(story told in John 11:1-12:11)
Lazarus lived in the village of Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. They were close friends of Jesus, and He often visited their home. One day, Lazarus became very sick, and his sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” But instead of coming right away, Jesus waited two days, saying that the illness would bring glory to God. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for four days.
When Jesus came to Bethany, Martha went out to meet Him. Though grieving, she said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give You whatever You ask.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.” Martha believed, trusting that Jesus had power even over death.
Mary then came, weeping, and Jesus was deeply moved by her sorrow. He asked where Lazarus had been laid, and when He saw the tomb, He too wept—showing His deep compassion for His friends. Then, standing before the tomb, Jesus prayed and called out, “Lazarus, come out!” To everyone’s amazement, Lazarus walked out alive, still wrapped in his burial cloths.
This miracle became a powerful sign of Jesus’ divine authority and love. Many people who witnessed it began to believe in Him.
Later, Lazarus joined his sisters at a dinner in Jesus’ honor, a living testimony to God’s power. His story reminds us that even when all seems lost, Jesus brings life, hope, and restoration. In Him, death itself is defeated.