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.
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).