Jesus’ Resurrection of Lazarus: The Biblical Significance of Bethany

In the Judea area of ancient Israel, just outside the Old City of Jerusalem, the town of Bethany is located on the eastern slopes of the sacred Mount of Olives. Just under two miles separate Bethany from Jerusalem, which is “a Sabbath day’s travel” (Acts 1:12) from Jerusalem on the way to Jericho.

Why Did Jesus Resurrect Lazarus of Bethany?

The Bible’s account of Lazarus of Bethany’s resurrection is found in John 11:1–45.
Lazarus, Mary, and Martha of Bethany were siblings whom Jesus had previously visited as His dear friends. Mary and Martha alerted Jesus of Lazarus of Bethany’s serious illness.
Before leaving for Bethany, He waited two days and declared, “This disease is not for death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be honored by it. ” (John 11:4).

The New Testament’s Gospel of John recounts Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus of Bethany from the dead (John 11:1–44). Lazarus of Bethany was buried in a tomb for four days before Jesus resurrected him from the grave. The disciples will learn that Jesus was the Savior thanks to the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection.

What It Teaches Us

Numerous important lessons may be learned from the story of Lazarus of Bethany’s resurrection. The sixth “I Am” declaration in John’s gospel is found in the narrative of Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life. Even though he perishes, he who believes in Me will live (John 11:25).
Lazarus was raised from the dead when Jesus cried out, “Lazarus, come forth!” while standing outside the tomb. Jesus demonstrated that he was the resurrection and the life by doing this (John 11:43).
“We live because He lives. We have eternal life because He is Life (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).
Jesus foreshadowed His own resurrection at Easter by using Lazarus as an example of His power.

Why Else Was Bethany Important to Jesus?

The location of several episodes in Jesus’ life, Bethany is frequently mentioned in the New Testament. The community is most well-known for being the hometown of Jesus’ close companions Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Jesus loved to relax and take refuge at Bethany. Before being crucified, He remained there throughout Holy Week, and following His resurrection, He led His people back there. He also rose to heaven from there.

Who Was Lazarus?

Lazarus was a brother of Mary and Martha and a companion of Jesus. According to the Bible, Lazarus was the person for whom Jesus grieved (John 11:35). Before resurrecting his friend from the dead, Jesus cried for his companion despite knowing the positive outcome.

Other Important Biblical Events in Bethany

Jesus pays Martha and Mary a visit (Luke 10:38-42)
Jesus reportedly paid Mary and Martha a visit, as recorded in Luke 10:38–42. Mary, who was seated at the feet of Christ, was Martha’s sister, and she grumbled because she had been left with all the labor. Mary has selected the better portion, which will not be taken from her, Jesus Christ said in response.

The Bethany anointing (John 12:1-8)
A week before the crucifixion, after supper at Simon the Leper’s house, Mary anointed Christ’s feet with perfume and wiped them with her hair, which Simon the Leper mistook for anointing his body for burial (John 12:1-8).
Mary then applied a costly perfume called pure nard—about a pint worth—to Jesus’ feet and cleaned them with her hair.

What Does Bethany Mean Spiritually?

Bethany has spiritual significance in the Gospel of Luke because it was close to where Jesus Christ returned to heaven. Jesus delivered His followers His parting instructions at the Mount of Olives forty days after His resurrection (Luke 24:50–51).

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