The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead is a powerful miracle recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. Jesus arrived in Bethany to find His friend Lazarus had been in a tomb for four days. Proclaiming, ‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out, and he emerged, fully restored, demonstrating Christ’s divine authority over death itself.
Death casts a long, dark shadow over human existence, bringing grief and a sense of irreversible loss. Yet, Scripture records a moment when this seemingly unconquerable foe was defeated. At the authoritative command of the Son of God, the grave gave up its captive. This pivotal event, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, is one of the most breathtaking demonstrations of Jesus Christ’s divine power and His profound compassion.
In the eleventh chapter of John’s Gospel, we witness Jesus’ unwavering love for His friends, His intentional timing, and His glorious triumph over death. This story is far more than a historical anecdote; it is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It affirms Jesus’ identity as “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25) and offers a powerful glimpse into the hope of eternal life He promises to all who believe. Ultimately, it reminds us that Jesus is Lord over all—even death—and that His Word holds ultimate authority.
As we explore the account in John 11, this article will unpack the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. We will examine the circumstances surrounding this miracle, consider its profound spiritual lessons, and understand why this powerful narrative continues to strengthen the faith of believers today. Prepare to discover the depth of God’s love and the unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ.
What is the Biblical Account of Lazarus Being Raised from the Dead?
A Beloved Friend Falls Ill
The Gospel of John introduces us to a poignant moment in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, which was home to a family dearly loved by Jesus: Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha (John 11:1-2).
This was no mere acquaintance; Jesus cherished their friendship deeply, often finding rest and fellowship in their home. However, when news arrived that Lazarus had fallen gravely ill, his sisters sent a simple yet profound plea to Jesus: “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3).
This message expressed their complete faith in Jesus’ power. They trusted that His love for Lazarus and His divine ability were great enough to heal their brother.
Jesus’ Intentional Delay and Divine Purpose
Upon hearing the news, Jesus made a perplexing statement: “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory. Through it, the Son of God will be glorified” (John 11:4). He then deliberately remained where He was for two more days (John 11:6).
This delay was not out of indifference but was a purposeful act. Jesus knew the outcome and planned to demonstrate God’s ultimate power at the perfect time, even though His timing puzzled His disciples.
His intent was clear: to reveal His true identity, strengthen the faith of His followers, and glorify God the Father (John 11:15).
The Grief of Mary and Martha
When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, a devastating truth awaited Him: Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days (John 11:17). Within the Jewish tradition of a seven-day mourning period, this length of time signified a complete and irreversible death [source: My Jewish Learning: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/funeral-and-mourning-rituals/].
Martha, the first to meet Jesus, conveyed a deep sorrow mixed with a touch of reproach. “Lord,” she stated, “if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Despite her grief, her faith remained, as she quickly added, “But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (John 11:22).
Soon after, Mary came to Jesus and echoed her sister’s heartfelt lament (John 11:32). The sisters’ grief was palpable as they mourned their beloved brother, their sorrow shared by the many friends and relatives who had gathered to comfort them (John 11:31).
Jesus Wept: The Compassion of the Son of God
Witnessing their profound sorrow deeply moved Jesus. When He saw Mary weeping along with the others who had come with her, His spirit was troubled (John 11:33).
Then, in one of the Bible’s shortest and most powerful verses, the scripture says, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). This incredibly significant moment reveals the full humanity of our Lord. He was not aloof from suffering; He felt the pain of those He loved. His real tears demonstrated His immense compassion.
Even though Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, He grieved with them, fully entering into their sorrow. This act is a beautiful display of His tender heart for all humanity.
The Command: ‘Lazarus, Come Forth!’
Jesus then went to the tomb, which was a cave sealed with a large stone (John 11:38). When He commanded them to remove the stone, the ever-practical Martha protested, reminding Him that after four days, there would be an odor (John 11:39).
Jesus gently reminded her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). After a prayer of thanks to His Father, Jesus cried out with a loud, divine command:
- “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43)
Instantly, the impossible happened. Lazarus, who had been dead and buried, walked out of the tomb, still wrapped in his grave clothes (John 11:44). Jesus then instructed them, “Unbind him, and let him go” (John 11:44).
This miracle served as an undeniable testament to Jesus’ authority over life and death, powerfully affirming His identity as the Son of God, our Lord and Savior.
Where is the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead in the Bible?
The Exclusive Account in the Gospel of John
The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is a remarkable cornerstone of Christian faith. This profound miracle is recorded exclusively in the Gospel of John, specifically in chapter 11, verses 1 through 44.
John’s Gospel consistently presents Jesus as the divine Son of God, highlighting His miracles as “signs” that prove His deity. The raising of Lazarus is one of the most spectacular of these signs, revealing Jesus’ ultimate power over life and death. Furthermore, this act serves as a direct fulfillment of Jesus’ own declaration: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
The detailed narrative in John emphasizes several key aspects:
- Jesus’ relationship: The story highlights Jesus’ deep, personal love for Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha (John 11:5).
- Divine purpose: Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival so that God’s glory would be more fully revealed (John 11:4).
- Witness to His power: Because the miracle was public, it served as powerful testimony to Jesus’ divine identity (John 11:42).
This account, unique to John’s Gospel, underscores the theological significance of the event. It not only prepares readers for Jesus’ own death and resurrection but also serves as a vital part of John’s overall message: to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have eternal life through His name (John 20:31).
Why Isn’t This Miracle in Matthew, Mark, or Luke?
Many wonder why a miracle as significant as the raising of Lazarus is found only in the Gospel of John. The other gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are known as the Synoptic Gospels because they share many similar stories and perspectives. However, the absence of this account in the Synoptics does not diminish its truth or importance.
Several potential reasons, understood as Spirit-inspired, have been suggested:
- Different purposes and audiences: Each Gospel writer had a unique focus for their account.
- Matthew wrote primarily to a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the promised Messiah.
- Mark aimed his Gospel at Roman Gentiles, highlighting Jesus’ power and servanthood.
- Luke, a Gentile physician, wrote to Theophilus and a broader Gentile audience, presenting Jesus as the perfect Son of Man.
- John wrote later than the others with the specific purpose of revealing Jesus’ divinity and inspiring belief in Him as God’s Son (John 20:31). The raising of Lazarus was a perfect narrative to support this distinct focus [1].
- Selective nature of Scripture: The Bible itself states that not everything Jesus did was recorded. As John 21:25 declares, “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” This verse confirms that the Holy Spirit guided each author, helping them select the specific events needed to fulfill their divinely appointed purpose.
- Timing and potential danger: The raising of Lazarus occurred just outside Jerusalem, an event that greatly intensified the Jewish leaders’ plot to kill Jesus (John 11:47-53). Some scholars suggest that Matthew, Mark, and Luke, writing their accounts earlier, may have omitted the story to protect Lazarus and his family from persecution. By the time John wrote his Gospel many years later, this threat had likely passed, making it safer to include the event.
Ultimately, the Holy Spirit inspired each Gospel writer to faithfully record the events necessary for God’s redemptive plan. Though the accounts are distinct, they work together to provide a comprehensive and unified picture of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
What is the lesson of Lazarus raised from the dead?
A Clear Demonstration of Jesus’ Power Over Death
The raising of Lazarus from the dead is an unmistakable declaration of Jesus’ absolute authority over life and death itself. This miracle profoundly demonstrates His divine power, which was made clear by the fact that Lazarus had been dead for four days. His body was already decaying, a grim reality Martha confirmed when she told Jesus, “Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days” (John 11:39).
This crucial detail silences any doubt that Lazarus was merely unconscious or sick; he was undeniably deceased. His sisters, Mary and Martha, along with the grieving crowd, had witnessed his burial and knew he was gone. However, when Jesus spoke the simple, divine command, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43), Lazarus immediately emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in his grave clothes.
This was no trick but a clear, undeniable act of God, showing that Jesus possesses power beyond human comprehension as the Lord of all creation. Furthermore, it affirmed His unique identity as the Giver of life. This event solidified the faith of many, but it also enraged His enemies, ultimately leading them to plan His crucifixion, as we read in John 11:47-48.
A Foreshadowing of Christ’s Own Resurrection
While Lazarus’s resurrection was a powerful miracle, it also served as a profound foreshadowing, pointing directly to Jesus’ own future triumph over death. There is a key difference, however: Lazarus was brought back to mortal life and would eventually die again. In contrast, Jesus conquered death permanently, securing eternal victory for all who believe through His unique resurrection.
Jesus clearly stated this authority when He declared, “I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:17-18). This statement highlights His divine control. Whereas Lazarus was raised by Jesus’ power, Jesus would raise Himself by His own inherent power, demonstrating His co-equality with God the Father.
Therefore, the miracle of Lazarus serves as a significant sign that validates the future resurrection of Christ. It prepares our hearts and minds for that ultimate victory, strengthening our faith and assuring us that Jesus’ claims are true.
The Call to Believe: ‘I Am the Resurrection and the Life’ (John 11:25)
Perhaps the most profound lesson from this account comes from Jesus’ words to Martha: “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). This is not merely a statement about a future event but a present reality for all believers.
Consider the depth of this declaration:
- Jesus is the Source: He does not merely give resurrection and life; He is them. Life and victory over death flow directly from His being.
- Eternal Life Now: Believing in Jesus means receiving a spiritual life that transcends physical death. Our spirits remain alive in Him even when our earthly bodies fail.
- Victory Over Spiritual Death: The promise of salvation is that those who believe will never experience true, eternal spiritual death.
Jesus’ question to Martha—”Do you believe this?”—echoes down through the ages as a direct challenge to our faith. The raising of Lazarus served as the ultimate demonstration, confirming Jesus’ claim and validating His authority as the giver of eternal life. This miracle compels us to place our full trust in Him.
Understanding God’s Perfect Timing
The narrative of Lazarus’s resurrection also provides vital insight into God’s timing. Many, including Martha, questioned why Jesus delayed His arrival in Bethany. She told Him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21)—a sentiment revealing our common human desire for immediate solutions to our pain.
However, Jesus’ delay was intentional and served a divine purpose: “for God’s glory so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). By waiting until Lazarus was unequivocally dead for four days, Jesus ensured:
- The Magnitude of the Miracle: Waiting ensured there could be no doubt about Lazarus’s condition, which magnified the power of God.
- Greater Faith: The delay was meant to deepen the disciples’ understanding and strengthen their faith, as Jesus told them: “I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe” (John 11:15).
- Glorification of God: Most significantly, the miracle revealed God’s glory by pointing beyond Lazarus to the true source of life.
Therefore, this account teaches us to trust God’s sovereign plan and His perfect timing. Even in moments of delay or perceived absence, He is working for His glory and for our ultimate good. This truth encourages us to surrender our anxieties and rest in His unfailing wisdom.
How long did Lazarus live after he was resurrected?
What the Bible Tells Us
The Gospel of John gives a powerful account of Lazarus’s resurrection, but it does not state how long he lived afterward. While the exact length of his life remains unknown, Scripture confirms he was a living presence after Jesus raised him from the dead (John 11:1-44).
One notable event confirms Lazarus was alive and well after his resurrection. Just six days before Passover, Jesus returned to Bethany, the home of Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha (John 12:1). During a dinner held in Jesus’s honor, Lazarus was seen sitting at the table with Him (John 12:2).
Word of this miracle spread quickly. Crowds came to Bethany not only to see Jesus but also to see the man He had raised from the dead (John 12:9). Seeing Lazarus alive caused many to believe in Jesus, making his continued existence a direct and undeniable testament to Christ’s divine power.
This growing belief in Jesus troubled the chief priests, who then plotted to kill Lazarus. They saw his very existence as a threat, as he was living proof of a miracle that led many to put their faith in Christ (John 12:10-11). While Scripture does not record his eventual death, it is understood that Lazarus, like all humans, did die a second time.
The Lasting Impact of His Testimony
The significance of Lazarus’s life after his resurrection cannot be overstated. His very presence was a living sermon and a tangible witness to Jesus Christ’s authority over life and death. For this reason, his story continues to inspire believers today.
By rising from the tomb, Lazarus affirmed Jesus’s identity and mission. He became the living embodiment of Christ’s declaration: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). His life demonstrated that Jesus truly possessed the power He claimed.
Lazarus’s continued life also offered incredible encouragement to the early disciples. It proved that Jesus’s power was not a fleeting display but a real and lasting restoration of life. This strengthened the faith of believers and provided undeniable proof for those who doubted.
Ultimately, the story of Lazarus extends far beyond the miracle itself. It underscores the hope of eternal life offered through Jesus Christ, foreshadowing the glorious resurrection that awaits all believers. As “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), Jesus is Lord over all creation, including death. His triumph in the tomb of Lazarus solidifies our faith in His ultimate victory and our own future hope.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Raising of Lazarus
How many days was Lazarus dead before Jesus raised him?
According to the Gospel of John, Lazarus was dead for four days before Jesus raised him from the tomb.
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Martha told him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Later, at the tomb, she protested Jesus’s command to move the stone, saying, “Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been dead four days” (John 11:39).
The four-day detail is significant. In Jewish culture at the time, it was believed a soul might linger near the body for three days. By the fourth day, however, death was considered irreversible, and decay had begun [2]. By raising Lazarus after four days, Jesus demonstrated His absolute power over a death that was beyond any doubt, confirming His divine authority.
What Bible verse tells of Lazarus being raised from the dead?
The miraculous account of Lazarus’s resurrection is told exclusively in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. This chapter provides a complete narrative of the miracle, from the events leading up to it to the moments immediately following.
Key verses that specifically describe the resurrection include:
- John 11:43: “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!'”
- John 11:44: “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.'”
These verses powerfully demonstrate Jesus’ authority over life and death, reinforcing His claim as “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
Why did Jesus weep for Lazarus if He knew He would resurrect him?
The shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35, simply states: “Jesus wept.” This poignant moment is deeply significant, revealing both Jesus’ perfect humanity and His profound divine compassion.
Even though He knew He would soon raise Lazarus, Jesus shed tears for several reasons:
- Deep Empathy and Love: Jesus saw the profound grief of Mary, Martha, and the other mourners. Because He loved them deeply (John 11:5), He shared in their sorrow. His tears show His genuine empathy for human suffering (Hebrews 4:15).
- Grief Over Sin’s Impact: Jesus knew He would conquer death, but He also grieved over death itself. Death is an enemy, a result of sin (1 Corinthians 15:26). Seeing its devastating effects on those He loved brought Him sorrow.
- His Human Nature: Jesus was fully human as well as fully divine. He experienced real emotions. His tears affirm His complete identification with humanity, experiencing joy, sorrow, and pain just as we do.
Jesus’ tears do not suggest a lack of faith in His own power. Instead, they beautifully portray His perfect love and compassion for us in our broken world, assuring us that He understands our suffering.
What does John 16:33 mean in relation to suffering and hope?
John 16:33 offers powerful comfort and perspective on suffering. In it, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This verse reveals two crucial truths:
- Acknowledgement of Suffering: Jesus is honest about life. He plainly states, “In this world you will have trouble.” The story of Lazarus confirms this, as even Jesus’ close friends faced sickness, death, and grief. Our trials are not a surprise to Him.
- Promise of Overcoming Hope: Despite the certainty of trouble, Jesus offers a confident command: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The raising of Lazarus is a powerful preview of this victory, showing Jesus’ complete authority over death.
This verse teaches that believers find peace not in the absence of trouble, but in a steadfast assurance through Christ. Because Jesus, the Lord of life, has conquered sin and death, we have hope. His own resurrection, which was foreshadowed by the raising of Lazarus, serves as the ultimate guarantee of this hope (1 Peter 1:3).