jesus raises lazarus scripture

Jesus Raises Lazarus: A Miracle From the Scriptures

By Emily JacksonJanuary 21, 2026

The raising of Lazarus, narrated in the Gospel of John, is a significant event in the life of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His divine power and compassion. This miracle, occurring four days after Lazarus' death, affirmed Jesus' identity as the Messiah and strengthened the faith of many who witnessed it.

Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was a close friend of Jesus. When he fell ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, expecting Him to arrive in time to heal him. However, Jesus deliberately delayed His arrival, leading to Lazarus' death, to the distress of his sisters and friends. This delay set the stage for one of Jesus' most astonishing miracles.

Jesus' Arrival and Martha's Encounter

Upon His arrival in Bethany, near Jerusalem, Jesus was met by Martha, who expressed her displeasure that He had not arrived sooner to heal Lazarus. Martha's words, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died," reflected her faith in Jesus' power but also her sorrow and expectations (John 11:21, 23).

an image of jesus talking to two men in the cave with a quote from john 11 25

Brian - The story of Lazarus is not just about a miracle. It is about who Jesus is and what His finished work means for believers today. Lazarus was not sick anymore. He was dead. Buried. Four days in the tomb. Everyone had accepted that it was over. Martha believed in resurrection someday. Mary believed Jesus could have helped earlier. But neither expected what Jesus was about to do in that moment. Jesus intentionally waited. This matters. His delay was not indifference. It was purpose. Scripture tells us plainly that Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Yet He waited until hope was gone by human standards. Why? Because Jesus was about to reveal something deeper than healing. He was about to reveal resurrection life. Before Jesus ever called Lazarus out, He made a declaration that changes everything. “I am the resurrection and the life.” He did not say He brings resurrection. He said He is resurrection. Life is not something He gives occasionally. It is who He is. Standing in front of the tomb, Jesus wept. Not because He lacked power, but because He enters human grief. This is not a distant Savior. This is a compassionate one. He stands with us in loss even while holding victory in His hands. Then Jesus did something unexpected. He told them to roll the stone away. The stone was not for Him. It was for them. Even in moments of divine power, Jesus invites people into participation. Faith does not raise the dead. Jesus does. Faith simply moves what is in the way. When Jesus spoke Lazarus’ name, death obeyed immediately. No process. No delay. No struggle. One word from Jesus reversed four days of decay. That is resurrection authority. This miracle points directly to the finished work of the cross. Lazarus came out still wrapped in grave clothes. Later, Jesus would go into the grave Himself. But unlike Lazarus, Jesus would leave the grave clothes behind. Lazarus was raised back into mortal life. Jesus rose into eternal life and secured it for us. The raising of Lazarus was not the end of the story. It was a preview. Through the finished work of Jesus, believers are not waiting for life someday. Resurrection life already lives in us. Dead dreams, dead hope, dead identity, dead joy are not final. What Jesus calls dead is never permanent. This story encourages believers that delays are not denials, silence is not absence, and death is not defeat. If Jesus can call a decomposing body out of a tomb, He can restore what feels long gone in your life. The same voice that called Lazarus out now lives in you. This is not motivation. This is resurrection reality. | Facebook

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead | Children's Sermons from Sermons4Kids.com

Jesus reassured Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live; and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die... Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26). Martha's response, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God," demonstrated her growing understanding and faith in Jesus' nature (John 11:27).

Jesus Mourns with the Mourners

Jesus traveled to the place where Lazarus was buried, a cave with a stone laid across its entrance. Seeing the mourners weeping, He was deeply moved and wept Himself. This display of genuine emotion showed Jesus' humanity and compassion, revealing that although He had the power over death, He still experienced and shared the grief of His friends (John 11:33-35).

Lazarus Bible Coloring Page – Free Resurrection Story Printable for Kids (John 11:1–44) - Free Bible Worksheets

Lazarus Bible Coloring Page | Jesus Raises Lazarus from Tomb (PDF Download)

Jesus' cry, "Lazarus, come forth!" (John 11:43) echoed in the silence, signifying His authority over life and death. The inert bandages wrapping Lazarus' body, and the cloth covering his face, were later used as evidence of the miracle by the Jewish leaders (John 11:44).

The Impact of Lazarus' Resurrection

Lazarus' resurrection had a profound impact on those who witnessed it. Many of the Jews who had come to mourn with Mary and Martha believed in Jesus, recognizing the miraculous power they had just witnessed (John 11:45). This miracle led the chief priests and Pharisees to plot Jesus' arrest and death, fearing the growing popularity and influence of Jesus among the people (John 11:47-53).

The raising of Lazarus served as a powerful preview of the resurrection to come, both for Lazarus and all who believe in Jesus Christ. This event underscored Jesus' authority over death and His divine nature, offering hope and salvation to all who put their faith in Him.

Jesus Raised Lazarus From the Dead Story Profile

Jesus Raises Lazarus - Mission Bible Class

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Legacy and Lessons of Lazarus' Resurrection

The miracle of Lazarus' resurrection has eternal implications and lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of Jesus' power over death and His ability to save those who put their trust in Him. As Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live;" (John 11:25).

Secondly, this event teaches us about the proper response to sorrow and loss. Despite His power, Jesus mourned with those who mourned, demonstrating the importance of sharing in the pain of others and offering comfort during difficult times. As believers, we are called to follow Christ's example, weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15).

In the final analysis, the raising of Lazarus serves as a testament to Jesus' divine nature and power. This miracle points to Jesus as the Savior of the world, the only ONE who can conquer death and grant eternal life to those who believe in Him. As we reflect on this incredible event, may we be drawn closer to Jesus, placing our faith in Him and experiencing the resurrection power that He imparts to us today.