Saint Lazarus is a disciple and friend of Jesus raised from the dead by Jesus. He was the brother of Martha and Mary, and resided in Bethany, a suburb of Jerusalem, Israel. No mention is made in the New Testament of his activities after being brought back to life, but several traditions survive. In one, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary go to France, where he became the first bishop of Marseilles, before being martyred. In other traditions, Lazarus and his sisters went to Cyprus, where he became bishop of Kition, or Lamaka. Still another legend reports that he went to Syria. His supposed relics were translated to Constantinople and numerous churches were built in his honor.
Devotion to Lazarus was commonplace in the early Church.
[Inside the Tomb of Lazarus, with the burial chamber at lower right (© Welcometohosanna.com)]
Lazarus was one of the few friends of Jesus Christ who was mentioned by name in the Gospels. In fact, we’re told Jesus loved him.
Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, sent a messenger to Jesus to tell him their brother was sick. Instead of rushing to Lazarus’ bedside, Jesus remained where he was two more days.
When Jesus finally arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had been dead and in his tomb four days.
Jesus ordered that the stone over the entrance be rolled away, then Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
The Bible tells us little about Lazarus the person. We don’t know his age, or his occupation. No mention is made of a wife, but we can assume Martha and Mary were widowed or single because they lived with their brother. We do know Jesus stopped at their home with his disciples and was treated with hospitality. (Luke 10:38-42, John 12:1-2)
Jesus’ raising of Lazarus back to life marked a turning point. Some of the Jews who witnessed this miracle reported it to the Pharisees, who called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. They began to plot Jesus’ murder.
Rather than acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah because of this miracle, the chief priests also plotted to kill Lazarus to destroy the proof of Jesus’ divinity. We are not told whether they carried out that plan. Lazarus is not mentioned again in the Bible after this point.
The account of Jesus raising Lazarus occurs only in the Gospel of John, the gospel that most strongly focuses on Jesus as the Son of God. Lazarus served as an instrument for Jesus to provide indisputable proof that he was the Savior.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LAZARUS
Lazarus provided a home for his sisters which was characterized by love and kindness.
He also served Jesus and his disciples, supplying a place where they could feel safe and welcome. He recognized Jesus not just as a friend but as Messiah. Finally, Lazarus, at the call of Jesus, came back from the dead to serve as witness to Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God.
LAZARUS’ STRENGTHS
Lazarus was a man who showed godliness and integrity. He practiced charity and believed in Christ as Savior.
LIFE LESSONS
Lazarus placed his faith in Jesus while Lazarus was alive. We too must choose Jesus before it’s too late.
By showing love and generosity to others, Lazarus honored Jesus by following his commands.
Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the source of eternal life. He no longer raises people from the dead as he did Lazarus, but he promises bodily resurrection after death to all who believe in him.
KEY VERSES
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “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?” (NIV)
John 11:35
Jesus wept. (NIV)
John 11:49-50
Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” (NIV)
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