In brief
Lazarus is a resident of Bethany, brother of Martha and Mary, whom Jesus loved. He falls ill and dies, and Jesus arrives four days later. At the tomb, Jesus calls him by name and Lazarus comes out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth. This sign, reported in the Gospel of John, announces the victory of Jesus over death. It then draws many Jews, and the leaders also want to put him to death.
What does the name Lazarus mean?
Lazarus is the Greek form of the Hebrew Eleazar, generally linked to the idea God has helped. The Bible gives no direct explanation of it. Not to be confused with the poor Lazarus of the parable of the rich man, in Luke 16.
The story of Lazarus
A Sick Friend
John 11:1-3Lazarus is ill at Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha. The two sisters send word to Jesus that the one he loves is sick. The text does not say that they explicitly ask him to come, they simply entrust the situation to the one who knows Lazarus and loves him.
Jesus Waits Two Days
John 11:4-15Jesus declares that this illness is not unto death, but for the glory of God. John notes that he loved Martha, her sister and Lazarus, and yet he stays two days where he is. Then he tells his disciples that Lazarus is dead, and he is glad for them, so that they may believe.
Four Days in the Tomb
John 11:17-27On arrival, Jesus finds that Lazarus has already been in the tomb four days. Martha tells him that her brother would not have died if he had been there. Jesus answers that her brother will rise again and presents himself as the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in him will live, even if he dies.
Jesus Wept
John 11:33-37Seeing Mary and those with her weeping, Jesus is deeply moved in spirit and troubled. He asks where Lazarus has been laid. Then Jesus wept. Some say: see how he loved him. Others ask whether he could not have prevented his death. The compassion of Jesus and his power meet.
Lazarus, Come Out
John 11:38-44At the removed stone, Jesus gives thanks to the Father, then cries out in a loud voice to call Lazarus. The dead man comes out, hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus says: unbind him, and let him go. Lazarus is given back to life before everyone's eyes.
A Living Witness
John 12:1-2, 9-11Six days before Passover, a meal is given at Bethany and Lazarus is at the table with Jesus. A large crowd of Jews comes to see Jesus, but also Lazarus, whom he had raised. Because of him, many Jews believe in Jesus, and the chief priests decide to put Lazarus to death as well.
What Lazarus teaches us
- When Jesus delays, it is not that he forgets: he acts for the glory of God and so that you may believe.
- No situation is too dead for Jesus: four days in the tomb did not stop his power.
- Jesus weeps with those who suffer, before acting: he is both compassionate and all-powerful.
- A life given back by Jesus becomes a testimony that draws others to him.
Key verses
Jesus declares to Martha that he is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in him will live, even if he dies, and whoever lives and believes in him will never die. He asks her if she believes this.
The shortest verse in the Bible: Jesus wept. It shows the humanity of Jesus and his compassion for those who lose a loved one, even before he shows his power.
Jesus cries out in a loud voice and calls Lazarus by name. The dead man comes out, bound with strips of cloth. Jesus asks that he be unbound and let go. The word of Jesus has authority over death.
Sermons about Lazarus
Frequently asked questions
Why did Jesus wait before coming for Lazarus?
John 11:4 explains that this illness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified. Jesus loved Lazarus, and yet he stayed two more days. He waited so that his disciples would believe as they saw him show his power.
What does the name Lazarus mean?
Lazarus is the Greek form of the Hebrew Eleazar, generally linked to the idea God has helped. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. It should not be confused with the poor Lazarus of the parable in Luke 16.
Where can I find the story of Lazarus in the Bible?
It is told only in the Gospel of John: the illness, death and raising of Lazarus in John 11, then the meal at Bethany and the crowd who came to see him in John 12:1-11. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 is a different account.