Lazarus of Bethany – A Friend Beloved of Christ
In the quiet village of Bethany, nestled near Jerusalem, lived a family held dear to the heart of Jesus Christ: Martha, Mary, and their brother, Lazarus. Their home served as a sanctuary for the Lord, a place where He found respite and fellowship. The Gospel of John paints a vivid picture of this unique bond, stating simply yet profoundly, "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." (John 11:5). This familial affection sets the stage for one of the most astonishing miracles recorded in the Scriptures, a testament to Christ's power over death itself and a profound revelation of His divine nature. The story of Lazarus's resurrection is not merely an account of a man brought back to life; it is a narrative rich with theological depth, revealing Jesus as "the resurrection, and the life," and underscoring the glory of God.
The Sickness, Delay, and Divine Purpose
The peace of Bethany was shattered when Lazarus fell gravely ill. His sisters, knowing Jesus' deep affection for their brother, sent an urgent message to Him, stating, "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick." (John 11:3). One might expect Jesus to rush immediately to His beloved friend's side. However, Jesus' response was unexpected and seemingly delayed. Upon hearing the news, He declared, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." (John 11:4). Following this declaration, Jesus remained in the same place for two more days (John 11:6). This deliberate delay was not indifference but a calculated divine strategy. Jesus knew that by the time He arrived, Lazarus would not merely be sick, but undeniably dead, having been in the tomb for four days (John 11:17). This extended period of death would remove any doubt that the subsequent miracle was a genuine resurrection, not merely a recovery from illness. The purpose was clear: to magnify the glory of God and affirm Jesus' identity as the Lord of life and death.
Encountering Grief and Declaring Truth
When Jesus finally approached Bethany, He was met first by Martha, who, with a mixture of faith and sorrow, uttered the poignant words, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." (John 11:21). Yet, even in her grief, she clung to a glimmer of hope, adding, "But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." Jesus then delivered one of the most profound declarations in all of Scripture: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" (John 11:25-26). Martha's response was a beautiful confession of faith: "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." (John 11:27). Mary then arrived, repeating her sister's lament, and at the sight of her tears and the weeping of the Jews with her, Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and "wept" (John 11:35). This shortest verse in the Bible reveals Jesus' profound compassion and His empathy with human suffering, even as He held the power to eradicate it.
The Miracle at the Tomb
Arriving at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled against its entrance, Jesus commanded, "Take ye away the stone." (John 11:39). Martha, ever practical, protested, citing the decay after four days. But Jesus gently reminded her of His earlier promise: "Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). With the stone removed, Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed, not as one asking for power He lacked, but as one acknowledging His perfect unity with the Father and doing so for the benefit of those watching: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 11:41-42). Then, with a loud voice, He issued the life-giving command that echoed through the tomb and across the ages: "Lazarus, come forth!" (John 11:43). And astonishingly, Lazarus, still bound in grave clothes, emerged from the tomb. Jesus then instructed the onlookers, "Loose him, and let him go." (John 11:44). The resurrection of Lazarus was a public, undeniable demonstration of Jesus' absolute authority over death.
The Aftermath: Witness and Opposition
The resurrection of Lazarus had immediate and far-reaching consequences. Many of the Jews who witnessed the miracle believed in Jesus (John 11:45). However, others, instead of embracing faith, reported the event to the Pharisees and chief priests, who were already plotting against Jesus. The Jewish leaders convened a council, expressing their fear: "What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation." (John 11:47-48). In a chilling twist of irony, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, unwittingly prophesied Jesus' atoning death: "it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." (John 11:50). From that day forward, the plot to kill Jesus intensified (John 11:53). Lazarus himself became a living, breathing testament to Jesus' power, drawing many curious onlookers. This led the chief priests to conspire to put Lazarus to death as well, "because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus." (John 12:10-11). Lazarus's very existence was a threat to their authority, a constant reminder of Christ's miraculous power.
Theological Implications and Enduring Lessons
The story of Lazarus is replete with profound theological truths:
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Lazarus
Lazarus, the man Jesus raised from the dead, fades from the biblical narrative after this pivotal event, but his story continues to resonate through the ages. He stands as a monumental figure, a living testament to the unparalleled power and compassion of Jesus Christ. His resurrection is not just an ancient historical event; it is a timeless declaration of hope. It reminds us that no situation is too dire, no death too final, for the Lord of life. For those who believe, Jesus offers not merely a temporary reprieve from physical death, but eternal life, a spiritual resurrection that begins now and extends into eternity. The narrative of Lazarus compels us to consider our own spiritual state: are we bound by the grave clothes of sin, or have we heard the voice of the Life-Giver and come forth into newness of life? The story of Lazarus beckons all to believe in Jesus, the One who holds the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18), the One who truly is "the resurrection, and the life."