Lazarus Raised by Jesus

Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary, a close friend of Jesus. He died and was buried for four days before Jesus raised him from the dead, demonstrating His power over death.

1. Life in Bethanyc. 1-30 AD

   Lazarus lives in Bethany near Jerusalem with his sisters Mary and Martha. Their home becomes a frequent stopping place for Jesus, who loves this family. Bethany is about two miles from Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope.

   JHN 11:1, LUK 10:38-42

2. Illness and Deathc. 30 AD

   Lazarus becomes seriously ill. His sisters send word to Jesus: 'Lord, the one you love is sick.' Jesus deliberately delays two days, saying the illness will not end in death but is for God's glory. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been dead four days.

   JHN 11:1-17

3. Jesus Weepsc. 30 AD

   Martha and Mary each tell Jesus that if He had been there, their brother would not have died. Jesus sees Mary weeping and the mourning crowd. Deeply moved and troubled, Jesus weeps. His tears show both His humanity and His love for Lazarus.

   JHN 11:18-35

4. Raised from the Deadc. 30 AD

   At the tomb, Jesus commands the stone removed. Despite Martha's protest about the smell after four days, Jesus prays and calls out: 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man emerges, wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus commands: 'Unbind him and let him go.'

   JHN 11:38-44

5. Plot Against Lazarusc. 30 AD

   Many Jews believe in Jesus because of Lazarus. The chief priests decide to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus, because his living testimony draws crowds to faith. Lazarus becomes a marked man because he is living proof of Jesus' power.

   JHN 11:45, 12:9-11

6. Dinner with Jesusc. 30 AD

   Six days before Passover, a dinner is given in Jesus' honor at Bethany. Lazarus is among those reclining at table with Him. Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume while her brother sits as living testimony to resurrection power.

   JHN 12:1-3