Paper 168 Overview: The Resurrection of Lazarus

This Paper describes how Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead after Lazarus had been dead for four days. This miracle was the greatest display of divine power Jesus performed during his life on earth. The Jewish religious leaders became very angry about this miracle and decided to kill Jesus, making the resurrection of Lazarus an important event that led to Jesus' crucifixion.

The resurrection of Lazarus showed Jesus' power over death and his deep love for his friends. Many people became believers after seeing this miracle, while others became more determined to oppose Jesus. This event was carefully prepared by celestial beings, showing it was part of a divine plan.

Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus came to Bethany, and his body was already in a tomb. Martha and Mary had sent a message to Jesus when Lazarus was sick, but Jesus did not arrive until after his death. Jesus had told the messenger that the sickness "was not really to the death," which confused Lazarus's sisters.

Lazarus and his sisters were wealthy and respected followers of Jesus, who owned property in Bethany. Mary was overcome with grief, but Martha still hoped Jesus would come. A young boy was watching for Jesus, and when Martha heard Jesus was coming, she ran to meet him while Mary stayed at home.

Jesus comforted Martha and Mary, and then asked to be taken to Lazarus's tomb. When they arrived at the tomb, Jesus wept, showing his genuine affection for Lazarus and his sisters. Some people wondered why Jesus, who had healed the blind, could not have prevented Lazarus's death.

Jesus hesitated to bring Lazarus back because he knew it would cause trouble for Lazarus. The celestial records show that Jesus's divine Adjuster had already arranged for Lazarus's Thought Adjuster to stay nearby, knowing the resurrection would happen. By Thursday afternoon, heavenly beings gathered unseen, ready to help with the resurrection.

About forty-five people stood before the tomb as Jesus ordered the stone to be rolled away. Martha worried about the body's condition after four days, but Jesus reminded her to have faith. After the stone was removed, Jesus prayed to the Father and then called out loudly, "Lazarus, come forth!"

Twelve seconds later, Lazarus came out of the tomb alive, wrapped in burial cloths. Most people ran away in fear, but the apostles, Martha, and Mary stayed. Lazarus had no memory of the four days he was dead, as time does not exist in death. By noon the next day, news of this miracle had spread throughout Jerusalem.

The religious leaders in Jerusalem quickly called a meeting to discuss what to do about Jesus. After two hours of debate, some Pharisees called for Jesus to be put to death immediately, saying he was dangerous to all Israel. This was the first time they officially decided to kill Jesus before even having a trial.

Fourteen members of the Sanhedrin resigned in protest of this unfair decision. Later, Lazarus and his sisters had to testify before the Sanhedrin, which admitted the resurrection happened but claimed it was done by the power of the devil. The high priest Caiaphas said it was "better that one man die, than that the community perish."

On the journey from Bethany to Pella, the apostles asked Jesus many questions about death and resurrection. They were confused about why Lazarus died even though Jesus had said his sickness was "not really to the death." Jesus explained important truths about prayer and how God answers prayers.

Jesus taught them that prayers may be answered in different ways than expected, and sometimes the answers come much later. He explained that true prayers are spiritual and answered in spiritual ways. Jesus said that faith means trusting God to answer prayers in the best way possible, even if it's not what we initially asked for or expected.

Lazarus stayed at Bethany until Jesus was crucified. He became the center of attention for many believers and curious people. The Jewish leaders decided to kill Lazarus too, because his resurrection was powerful proof of Jesus's divine power.

Lazarus escaped to Philadelphia (a city in Perea) where he became the church treasurer and a supporter of Abner. Martha and Mary sold their property in Bethany and joined their brother in Perea. Lazarus lived until he was 67 years old and died of the same disease that had killed him earlier in Bethany.