Raising of Lazarus
The raising of Lazarus is a pivotal miracle recorded in the Gospel of John where Jesus brings his friend Lazarus back to life after he had been dead and buried for four days in Bethany. Despite warnings and the grief of Lazarus's sisters Mary and Martha, Jesus arrives and publicly calls Lazarus out of the tomb, demonstrating his authority over death even after decomposition had begun. This event strengthens the faith of many witnesses and serves as a powerful sign of Jesus' divine power, directly leading to increased opposition from religious authorities who then plot to kill him. It also foreshadows Jesus' own resurrection and underscores his claim to be the resurrection and the life.
Did You Know?
Despite warnings and the grief of Lazarus's sisters Mary and Martha, Jesus arrives and publicly calls Lazarus out of the tomb, demonstrating his authority over death even after decomposition had begun.
This event strengthens the faith of many witnesses and serves as a powerful sign of Jesus' divine power, directly leading to increased opposition from religious authorities who then plot to kill him.
This event is dated to approximately c. AD 30 in biblical chronology.
Key figures involved: Jesus, Lazarus, Martha.
This took place at or near Bethany.
Key Passage
Raising of Lazarus
John 11:38-44
38esus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Meanwhile in the World
The Roman Empire is at its peak under Augustus and Tiberius (Pax Romana). Rome controls the entire Mediterranean world. Roads, common language (Greek), and peace make travel and communication easy - the 'fullness of time.' Herod the Great rules Judea as a client king.