Who Was Lazarus in the Bible?
Quick Summary
Lazarus was a man from Bethany whom Jesus raised from the dead, according to the Gospel of John. He is remembered not for words he spoke but for the way his life and death reveal Jesus’ authority over death. Lazarus’s story highlights themes of friendship, grief, resurrection, and belief.
Introduction
Lazarus appears only in the Gospel of John, yet his story occupies a central place in the narrative of Jesus’ ministry. The account of his death and restoration is the final and most dramatic sign performed by Jesus before the events leading to the crucifixion. Through Lazarus, the Gospel presents a concrete demonstration of Jesus’ claim to be the resurrection and the life.
Although Lazarus himself says nothing in the narrative, his presence shapes the actions of others, including Jesus, his sisters, and the religious authorities. His story functions as both revelation and provocation.
Lazarus of Bethany
Lazarus lived in the village of Bethany, near Jerusalem, with his sisters Mary and Martha (John 11:1). The Gospels portray this household as one of friendship and hospitality. Jesus is described as loving Lazarus and his sisters, indicating a close personal relationship rather than a distant encounter.
Bethany’s proximity to Jerusalem places Lazarus’s story near the political and religious center of Judea. This location heightens the tension surrounding the miracle that follows.
Illness and Death
When Lazarus becomes ill, his sisters send word to Jesus, expecting his help. Jesus delays his arrival, allowing Lazarus to die and be buried. By the time Jesus reaches Bethany, Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days (John 11:17).
This delay is central to the narrative. It frames the event not as a healing but as a confrontation with death itself. The story emphasizes finality, making what follows unmistakable.
Jesus’ Response to Grief
Upon arriving, Jesus encounters the grief of Mary, Martha, and the surrounding community. The Gospel records that Jesus is deeply moved and weeps at the tomb (John 11:33–35).
This moment reveals Jesus’ compassion and solidarity with human suffering. Even as he prepares to act with divine authority, he fully enters the experience of loss.
The Raising of Lazarus
Jesus orders the stone to be removed from the tomb and calls Lazarus by name. Lazarus emerges alive, still wrapped in burial cloths (John 11:38–44).
The miracle is described with restraint rather than spectacle. Its significance lies not in dramatic detail but in what it reveals about Jesus’ identity and power. By calling Lazarus out of the grave, Jesus demonstrates authority over death itself.
Reaction and Consequences
The raising of Lazarus provokes divided responses. Many who witness the event believe in Jesus. Others report it to the religious authorities, intensifying opposition to him.
According to the Gospel of John, this miracle directly contributes to the decision to put Jesus to death (John 11:45–53). Lazarus’s restoration becomes the catalyst for the final conflict.
Lazarus as a Sign
In John’s Gospel, miracles are described as signs that point beyond themselves. Lazarus’s resurrection serves as a sign revealing Jesus as the giver of life and foreshadowing his own resurrection.
Unlike earlier signs, this one occurs near Jerusalem and cannot be easily dismissed. It forces a decision about who Jesus is and what his presence means.
Lazarus After the Miracle
Lazarus appears again briefly in John 12, where he is present at a meal honoring Jesus. The Gospel notes that many people come not only to see Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
Religious leaders consider killing Lazarus as well, since his existence continues to draw people toward belief (John 12:9–11). His life remains a living testimony.
Distinguishing Lazarus from Other Figures
Lazarus of Bethany should not be confused with the Lazarus in Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). That figure is part of a teaching story, while Lazarus of Bethany is presented as a historical individual.
The shared name highlights different theological purposes within the Gospels.
Why Lazarus Matters in the Bible
Lazarus matters because his story brings together grief, friendship, and divine power. His restoration reveals that Jesus’ concern extends to personal relationships and real human loss.
Through Lazarus, the Gospel of John presents resurrection not as an abstract hope but as a lived reality that provokes belief, resistance, and decision.
Works Consulted
Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John I–XII. Anchor Yale Bible Commentary. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1966, pp. 424–454.
Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2003, pp. 846–870.
Moloney, Francis J. The Gospel of John. Sacra Pagina Series. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1998, pp. 311–330.
The New Revised Standard Version Bible. National Council of Churches, 1989.
FAQ
Is Lazarus mentioned in all four Gospels?
No. Lazarus of Bethany appears only in the Gospel of John.
How long was Lazarus dead before Jesus raised him?
According to John 11:17, Lazarus had been dead for four days.
Is Lazarus the same person as the Lazarus in Jesus’ parable?
No. The Lazarus in Luke 16 is a character in a parable and should not be identified with Lazarus of Bethany.
Why was the raising of Lazarus so controversial?
The miracle occurred near Jerusalem and drew many people to believe in Jesus, prompting religious leaders to move toward his execution.
