man emerged, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and Jesus instructed those present to "Unbind him and let him go" (John 11:44). Significance and Aftermath The raising of Lazarus is a testament to Jesus' power over death and a prelude to His own resurrection. It served to strengthen the faith of His disciples and many others who witnessed the miracle. However, it also intensified the opposition from the religious leaders, who saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and began plotting His death (John 11:45-53). This miracle underscores the central Christian belief in Jesus as the source of eternal life and the hope of resurrection for all who believe in Him. Nave's Topical Index John 11:1-54Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. Nave's Topical Index Library The Resurrection of Lazarus. --The Prayer of Christ. (John, xi. ... The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ... The Death of Lazarus. --Christ's Conversation with Martha (John ... "Lazarus, Come Forth" The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Seventh Miracle in John's Gospel --The Raising of Lazarus The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus. What Jesus Says of the Meaning of his Miracles The Raising of the Dead. Resources What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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