The Raising of Lazarus: Story Summary and Meaning

The story of the raising of Lazarus in the Gospel of John is an important moment in the life and legacy of Jesus Christ.

The Raising of Lazarus Story Summary

A man named Lazarus was sick and his sisters Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus, their friend, about his illness.

Jesus traveled to Bethany in Judea where people wanted to kill him. His disciples objected, but Jesus explained that Lazarus was dead (asleep) and God's glory would be shown through him.

Martha and Mary were upset that Lazarus died before Jesus got there. Jesus explained that Lazarus would rise again, but Martha thinks that he meant on the last day.

Jesus wept, then went to the tomb and called for Lazarus to come out despite the doubters.

Lazarus came out wearing burial cloths, but alive again. The people there who had come to comfort his sisters came to believe in Jesus that day.

The Meaning of the Raising of Lazarus Story

1. Jesus weeps for us.

"Jesus wept" is the shortest verse in the Bible, but one of the most powerful. Whether he wept in sorrow or joy, the fact remains that Jesus weeps for us. He loves us.

2. Jesus promises our resurrection.

He told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life" and if we believe in him we will never die. Why? Because as Martha proclaims, Jesus is the Christ and Son of God in our world.

3. God's glory is revealed in the death and resurrection.

Death is a great sadness, but God reveals his glory through the hope of salvation and the rising from the dead.

CONNECT WITH THE RELIGION TEACHER:

CONNECT WITH JARED:

ARE YOU A RELIGIOUS EDUCATOR? CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES:

[Rahel]

Amen we are so blessed to have a Father who loves us so much

[jeffengstrom]

The story of Lazarus shows us to our souls will rise the moment we die. The rest of the story is told in Luke 16.