The Tomb of Lazarus
Lazarus was dead. His body had been attended to and placed in a tomb by his sisters Martha and Mary. His earthly life was over. Or was it?
Jesus had been a very close family friend of Lazarus and his sisters.
They knew who He was and what He was capable of. When Lazarus became
very sick, his sisters sent a message to Jesus, fully expecting Him to
come immediately to help. They were somewhat surprised, and perhaps a
little resentful when Jesus did not come straight to their home in
Bethany, near Jerusalem, on the east slope of the Mount of Olives.
Although relatively nearby, Jesus stayed away for a time!
When Jesus arrived, He was greeted by an emotional scene. Lazarus had many friends who were still there grieving with Martha and Mary. Jesus himself was affected, as described in the simple verse, "Jesus wept."
Jesus then went to the tomb where Lazarus had been taken, and ordered that it be opened. Apparently not realizing what Jesus was about to do, Martha suggested that it would not be such a good idea because by then the body would smell. Nevertheless, the stone across the front of the cave was rolled away.
After a brief prayer to The Father, Jesus simply said in a loud
voice, "Lazarus, come out!" Immediately Lazarus awoke and came out,
still covered with his grave coverings, but healthy and alive. Had
Jesus not identified Lazarus as the one to "come out", every tomb on
the hillside would have emptied out!
Jesus intended the entire incident to be a demonstration of the power and glory of God and His son. He allowed His friend Lazarus to die from whatever illness that he had contracted so that he could be brought back to life before witnesses.
Incredibly, some of the local authorities who learned of this miracle thereafter became even more bitterly opposed to Jesus. They feared that the people would follow the Savior instead of them. They decided that Jesus had to die. Also, Lazarus must be killed.
Bethany rests on the Eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. If you lived during the time of Jesus you would find Him visiting often. It was here that He stayed with His friends the last week before his crucifixion. Bethany is 3 miles from Jerusalem.
The tomb is now dark and musty. Once one enters they have to traverse through tight quarters deep below the surface of the street. This is definitely not for the claustrophobic.
The Entrance to the Tomb of Lazarus
Inside the Tomb inself
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