In the Bible, Lazarus is a figure known for being raised from the dead by Jesus, as described in John 11:1-44. His name means “God has helped” or “God is my helper,” symbolizing divine intervention and the promise of resurrection.
Scripture
1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.
3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”
12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.”
13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep.
14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died,
15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.
16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.
18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.
20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
29 When she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him.
30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.
31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out. They followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.
32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.
34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”
35 Jesus wept.
36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”
38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.
43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”
44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Meaning of Lazarus in the Bible
The story of Lazarus, particularly in John 11:1-44, serves as a profound symbol of hope and divine assistance. His resurrection illustrates the power of Jesus over death, encapsulating the broader Christian belief in the promise of eternal life. When Jesus weeps at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:35), it demonstrates His deep compassion and the significance of human grief, revealing that God’s understanding of our suffering is intimate and profound. The act of raising Lazarus not only restores him to physical life but also signifies a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection, offering believers the assurance that death is not the end. This narrative reinforces the theological themes of faith, resurrection, and the transformative power of Jesus, where Lazarus’s return marks a pivotal moment in demonstrating the authority of Christ as the Son of God (John 11:25-26).
Moreover, Lazarus’s story invites believers to reflect on spiritual resurrection—the idea of moving from spiritual death to life through faith in Christ. In John 11:43-44, when Jesus calls Lazarus forth, it underscores the importance of responding to God’s call and emerging from the grave of sin and despair. The act of Jesus instructing the onlookers to “unbind him, and let him go” signifies the necessity of community in the journey of healing and restoration. This mirrors the Christian call to support one another, helping to free individuals from the bonds that keep them “bound” to their past circumstances. Ultimately, Lazarus’s narrative is a testament to God’s unwavering support in our spiritual journey, embodying the assurance that through belief in Christ, one can experience both the literal and metaphorical resurrection.
In addition to presenting Lazarus as a symbol of hope and divine assistance, his mention extends beyond the narrative of physical resurrection to evoke themes of repentance and renewal. The experience of Jesus’ friend Lazarus illustrates a transformative journey that believers can undertake, shedding the weight of former burdens and walking in newfound life. This spiritual metamorphosis is a recurring theme in scripture, where individuals who encounter Christ leave behind their former selves, much like Lazarus emerged from the tomb, unbound from the grave clothes. This calls to mind the New Testament’s teachings on baptism, serving as a symbol of death to sin and resurrection into a new life.
Lazarus also serves as a paradigm for the community of believers, highlighting the connectedness of faith within the body of Christ. His story calls attention to the necessity of fellowship and mutual support among believers as they navigate their own spiritual challenges. The communal aspect is particularly significant when considering how Jesus instructed those present to help unbind Lazarus, indicating that healing and restoration are often collective endeavors. This teaches that each believer plays a role in uplifting one another, weaving a fabric of community that reflects Christ’s love and compassion. Ultimately, the legacy of Lazarus emphasizes not just individual revival, but the communal journey towards hope, healing, and the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus.
Symbol of Resurrection and Hope
Lazarus represents the profound theme of resurrection in the Bible. His story illustrates the belief in life after death and the promise of eternal life, serving as a powerful reminder of hope for believers. The act of raising Lazarus from the dead signifies that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new existence, reinforcing the Christian faith in the resurrection of Jesus and the eventual resurrection of all believers.
Reflection of Human Suffering and Divine Compassion
Lazarus also embodies the human experience of suffering and the compassion of Jesus. His illness and subsequent death highlight the reality of human pain and mortality. However, Jesus’ response to Lazarus’ plight demonstrates divine empathy and the importance of community in times of grief. This narrative encourages believers to find solace in their faith during difficult times, knowing that they are not alone in their suffering.
Call to Faith and Belief
The story of Lazarus serves as a call to faith and belief in Jesus’ power. His resurrection is not just a miraculous event but also a challenge to those who witness it to deepen their faith. It emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the source of life and the one who has authority over death. This aspect of Lazarus’ story invites individuals to reflect on their own faith journeys and the transformative power of belief in Christ.
How to Embrace Resurrection for a Hopeful Faith
Embracing resurrection is at the heart of a hopeful faith, and it begins with understanding that resurrection is not just a one-time event but a transformative promise that permeates our daily lives. As we reflect on the resurrection of Christ, we are reminded that every setback can lead to a comeback, and every moment of despair can be a precursor to joy. To truly embrace this, we must cultivate a mindset of hope, allowing the truth of resurrection to shape our perspectives and actions. This means letting go of past failures and disappointments, trusting that God can bring new life to our circumstances. Engage in prayer and scripture, seeking to deepen your relationship with the risen Christ, and let His victory over death inspire you to live boldly and love generously. Remember, each day is an opportunity to rise anew, reflecting the light of hope that the resurrection brings into our lives and the world around us.
Bible References to the Meaning of Lazarus:
Luke 16:19-31: 19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’
25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house—
28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.