Bible Figure
Lazarus of Bethany
subject of a prominent miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Lazarus of Bethany was the brother of Martha and Mary and a beloved friend of Jesus. After Lazarus died and had been in the tomb four days, Jesus called him back to life in one of John's most dramatic signs.
Biography
John 11 introduces Lazarus as a man of Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha. When he became ill, the sisters sent word to Jesus that the one He loved was sick. Jesus delayed His arrival and Lazarus died. Martha met Jesus and expressed confidence that God would grant what He asked; Jesus declared, 'I am the resurrection and the life.' Mary later came weeping, and Jesus was deeply moved. At the tomb Jesus ordered the stone removed despite Martha's concern that four days had passed. After praying to the Father, Jesus cried out for Lazarus to come forth, and the dead man emerged still wrapped in burial cloths. Many witnesses believed, while others reported the event to the Pharisees, helping precipitate the council's decision to seek Jesus' death. John 12 later shows Lazarus reclining at table with Jesus in Bethany. Because many people were believing in Jesus on account of Lazarus, the chief priests also planned to kill Lazarus.
Biblical Significance
Lazarus is central to John's presentation of Jesus as the resurrection and the life. His restoration anticipates Jesus' own resurrection while also intensifying the opposition that leads toward the crucifixion.