St. Lazarus of Bethany: The Friend Jesus Raised from the Dead
Quick answer
St. Lazarus lived in Bethany, near Jerusalem, with his sisters Martha and Mary. Jesus loved them and often stayed in their home. When Lazarus died, Jesus came four days later, wept at his tomb, and raised him from the dead, the greatest of His signs in John's Gospel. Since 2021, the Church celebrates Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus together on July 29.
Key takeaways
- John's Gospel says simply, "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister Mary, and Lazarus" (John 11:5).
- Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life."
- The shortest verse in the Bible is "Jesus wept" (John 11:35).
- The chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many believed on his account.
The story of Lazarus is one of the most human scenes in the Gospels. It shows us Jesus as a friend who grieves, and as the Lord who has power over death.
A Home in Bethany
Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village about two miles from Jerusalem, with his sisters Martha and Mary. Jesus was close to the family. Luke tells of a visit when Martha was busy serving and Mary sat at the Lord’s feet (Luke 10:38-42). John tells us plainly: “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister Mary, and Lazarus” (John 11:5).
“He Whom Thou Lovest Is Sick”
When Lazarus became ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus. Jesus waited two days before going, saying the sickness was for the glory of God. By the time He reached Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days.
Martha went out to meet Him. “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Jesus answered with words read at countless funerals:
I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live: And every one that liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this? (John 11:25-26, Douay-Rheims)
Martha replied, “Yea, Lord, I have believed that thou art Christ the Son of the living God.”
Jesus Wept
When Mary came and fell at His feet weeping, Jesus was deeply moved. He asked where they had laid him. And then: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). The people said, “Behold how he loved him.”
“Lazarus, Come Forth”
At the tomb, Jesus told them to roll away the stone. Martha warned that by now there would be a stench. Jesus prayed to the Father, then cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” And the dead man came out, bound with burial cloths. Jesus said, “Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:43-44).
After the Miracle
Many believed in Jesus because of this sign, and the chief priests decided to put Jesus to death, and Lazarus as well (John 11:53; 12:10). Six days before the Passover, Lazarus sat at table with Jesus at a supper in Bethany, where Mary anointed Jesus’ feet (John 12:1-3).
What It Means for Us
Lazarus was raised to ordinary life and would die again. His raising points to Christ’s own Resurrection and to ours. The Catechism teaches that Christ will raise up all the dead on the last day (CCC 994). When we grieve, Jesus grieves with us, and He has the last word.
A Prayer for Those Who Grieve (Original Prayer)
Lord Jesus, You wept for Your friend Lazarus. Comfort all who mourn, especially (name). Strengthen our faith that You are the resurrection and the life, and bring our loved ones home to You. Amen.
Continue Reading
Read our prayer to St. Martha, about St. Mary Magdalene, or Catholic teaching on heaven.
Frequently asked questions
When is the feast of St. Lazarus?
July 29, together with his sisters Martha and Mary. Pope Francis added Mary and Lazarus to the memorial in 2021.
Is this the same Lazarus as in the parable of the rich man?
No. The Lazarus in Luke 16, the poor man at the rich man's gate, is a character in a parable told by Jesus.
What happened to Lazarus afterward?
Scripture does not say. Eastern tradition holds that he became bishop of Kition in Cyprus, and a French tradition places him in Marseille.
Sources
- Gospel of John 11:1-44; 12:1-11 (Douay-Rheims)
- Congregation for Divine Worship, Decree on Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus (January 26, 2021)
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 994, 2843
