Lazarus

Q: Why did Jesus wait until Lazarus died?

Jesus stated that Lazarus' illness was 'for God's glory.' By waiting until he had been dead four days (when Jews believed the soul had departed completely), Jesus demonstrated power over death itself. A healing would have been remarkable; a resurrection after four days was unmistakable proof of divine power.

Q: What happened to Lazarus after his resurrection?

Scripture last mentions Lazarus at the dinner with Jesus in Bethany, where authorities plotted to kill him because his testimony drew many to faith. Church tradition suggests he lived many more years and may have become a bishop in Cyprus. His fate is not recorded in Scripture.

Q: Is this Lazarus the same as the beggar in Jesus' parable?

The rich man and Lazarus parable (Luke 16) features a different Lazarus. The parabolic Lazarus was a poor beggar who died and was comforted in Abraham's bosom. Lazarus of Bethany was likely prosperous, as his family hosted elaborate dinners and owned expensive perfume. The shared name appears coincidental.

Raised by Jesus

New Testament

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.

Character Traits

Beloved by JesusLiving TestimonySilent Witness

Life Timeline

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Relationships

Jesus ChristAlly

Friend - Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters deeply. Scripture says 'Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.' Jesus wept at his tomb and raised him after four days, demonstrating both human friendship and divine power.

Key Locations

Bethany

Bethany was Lazarus' home village, about two miles from Jerusalem. Here Jesus raised him from the dead after four days. The village became associated with Jesus' greatest miracle before His own resurrection.

Jerusalem

Lazarus' resurrection near Jerusalem drew many to believe in Jesus and intensified the religious leaders' plot against both Jesus and Lazarus. The proximity to Jerusalem made his testimony especially powerful and threatening to authorities.

Spiritual Lessons

Jesus' Delays Have Purpose

Jesus deliberately delayed coming until Lazarus was dead four days, beyond any doubt of death. What seemed like abandonment was actually setting up a greater display of glory. God's timing may seem late, but His purposes are perfect.

Jesus Weeps with Us

Jesus wept at Lazarus' tomb even though He knew He would raise him. He entered into human grief rather than dismissing it. Jesus does not stand apart from our sorrows but weeps with us in our pain.

Resurrection Changes Everything

Lazarus' resurrection made him both a testimony to believers and a threat to unbelievers. Encountering resurrection power changes everything. Those raised spiritually with Christ become witnesses whose lives cannot be ignored.

Key Verses

John 11:1-44 John 12:1-2

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus wait until Lazarus died?+

What happened to Lazarus after his resurrection?+

Is this Lazarus the same as the beggar in Jesus' parable?+

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