Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe account of Jesus and Lazarus is a profound narrative found in the Gospel of John, which reveals significant aspects of Jesus' divine nature, His authority over life and death, and His deep compassion for humanity. The account of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, serves as a pivotal moment in the New Testament, illustrating the power and glory of God through Jesus Christ. The Relationship with Lazarus Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, resided in the village of Bethany, near Jerusalem. The Gospel of John highlights the close relationship between Jesus and this family. In John 11:5, it is written, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." This affection underscores the personal nature of Jesus' ministry and His genuine care for individuals. The Illness and Death of Lazarus The narrative begins with Lazarus falling gravely ill. His sisters send word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick" (John 11:3). Despite the urgency, Jesus remains where He is for two more days, declaring, "This sickness will not end in death, but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). This statement foreshadows the miraculous event to come and emphasizes the divine purpose behind Lazarus's illness. The Journey to Bethany After two days, Jesus decides to return to Judea, despite the disciples' concerns about the hostility He faced there. Jesus explains, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up" (John 11:11). The disciples misunderstand, thinking Lazarus is merely resting, but Jesus clarifies, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe" (John 11:14-15). This journey to Bethany sets the stage for a profound demonstration of Jesus' power. The Encounter with Martha and Mary Upon arriving in Bethany, Jesus is met by Martha, who expresses her faith in Him, 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), leading to a theological exchange about the resurrection. Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25), revealing His identity as the source of eternal life. Mary, too, approaches Jesus with deep sorrow, and her weeping, along with that of the mourners, moves Jesus deeply. In John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, it is recorded, "Jesus wept." This moment highlights Jesus' empathy and His shared grief with humanity. The Raising of Lazarus Arriving at the tomb, Jesus commands the stone to 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). After praying to the Father, Jesus calls out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). Miraculously, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still bound in grave clothes, and Jesus instructs those present to "Unbind him and let him go" (John 11:44). The Aftermath and Significance The raising of Lazarus leads many to believe in Jesus, as noted in John 11:45, "Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him." However, it also intensifies the plot against Jesus by the religious leaders, who fear His growing influence. This event is a testament to Jesus' divine authority and foreshadows His own resurrection. It serves as a powerful revelation of His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God, who holds power over life and death. Nave's Topical Index John 11:4,11,23,40When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Nave's Topical Index Library Some Peculiarities of John's Gospel. Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act. The Doctrine of the Apostolic Church Texts Explained; Eleventhly... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Against the Heresy of one Noetus. The Evidences of Christianity, Deduced from the New Testament ... Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful The Doctrine of the Last Things. 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 |
    |