Lazarus

*Lazarus’s story is told in John 11:1-12:11

Who is Lazarus?

  1. A Resident of Bethany
    • Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, along with his sisters Mary and Martha.
  2. Friend of Jesus
    • Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus, which is evident from how Jesus reacted to his death.
  3. Subject of a Major Miracle
    • Lazarus was dead for four days before Jesus resurrected him, a significant event in the New Testament showcasing Jesus’ divine powers.
  4. Different from the Lazarus in the Parable
    • It’s worth noting that the Lazarus in John’s Gospel is a different person from the Lazarus featured in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.

Strengths and Accomplishments

  1. Beloved Community Member
    • Lazarus was obviously a beloved figure; many Jews came to comfort his sisters when he died.
  2. His Resurrection Strengthened Belief
    • Lazarus coming back to life made many people believe in Jesus, fulfilling a purpose beyond his own life.
  3. Became a Living Testimony
    • After his resurrection, Lazarus became a living testimony to the power and divinity of Jesus.

Weaknesses and Mistakes

  1. Limited Information
    • We actually don’t know a lot about Lazarus’s personal weaknesses or mistakes, as the Bible doesn’t delve into these aspects of his life.
  2. Potential Passivity
    • There may be an implied passivity, as he seems to be more acted upon than taking action himself.

Lessons from His Life

  1. God’s Timing
    • Jesus intentionally waited before going to resurrect Lazarus, teaching that God’s timing is always perfect.
  2. The Power of Faith and Friendship
    • The close friendship between Lazarus, his sisters, and Jesus, as well as their faith, holds lessons for the strength and importance of these elements in our own lives.
  3. Life Beyond Death
    • The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian belief in eternal life.

Key Verses (NIV)

  1. John 11:43-44
    • “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.”
  2. John 11:25-26
    • “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”
  3. John 12:9-11
    • “Meanwhile, a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there [in Bethany] and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.”