Lazarus was a man from Bethany who lived with his two sisters, Martha and Mary. They were some of Jesus’ closest friends. Lazarus’ remarkable story is recorded in the Gospel of John. It tells of how after having been dead for four days and buried in a tomb, Jesus raises him from the dead. Jesus returns to Bethany when he hears of Lazarus’ illness, but he curiously delays for two days knowing that Lazarus’ situation is dire. He tells the Apostles that Lazarus has died, and that this has been allowed for the glory of God and so that they themselves might believe. Both Martha and Mary have interactions with Jesus as he approaches their home, in which they confess to fully believing that Jesus could have saved their brother. Martha even goes so far as declaring that Jesus is the Christ and that even now, he would be able to perform a miracle. Jesus is moved to tears by the situation which culminates when he commands Lazarus before many witnesses to come out of the Tomb. He does, and many of the people put their faith in Jesus that day. Some of them, however, reported what happened to the Jewish authorities who began plotting to kill him.
John 11:1–44
Verses 1–16: Jesus learns Lazarus is sick and delays going.
Verses 17–37: Jesus arrives after Lazarus has died; Martha and Mary express their grief.
Verses 38–44: Jesus goes to the tomb, prays, and calls Lazarus out of the grave.
The most famous moment is in John 11:43–44, where Jesus commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb, and Lazarus emerges alive.
Patron of:
The Sick, Lepers, The Poor, Gravediggers, Undertakers
Feast Day:
July 29
Illustration by: Colton Rompala