Lazarus’s story is told in John 11:1-12:11
Who is Lazarus?
- A Resident of Bethany
- Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, along with his sisters Mary and Martha.
- Friend of Jesus
- Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus, which is evident from how Jesus reacted to his death.
- 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.
- 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
- Beloved Community Member
- Lazarus was obviously a beloved figure; many Jews came to comfort his sisters when he died.
- His Resurrection Strengthened Belief
- Lazarus coming back to life made many people believe in Jesus, fulfilling a purpose beyond his own life.
- Became a Living Testimony
- After his resurrection, Lazarus became a living testimony to the power and divinity of Jesus.
Weaknesses and Mistakes
- 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.
- Potential Passivity
- There may be an implied passivity, as he seems to be more acted upon than taking action himself.
Lessons from His Life
- God’s Timing
- Jesus intentionally waited before going to resurrect Lazarus, teaching that God’s timing is always perfect.
- 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.
- Life Beyond Death
- The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian belief in eternal life.
Key Verses (NIV)
- 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.”
- 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?'”
- 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.”