Lazarus is a significant figure in the New Testament, most known for being raised from the dead by Jesus in the Gospel of John. The name Lazarus refers to two separate people in the Bible.
Lazarus of Bethany
The most well-known Lazarus is Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha. Lazarus and his sisters were close friends of Jesus, and Jesus would often stay at their home when he visited Jerusalem (John 11:1). Lazarus became seriously ill, and his sisters sent word to Jesus to come urgently because “the one you love is sick” (John 11:3). However, Jesus delayed going to them for two days, saying that Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death but was for God’s glory (John 11:4).
By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days. Both Mary and Martha expressed sadness that Jesus had not come sooner, saying “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). Jesus asked to be taken to Lazarus’ tomb, and once there, he commanded the stone to be rolled away. Jesus then called out “Lazarus, come forth!” and miraculously Lazarus walked out of the tomb alive (John 11:43-44). This astonishing miracle was a pivotal event that increased belief in Jesus as the Son of God but also led to increased opposition from the Jewish leaders who began plotting to kill him (John 11:45-53).
This story underscores Jesus’ power over death and foreshadows his own death and resurrection. It also affirms the promise of resurrection for all believers. The raising of Lazarus is the climactic seventh sign in John’s gospel that points to Jesus as the Messiah.
Key Details
- Lazarus lived in Bethany near Jerusalem with his sisters Mary and Martha
- Jesus had a close relationship with Lazarus and his sisters
- Lazarus became ill and died before Jesus arrived
- He had been buried for 4 days when Jesus raised him from the dead
- This astonishing miracle increased faith in Jesus
- It also increased opposition from Jewish leaders in Jerusalem
The Beggar Lazarus
A different Lazarus is depicted in one of Jesus’ parables in Luke 16:19-31. Jesus told a story about a selfish rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus who sat outside the rich man’s home. The beggar Lazarus was covered with sores and longed to eat the scraps from the rich man’s table. But the rich man did not help him (Luke 16:20-21).
They both died, and the angels carried the beggar Lazarus to heaven to be with Abraham. The rich man went to Hades and was in torment. He begged for mercy and asked if Lazarus could be sent to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue (Luke 16:23-24). But Abraham explains that a great chasm separates them, and the rich man’s fate is fixed (Luke 16:26).
Jesus used this parable to illustrate the dangers of loving money and ignoring the poor. The beggar Lazarus was the righteous one who went to heaven while the uncaring rich man suffered. Jesus commanded his followers to care for those in need.
Key Details
- This Lazarus was a poor beggar covered in sores
- He sat begging outside a rich man’s home
- The rich man never helped Lazarus in his life
- After death, Lazarus went to heaven while the rich man went to Hades
- Jesus used this story to teach about caring for the poor
Significance and Meaning
Together these two accounts in the Bible showcase the character Lazarus. The resurrection of Lazarus of Bethany shows Jesus’ power over death and God’s glory. This miraculous sign points to Jesus as the Messiah. The parable features a beggar named Lazarus and condemns neglecting the poor and hungry. This Lazarus is an example of the lowly who receive eternal rewards.
The name Lazarus comes from the Hebrew Eleazar meaning “God has helped.” Both Lazaruses likely represent the lowly whom God helps. One Lazarus was a poor beggar who found eternal life with God. The other Lazarus experienced resurrection through the power of Christ. God brought help to both in their distress.
These biblical accounts featuring Lazarus underscore God’s concern and care for the poor and suffering. They also showcase Jesus’ authority to give life to both the dead and the downtrodden. The Lazaruses remind us to serve the “least of these” with compassion as we live out our faith.
Other Key Passages
A few other minor biblical passages provide additional context about Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha:
- John 12:1-2 – Jesus had dinner at Lazarus’ home in Bethany after raising him from the dead.
- John 12:9-11 – Many people came to see the risen Lazarus and believed in Jesus because of him.
- Luke 10:38-42 – Jesus visited Mary and Martha’s home and Martha was distracted by serving while Mary sat listening to Jesus.
Overall, the figure of Lazarus demonstrates Jesus’ compassion for the hurting and his divine power over death. The resurrection of Lazarus and the parable featuring Lazarus display God’s care for the poor and downtrodden. This biblical figure holds theological significance related to the Messianic mission of Christ.