Who is Lazarus in the Bible?

Lazarus is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John. His story, which is found in John 11:1-44, is one of the most compelling narratives in the Bible, illustrating the themes of faith, resurrection, and the divine authority of Jesus Christ. Lazarus, whose name means "God has helped," is a resident of Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, and the brother of Mary and Martha. His story is not just a tale of a miraculous event but a profound theological statement about Jesus' identity and mission.

Lazarus first appears in John 11, where he is described as being gravely ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send a message to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick" (John 11:3, NIV). This statement highlights the close relationship between Jesus and Lazarus, indicating that Lazarus was not just a casual acquaintance but someone whom Jesus deeply cared for. Despite receiving the urgent message, Jesus does not immediately go to Bethany. Instead, He stays where He is for two more days, explaining to His disciples that Lazarus' sickness "will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4, NIV).

This delay is perplexing but purposeful. Jesus tells His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up" (John 11:11, NIV). The disciples misunderstand, thinking Jesus is talking about natural sleep, but He clarifies, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him" (John 11:14-15, NIV). This statement sets the stage for a miraculous demonstration of Jesus' power over life and death, intended to strengthen the faith of His followers.

When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead and in the tomb for four days. This detail is crucial because, in Jewish tradition, it was believed that the soul stayed near the body for three days after death, hoping to return. By the fourth day, there would be no doubt that Lazarus was truly dead, making the miracle even more astounding. Martha meets Jesus and expresses her grief, saying, "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" (John 11:21-22, NIV). Jesus responds with one of the most profound declarations in the New Testament: "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 11:25-26, NIV).

Martha affirms her faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Mary also comes to Jesus, weeping, and He is deeply moved by the sorrow of the sisters and those mourning with them. Jesus asks to be taken to Lazarus' tomb and, in a moment of profound empathy, He weeps (John 11:35, NIV). This shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept," reveals His deep compassion and humanity.

At the tomb, Jesus commands that the stone be removed. Martha hesitates, concerned about the odor of a body that has been dead for four days, but Jesus reassures her: "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40, NIV). After a prayer thanking God for hearing Him, Jesus calls out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43, NIV). To the astonishment of all present, Lazarus emerges, still wrapped in his grave clothes. Jesus instructs them to "take off the grave clothes and let him go" (John 11:44, NIV).

The raising of Lazarus is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John. It serves as a powerful sign pointing to Jesus' divine authority and foreshadows His own resurrection. This miracle leads many to believe in Jesus, but it also intensifies the opposition from the religious leaders, who see Jesus as a threat to their authority. They plot to kill Him, as well as Lazarus, because "on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him" (John 12:11, NIV).

Theologically, the story of Lazarus underscores several key points. First, it affirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God, who has power over life and death. His declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," is a cornerstone of Christian belief, emphasizing that eternal life is found in Him. Second, it illustrates the importance of faith. Both Martha and Mary express their belief in Jesus, even in the face of their brother's death. Their faith is rewarded with a miraculous demonstration of God's glory.

Moreover, the story of Lazarus highlights the compassionate nature of Jesus. His weeping shows that He is not indifferent to human suffering but deeply moved by it. This empathy is a reminder that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, able to understand and share in our grief.

In Christian literature, Lazarus' story has been explored and interpreted in various ways. For example, in "The Raising of Lazarus" by John Donne, the poet reflects on the miracle as a symbol of spiritual awakening and the transformative power of Christ. Similarly, C.S. Lewis, in his writings, often alludes to the themes of death and resurrection, drawing parallels to the story of Lazarus to illustrate the hope of eternal life in Christ.

Lazarus also appears in a parable told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 16:19-31). In this parable, Lazarus is a poor man who suffers in life but is comforted after death, while a rich man who ignored his plight suffers in Hades. Although this Lazarus is likely a different individual from the one in John 11, the use of the same name may not be coincidental. Both stories emphasize themes of reversal of fortune, divine justice, and the hope of resurrection.

In conclusion, Lazarus is a multifaceted figure in the Bible whose story is rich with theological significance. His resurrection by Jesus is not just a miraculous event but a profound revelation of Jesus' divine authority and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. Lazarus' story invites us to reflect on our own faith, the nature of Jesus' compassion, and the hope we have in the resurrection. Through Lazarus, we see a vivid demonstration of the power and love of God, compelling us to trust in Jesus as the source of life and hope.