Lazarus is a significant figure in the Bible, appearing in two distinct contexts in the New Testament.
1. **Lazarus of Bethany (John 11:1–44; John 12:1–11):**
This Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha, who lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. He is most famously associated with the miracle of his resurrection by Jesus. Lazarus fell gravely ill, and his sisters sent word to Jesus, asking for his intervention. However, Jesus deliberately delayed going to Bethany and arrived four days after Lazarus had died and was placed in a tomb. Demonstrating His power over death, Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb with the words, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43), and Lazarus rose from the dead. This event not only pointed to Jesus’ divine authority but also prefigured His own resurrection.
In John 12:1–11, Lazarus appears again, alive and reclining at a dinner given in Jesus’ honor. His resurrection caused many to believe in Jesus, but it also intensified the plans of the chief priests to kill both Jesus and Lazarus.
2. **Lazarus in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31):**
This Lazarus is part of a parable told by Jesus. He was a poor and sickly beggar who sat outside the gate of a wealthy man, hoping for scraps of food. Upon their deaths, the rich man was sent to Hades, a place of torment, while Lazarus was carried by angels to “Abraham’s bosom,” a place of comfort. The rich man begged for relief and urged that Lazarus be sent back to warn his family, but he was told that they had Moses and the Prophets to guide them. This story teaches lessons about social justice, the finality of judgment, and the importance of heeding God’s Word.
Although the two accounts involve individuals sharing the same name, Lazarus in the parable is generally viewed as a symbolic character, while Lazarus of Bethany is a historical figure closely connected to Jesus’ ministry. Both stories emphasize themes like faith, resurrection, and the reversal of earthly fortunes in God’s kingdom.