What happened to Lazarus in the Bible?

The account of Lazarus appears primarily in the Gospel of John and stands out as one of the most dramatic miracles performed by Jesus. This blog post will explore who Lazarus was, what happened to him, and why his story remains significant for believers and readers today.

Who Was Lazarus?

Lazarus was a resident of Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem. He lived with his two sisters, Mary and Martha, who were also prominent figures in the Gospel narratives. The family appears to have been close friends with Jesus. Their home was a place where Jesus found hospitality, comfort, and loyal companionship. The Gospel of John describes them as people whom Jesus loved, emphasizing a special relationship between Lazarus’ family and Jesus.

The Illness and Death of Lazarus

The story of Lazarus is recounted in John 11:1-44. It begins with Lazarus falling seriously ill. Mary and Martha, aware of the severity of his condition and of Jesus’ healing power, send word to Jesus: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Their message expresses both hope and urgency, revealing their faith in Jesus’ ability to heal their brother.

Surprisingly, upon receiving the message, Jesus does not rush to Bethany. Instead, he remains where he is for two more days. He tells 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.” This statement sets the stage for what is to come, indicating that the unfolding events will serve a greater purpose than immediate relief.

After the two-day delay, Jesus tells his disciples that Lazarus has “fallen asleep,” a common biblical euphemism for death. The disciples misunderstand, thinking Lazarus is simply resting, but Jesus clarifies: “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.” This moment highlights a central theme of the narrative—faith that grows through witnessing the power of God.

Jesus Arrives in Bethany

By the time Jesus and his disciples arrive in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days. This detail is significant: Jewish belief held that the soul might linger near the body for three days, but by the fourth day, death was considered completely irreversible. Lazarus’ body has been placed in a tomb, and mourning rituals are underway.

Martha, upon hearing that Jesus is near, goes out to meet him. Her greeting is a mixture of sorrow and faith: “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.” Jesus replies with a profound declaration: “Your brother will rise again.” Martha, understanding this in the context of the general resurrection at the end of time, affirms her belief. But Jesus responds with one of the most powerful statements 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.”

Mary, Lazarus’ other sister, also comes to Jesus, expressing the same grief and faith as Martha. She falls at his feet, weeping, and is joined by others who mourn with her. Deeply moved, Jesus himself weeps—a moment that reveals his empathy and humanity. The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), captures the depth of his compassion.

The Miracle: Lazarus Raised from the Dead

Jesus approaches the tomb, a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. He instructs those present to remove the stone. Martha, concerned about the smell after four days, hesitates, but Jesus encourages her to believe. The stone is rolled away.

Jesus prays aloud, thanking God for hearing him and expressing that his prayer is for the benefit of the crowd, “that they may believe that you sent me.” Then, with a loud voice, Jesus calls out, “Lazarus, come out!”

To the astonishment of everyone present, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in the burial cloths. Jesus instructs those nearby, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” This moment, the raising of Lazarus, is the climax of the story—a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority over death and a sign of his divine identity.

The Significance of the Lazarus Miracle

The raising of Lazarus is more than just a dramatic miracle; it carries deep theological and spiritual meaning. First, it serves as a sign pointing to Jesus’ divinity and his power over life and death. Throughout John’s Gospel, miracles are called “signs” that reveal Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. The Lazarus miracle is the seventh and final sign before Jesus’ own death and resurrection, making it a pivotal event in the narrative.

Second, the story of Lazarus prefigures Jesus’ own resurrection. While Lazarus is brought back to earthly life and will die again, Jesus’ resurrection will lead to eternal life. The miracle foreshadows the hope Christians have in the resurrection and eternal life through Christ.

Third, the narrative is a profound exploration of faith and doubt, grief and hope. Martha and Mary express both disappointment and trust in Jesus, mirroring the human experience of suffering and the struggle to hold onto faith in difficult times. Jesus’ response—his words, his weeping, and ultimately his miracle—offers comfort and assurance of God’s love and power.

The Aftermath: Consequences and Reactions

The raising of Lazarus does not go unnoticed. Many witnesses believe in Jesus because of what they have seen. However, the miracle also intensifies the opposition to Jesus from the religious authorities. The Gospel of John reports that the chief priests and Pharisees, alarmed by Jesus’ growing influence and popularity, plot to kill him. Ironically, the act of giving life to Lazarus sets in motion the events leading to Jesus’ own death.

Lazarus himself becomes a living testimony to Jesus’ power. In John 12, we read that Lazarus is present at a dinner given in Jesus’ honor, and that many come not only to see Jesus but also Lazarus, “whom he had raised from the dead.” This further aggravates the religious leaders, who even consider killing Lazarus as well to suppress this powerful evidence of Jesus’ authority.

Other References to Lazarus in the Bible

It’s important to note that there is another Lazarus mentioned in the Gospels, in a parable told by Jesus in Luke 16:19-31. This Lazarus is a poor man who dies and is taken to Abraham’s side, while a rich man who ignored him in life suffers in Hades. While the two share a name, they are different figures. The Lazarus of John 11 is a real person whose resurrection is presented as a historical event, while the Lazarus of Luke 16 is a character in a parable.

The Legacy of Lazarus’ Story

Theologically, the Lazarus narrative affirms core Christian beliefs about resurrection, eternal life, and the compassion of God. It challenges believers to trust in Jesus even when hope seems lost, and to believe that God can bring life out of death and joy out of sorrow.