The resurrection of Lazarus is one of the most profound miracles recorded in the Christian Bible. Found in the Gospel of John, chapter 11, this event is often discussed not only for its supernatural elements but also for the questions it raises about faith, merit, and divine intervention. A recurring question among readers and theologians is: What, if anything, did Lazarus do to deserve being resurrected by Jesus?
The Story of Lazarus: A Brief Overview
Lazarus was a resident of Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem. He lived with his sisters, Mary and Martha, who were known to be close friends of Jesus. According to John 11, Lazarus fell seriously ill. His sisters sent word to Jesus, hoping he would come and heal Lazarus. However, Jesus delayed his visit, and by the time he arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead for four days.
In a dramatic scene, Jesus approached the tomb where Lazarus was laid, wept with the mourners, and then commanded Lazarus to come out. To the amazement of all, Lazarus emerged alive, still wrapped in burial cloths. This miracle not only restored Lazarus to life but also served as a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus, foreshadowing his own resurrection.
Did Lazarus Deserve to Be Resurrected?
A close reading of the biblical narrative reveals that the text does not attribute Lazarus’s resurrection to any specific merit or action on his part. The passage does not record Lazarus performing any extraordinary deeds, acts of faith, or displays of righteousness that would make him uniquely deserving of such a miracle. Instead, the focus of the story is on the relationship between Jesus and the family, as well as the broader purpose of the miracle.
The Focus on Relationship, Not Merit
One key detail in John 11 is the repeated emphasis on the love Jesus had for Lazarus and his sisters. The text specifically states, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus" (John 11:5, NIV). When the sisters send for Jesus, they say, "Lord, the one you love is sick" (John 11:3). This highlights that the resurrection of Lazarus was not a reward for good behavior or personal achievements, but rather an act grounded in relationship and love.
This aspect is significant in the context of Christian theology, which frequently emphasizes that God’s actions are motivated by grace and love rather than human merit. The miracle serves as a demonstration of Jesus’s compassion and his deep connection to those he cared about.
The Purpose Behind the Miracle
Another layer to the story is the purpose Jesus himself articulates for the miracle. When news comes that Lazarus is sick, Jesus says, "This 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). Later, before raising Lazarus, Jesus prays to God and says, "I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me" (John 11:42).
These statements clarify that Lazarus’s resurrection was not primarily about rewarding Lazarus. Instead, it was meant to reveal Jesus’s divine authority, inspire faith in those who witnessed it, and glorify God. The miracle was a sign pointing to a greater spiritual truth, rather than a transactional reward for merit.
Lazarus as an Example of Grace
If anything, Lazarus becomes an example of grace—a core concept in Christian thought. Grace is understood as unearned favor, something given freely by God rather than earned by works. Lazarus, who was dead and unable to do anything to help himself, was restored to life purely by the initiative of Jesus. This mirrors the Christian belief that salvation is a gift from God, not the result of human effort.
The passivity of Lazarus in the story is often highlighted by theologians as symbolic. He does not petition for a miracle, nor does he demonstrate any particular virtue in the narrative. His resurrection is entirely the result of Jesus’s action, underscoring the message that God’s grace can reach people regardless of their status, actions, or abilities.
The Role of Mary and Martha’s Faith
While Lazarus himself does not appear to take any action in the story, his sisters play a more active role. Both Mary and Martha express their faith in Jesus, though they also reveal their grief and confusion at his delay. Martha, in particular, demonstrates faith when she declares, "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).
The Broader Message of the Lazarus Story
The raising of Lazarus is more than a miraculous event—it is a sign, in the language of the Gospel of John. It points to Jesus’s power over death and serves as a prelude to his own resurrection. The story invites readers to consider what it means to believe in Jesus, to trust in his timing, and to recognize that miracles serve a greater purpose than personal reward.
Lessons for Today
For modern readers, the story of Lazarus offers several important lessons:
- God’s actions are motivated by love and grace, not human merit.
- Miracles in the Bible often serve a larger purpose, pointing to greater spiritual truths.
- Faith is important, but God’s grace can act independently of human effort.
- In times of suffering and loss, trusting in God’s character and purpose can bring hope.
Conclusion
Lazarus did not do anything to deserve being resurrected in the sense of earning it through his actions. His resurrection was an act of divine love, intended to reveal Jesus’s authority and inspire faith in the community. The story emphasizes themes of grace, relationship, and the greater purposes behind miracles. For Christians, it serves as a reminder that God’s greatest gifts are given not because of what we do, but because of who God is.
