Reference: Lazarus
American
1. A friend and disciple of Christ, brother of Martha and Mary, with whom he resided at Bethany near Jerusalem. Our Savior had a high regard for the family, and often visited them; and when Lazarus was dangerously ill, word was sent to Christ, "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick." The Savior reached Bethany after he had lain four days in his grave, and restored him to life by a word, "Lazarus, come forth." This public and stupendous miracle drew so many to Christ, that his enemies sought to put both him and Lazarus to death, Joh 11; 12:1-11. The narrative displays Christ as a tender and compassionate friend, weeping for and with those he loved, and at the same time as the Prince of life, beginning his triumph over death and the grave. Happy are they who, in view of their own death, or that of friends, can know that they are safe in Him who says, "I am the resurrection and the life;" and, "because I live, ye shall live also."
2. The helpless beggar who lay at the rich man's gate in one of Christ's most solemn and instructive parables. The one, though poor and sorely afflicted, was a child of God. The other described as self-indulgent rather than vicious or criminal was living without God in the enjoyment of every earthly luxury. Their state in this life was greatly in contrast with their real character before God, which was revealed in the amazing changes of their condition at death, Lu 16:19-31. See ABRAHAM'S BOSOM. Our Savior plainly teaches us, in this parable, that both the friends and the foes of God know and begin to experience their doom immediately after death, and that it is in both cases unchangeable and eternal.
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There was a rich man, who used to dress in purple and fine linnen, and pass his days in pomp and luxury. a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him. read more. but he wanted to be fed with the crumbs, that fell from the rich man's table. at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments. besides this, there is an unalterable chasm between us and you, so that the passage from one place to the other is impracticable to those who should attempt it. upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers, to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment. but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them. no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent. Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.
Easton
an abbreviation of Eleazar, whom God helps. (1.) The brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany. He was raised from the dead after he had lain four days in the tomb (Joh 11:1-44). This miracle so excited the wrath of the Jews that they sought to put both Jesus and Lazarus to death.
(2.) A beggar named in the parable recorded Lu 16:19-31.
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There was a rich man, who used to dress in purple and fine linnen, and pass his days in pomp and luxury. a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him. read more. but he wanted to be fed with the crumbs, that fell from the rich man's table. at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments. besides this, there is an unalterable chasm between us and you, so that the passage from one place to the other is impracticable to those who should attempt it. upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers, to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment. but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them. no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent. Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, who was of Bethany, the town of Mary, and of Martha her sister. (it was that Mary who perfum'd the Lord with ointment, after having wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) read more. his two sisters therefore sent this message to Jesus; he, Lord, whom you love, is sick. when Jesus heard that, he said, the disease is not to be mortal, but is design'd for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified thereby. now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. however, he stay'd in the place where he was, even two days after he had heard that Lazarus was sick. and then he said to his disciples, let us return to Judea. upon which his disciples said, master, it is not long since the Jews attempted to stone you; and are you for going thither again? Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? he that travels by day does not stumble, because he has the light of this world to see by. but if a man travels by night he stumbles, because there is no light for him. thus he entertain'd them: and after that, he said to them, our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him. then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he will recover; though Jesus meant it of Lazarus's death: but they understood it of the natural rest in sleep. then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there (to the intent you may believe) but now, let us go to him. then said Thomas, that is, Didymus, to his fellow-disciples, let us also go, that we may die with him. When Jesus was arriv'd, he found that Lazarus had been then four days in the grave. now Bethany being distant from Jerusalem but about fifteen furlongs, many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to condole with them upon the loss of their brother. Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him: but Mary stay'd at home. Lord, said Martha to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. but yet even now whatever you shall ask of God, I know God will grant it to you. Jesus said to her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again at the resurrection of the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me shall live even though he were dead: and no man living that believeth in me, shall ever die. do you believe this? yes, Lord, said Martha, I believe that thou art the Messiah the son of God, who was to come into the world. When she had said this, she went privately to call Mary her sister, saying, the master is come, and calls for you. no sooner she heard that, but she arose with all speed, and came to him. for Jesus was not yet arrived in the town, but staid at the place were Martha met him. the Jews then who were with Mary in the house to comfort her, when they saw that she rose in such haste, and went out, followed her, saying, she is going to the grave to weep there. Mary being come to the place where Jesus was, as soon as she saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying, Lord, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. when Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he sighed from his heart, and was troubled, and said, where have ye laid him? they said to him, Lord, come and see. then Jesus wept. upon which the Jews said, see how he loved him. but some of them said, this man who has given sight to the blind, could not he have prevented Lazarus's death? Jesus then again sighing, came to the sepulchre which was a cave, shut up by a stone. Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, sister to the deceas'd, said to him, Lord, by this time he is offensive: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus said to her, did I not tell you, that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? then they took away the stone from the place where the corps was laid. and Jesus lifting up his eyes to heaven said, "father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I know that thou hearest me always: but I say this, because of the people here present, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." when he had spoke this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. and he that was dead came forth, his body wrapt in a winding sheet: and his face bound about with a napkin. loose him, said Jesus, and let him go.
Fausets
LAZARUS or ELEAZAR ("God helps".)
1. Of Bethany; brother of Mary and Martha (Joh 11:1). (See BETHANY.) The sisters were the better known, from whence they are put prominently forward here, and in Lu 10:38, etc., are alone named. Lazarus was "of (apo, 'belonging to at that time') Bethany, from (ek, implying his original settlement) the village of Mary and Martha" (still it is likely the same village is meant in both Luke 10 and John 11, namely, Bethany). Curiously, Ganneau found close to Bethany a tomb, probably of the first century, containing the names all together of Simon, Martha, and Lazarus. Lazarus' subordinate position at their feast in Christ's honour (Joh 12:2) makes it likely he was the youngest. Moreover, the house is called that of Simon the leper (Mt 26:6; Mr 14:3); who was probably therefore their father, but either by death or leprosy no longer with them, though possibly he too, as a leper healed by Jesus, was then one of that happy family.
Their friends from Jerusalem (Joh 11:19), according to John's use of "the Jews," were of the ruling elders and Pharisees. The feast; the costly ointment, the family funeral cave (compare Isa 22:16; 2Ki 23:6; Jer 26:23), all bespeak good social position. The sisters' warm attachment to Lazarus was strengthened by their common love to Jesus who loved all three (Joh 11:5). Lazarus had won the disciples' love too, for Jesus calls him "our friend" (Joh 11:11). At the time of Lazarus' sickness and the sisters' call, Jesus was in Peraea beyond Jordan, on His way to Jerusalem, two days' journey from Bethany. He delayed two days to give time for that death which He foresaw, and from which He was about to raise Lazarus. On proposing to go to Judea, His disciples remonstrated on the ground that He would be going into the very danger from which He had just escaped (Joh 10:39-40; 11:8-10).
He replied that while His appointed day yet lasted He was safe, and that He was going to awaken Lazarus out of sleep. He was "glad" that He had not been on the spot before, that Lazarus' death and rising might awaken the disciples out of the deadness of unbelief. The sisters grieved at His seeming neglect. God sees cause for joy where even His people see only cause for grief. Four days had elapsed after the call when He arrived. Martha went and met Him, while Mary sat in the house, in beautiful harmony with the character of each respectively, described in Lu 10:40-42. Martha's faith had now become stronger; so she says, "Lord, I know that even now whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee (more buoyant in spirit than Mary, and cherishing even now a vague hope of her brother's restoration) ... Yea, Lord, I believe that Thou art the Christ the Son of God ... the Resurrection and the Life." Upon Martha telling Mary of Jesus' arrival and "call" for her, either expressed or implied ("secretly," through fear of Jewish informers, see Joh 11:28,46), the latter also came "quickly" to Him.
The Jews her friends, not having heard Martha's communication, supposed Mary was gone to the tomb to weep, but found her as of old "at Jesus' feet." Her words were fewer, but her action more impassioned, than those of her sister. So the whole company, Jesus, His disciples, the sisters, and their sympathizers, were met at the grave. At the sight of their weeping, Jesus "groaned in spirit," and troubled Himself, but checked His emotion which would otherwise have choked utterance. "Where have ye laid him?" Sympathy with their sorrow, which He was instantly to relieve, at last found vent in tears: "Jesus wept" (compare Lu 19:41; Heb 4:15). "Behold. how He loved him," the Jews, His adversaries, were constrained to exclaim. Their unbelief, "could not this man which opened the eyes of the blind (John 9, they allude not to the raising of Jairus' daughter and the widow of Nain's son, which took place in Galilee, but to the miracle which made such a stir in Jerusalem; they never thought of His raising the dead) have caused that even this man should not have died?" made Him "groan again."
Take away the stone. Martha, retaining still remainders of unbelief (she believed in Lazarus' future resurrection, but she hardly dared to believe what she herself had hinted at in Joh 11:22, that Christ will raise him now), objected on the ground of the body's presumed decomposition by this time. He tells her to "believe, so she shall see the glory of God." With a preparatory thanksgiving to the Father for the already felt answer to His prayer, He said, "Lazarus, come forth," and he came forth bound hand and foot, the graveclothes and napkin about his face. "Loose him, and let him go"; contrast Jesus' resurrection, the graveclothes and the napkin folded separately, because, unlike Lazarus, He was to die no more (Joh 20:6-7). The same miracle which converted some Jews to belief furnished others only with materials for informing the Pharisees against Him. It brought the plots of the rulers and Caiaphas to a crisis (Joh 11:45-53).
The very sign which the Pharisees desired in the parable of Lazarus (Lu 16:27-30) is now granted in the person of one of the same name, but only stimulates them to their crowning sin, to kill Jesus, nay even to kill Lazarus too (Joh 12:10). The same sun that develops the fragrant violet strengthens the poison of the deadly nightshade. This is the crucial miracle of the truth of the Gospels. Spinosa said if this were true he would tear his system in pieces and embrace Christianity. As the Lord's Judaean ministry was not the subject of the first three evangelists, but the Galilean, they omit the raising of Lazarus. The Jews' consultation to kill Lazarus, and his own probable shrinking from publicity after such a mysterious experience, perhaps further influenced them in their omission of the miracle. By John's time of writing the brother and sisters were dead, and no reason for reserve any longer existed.
Tradition says that Lazarus' first question on coming back was whether he should die again; on learning he must, he never smiled again. Such an impression was made by this miracle that many Jews flocked to Bethany to see both Jesus and Lazarus. The eye witnesses bore record, and the people who heard of it from them met Him on His way to Jerusalem, and formed part of His retinue in His triumphal entry with the palmbearing multitude (Joh 12:12,17-18). E. H. Plumptre (Smith's Dictionary) identifies Simon the leper with Simon the Pharisee (Lu 7:36-40); Martha had the Pharisees' belief in the resurrection (Joh 11:24); Mary's gift of the ointment was after the example of the sinful woman in Simon's house; the leprosy came on subsequently.
Also he identifies Lazarus with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19; Mark 10; Luke 18); Jesus' words to him, "one thing thou lackest," answer to His words to Martha. "one thing is needful"; "Jesus beholding loved him" (Mark) is said also of Lazarus (Joh 11:5); Jesus' love at last wrought out his conversion, possible to God though not to man; a sharp Palestine fever is sent to discipline him; his death and rising through Jesus' power is accompanied by his spiritual resurrection (Joh 5:24-25). Judas and the eleven expected, that the feast in Joh 12:2 was the farewell feast of Lazarus, renouncing his former life and obeying Christ's command, "sell that thou hast, and give to the poor"; hence, Judas' bitter objection, "why was not this ointment sold for 300 pence and given to the poor?"
On the night of Christ's betrayal Lazarus, whose Bethany home was near and was Christ's lodging on the previous night, in the hasty night alarm rushed eagerly with "the linen cloth (the term applied to graveclothes always, the same which he had on when the Lord raised him from the grave (Joh 11:44), sindon) cast about his naked body" (Mr 14:51-52; 15:46), and was seized by the high priest's servants as a second victim (Joh 12:10), whereas they let the other disciples escape.
2. Lazarus in the parable, Lu 16:19-31. The one unknown on earth has a name with God; the rich man, well known as a great man among men, has no name with God (Re 3:1). The historic Lazarus (John 11-12) belonged to the richer classes. Yet it is not a rich Lazarus, but Lazar
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Lay not up for your selves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. but lay up for your selves treasures in heaven, where there is neither moth, nor rust, nor corruption, nor thieves, nor violence to molest you. read more. for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
and I declare unto you, that many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit at table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the heavenly kingdom. but the heirs to the kingdom shall be cast into the darkness without: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
'tis true, Lord, said she: yet even puppies eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table.
now being at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, while he was at table, there came a woman with a viol full of the perfume of spikenard, which was very costly; and she opened the viol, and poured it upon his head.
But a certain youth, that was stript to his inmost vest, followed him, and was seized by the soldiers. but he slipt from his vest, and fled away naked.
who taking down the body, wrapped it in a fine linnen cloth, which he had bought, and laid it in a sepulchre, which was hewn out of a rock, and roll'd a stone for a door to the sepulchre: and Mary Magdalene,
let your actions therefore show your repentance, and don't pretend to say within yourselves, "we have Abraham for our father:" for I tell you that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
Jesus being invited to dinner at a certain Pharisee's house, he went home with him, and sat down to table. when a woman of that city, one that had led a loose life, knowing that Jesus was at table in the Pharisee's house, came in with a vial of odoriferous liquor, read more. and stood behind at his feet weeping, bath'd them with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed his feet, and poured the perfume upon them. which the Pharisee, who had invited him, observing, he thus argued with himself, if this man were a prophet, he could not but know that the woman, who is so busy with him, is a person of a loose character. in answer to his doubts, Jesus said, Simon, I have something to say to you. master, said he, lets hear it.
Another time, as they were on a journey, Jesus enter'd into a village, where a woman, named Martha, entertain'd him at her house.
but Martha perplex'd with the hurry of her affairs, came to him, and said, Lord, don't you observe my sister has left me to serve all alone: direct her therefore to give me some assistance. but Jesus replied to her, Martha, Martha, you trouble yourself about a world of cares: read more. but the best and the most necessary concern is, what Mary has pitch'd upon, of which she shall never be deprived.
but he said to them, you pretend to piety before men, which, however they may admire, is an abomination to God, who knows your real temper.
There was a rich man, who used to dress in purple and fine linnen, and pass his days in pomp and luxury. a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him. read more. but he wanted to be fed with the crumbs, that fell from the rich man's table. at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments. besides this, there is an unalterable chasm between us and you, so that the passage from one place to the other is impracticable to those who should attempt it. upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers,
upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers,
upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers, to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment.
to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment.
to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment. but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them.
but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them.
but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them. no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent.
no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent.
no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent.
no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent. Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.
Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.
as he drew nigh, he beheld the city, and bewail'd its fate,
I declare unto you, he that heareth my doctrine, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come under condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. I declare unto you, the time is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Thereupon they again endeavour'd to seize him: but he escaped out of their hands, and retir'd beyond Jordan, to the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, who was of Bethany, the town of Mary, and of Martha her sister.
now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
upon which his disciples said, master, it is not long since the Jews attempted to stone you; and are you for going thither again? Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? he that travels by day does not stumble, because he has the light of this world to see by. read more. but if a man travels by night he stumbles, because there is no light for him. thus he entertain'd them: and after that, he said to them, our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him.
many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to condole with them upon the loss of their brother.
but yet even now whatever you shall ask of God, I know God will grant it to you.
Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again at the resurrection of the last day.
When she had said this, she went privately to call Mary her sister, saying, the master is come, and calls for you.
and he that was dead came forth, his body wrapt in a winding sheet: and his face bound about with a napkin. loose him, said Jesus, and let him go. many therefore of the Jews who came to see Mary, and had seen what Jesus had done, believed on him. read more. But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done.
But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done. upon this the chief priests and the Pharisees being assembled in council, said, what shall we do? for this man performs many miracles. read more. if we let him go on at this rate, all will believe on him; and the Romans will come, and destroy both our temple and nation. but one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest at that time, said to them, ye don't know what you are about. you little consider it is our interest, that one man should die for the people, to prevent the destruction of the whole nation. now this he did not say from his own motion: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation: and not for that nation only, but likewise to reassemble the dispersed children of God into one body. from that day therefore, they consulted together to put Jesus to death.
there a supper was provided for him; Martha was in waiting: but Lazarus was one of the guests that sat at table with him.
there a supper was provided for him; Martha was in waiting: but Lazarus was one of the guests that sat at table with him.
for the chief priests had resolved to put even Lazarus to death;
for the chief priests had resolved to put even Lazarus to death;
for the chief priests had resolved to put even Lazarus to death; because he was the occasion that many of the Jews left them, and believed on Jesus. read more. The next day, a crowd of people that were come to the feast, hearing that Jesus was on the road to Jerusalem, took branches of palm-trees,
the people that were present testified, that he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead. and it was upon the rumour of this miracle, that the people crowded to him.
then accordingly bending his head to Jesus's ear, he whisper'd, Lord, who is it?
His disciples said to him, what you say now is plain, and not enigmatical.
Simon Peter who followed him, being come, went into the cave, and saw the linen clothes lying there; as for the napkin that had been put about his head, it was not in the same place as the linen clothes, but lay folded up by it self.
he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child.
you may think it something incredible that God should raise the dead:
not an high priest who is incapable of compassionating our miseries; since he was exposed to the same trials as we are, sin only excepted. let
These all died in faith, without receiving what was promised, having only a distant view of what they eagerly expected, professing to live as strangers and pilgrims in the land.
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis, write, "THESE things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast the reputation of being alive, but art dead.
Hastings
A common Jewish name, a colloquial abbreviation of Eleazar.
1. The brother of Martha and Mary, the friend of Jesus (Joh 11:3,11,36, where 'love' and 'friend' represent the same root in Greek). The family lived at Bethany, a village within two miles of Jerusalem just over the brow of Olivet. Lazarus was the subject of the greatest miracle of the Gospel story (Joh 11:1-44). In the last year of His ministry Jesus sojourned at Jerusalem from the Feast of Tabernacles in October to that of the Dedication in December; and, on being driven out by the violence of the rulers (Joh 10:31,39), He retired to 'Bethany beyond Jordan' (Joh 10:40; cf. Joh 1:28 RV). A crowd followed Him thither, and in the midst of His beneficent activities of teaching and healing tidings reached Him that His friend had fallen sick. He might have responded immediately to the sisters' appeal either by hastening to their home and laying His hand on the sick man, or by sending forth His word of power and healing him across the intervening distance of some twenty miles (cf. Joh 4:46-54; Mt 15:21-28 = Mr 7:24-30). But He did neither; He remained where He was for two days, until Lazarus was dead. He desired not only to manifest His power to His friends, but to make a signal appeal to impenitent Jerusalem, by working a miracle which would attest His Messiahship beyond all question.
At length He set forth. If the messenger started in the morning, he would reach Jesus the same evening. Jesus stayed two days, and setting out early would arrive on the evening of the fourth day. Thus on His arrival Lazarus had been dead four days (Joh 11:39). In that sultry climate burial followed immediately on death, and it sometimes happened that a swoon was mistaken for death, and the buried man came to life again. The Jewish belief was that the soul hovered about the sepulchre for three days, fain to re-animate its clay. On the fourth day decomposition set in, and hope was then abandoned. Jesus arrived on the fourth day, and there was no doubt of the reality of Lazarus' death and of the ensuing miracle. It was not a recovery from a trance, but a veritable resurrection. He went to the rock-hewn sepulchre, and in presence of the sisters and a large company of mourners, including many of the rulers who had come from the adjacent capital to testify their esteem for the good Lazarus and their sympathy with Martha and Mary (Joh 11:19), summoned the dead man forth and restored him, alive and well, to his home. It was a startling miracle. It made a profound impression on the multitude, but it only exasperated the rulers. They convened a meeting of the Sanhedrin and determined to put Jesus to death (Joh 11:47-53).
He retired to Ephraim near the frontier of Samaria, and stayed there until the Passover drew near; then He set out for Jerusalem to keep the Feast and to die. Six days before it began (Joh 12:1), He reached Bethany, and despite the Sanhedrin's decree He received a great ovation. He was honoured with a banquet in the house of one of the leading men of the village, Simon, who had been a leper and had probably been healed by Jesus (Joh 12:2-11 = Mt 26:6-13 = Mr 14:3-9). Lazarus was one of the company. The news of His arrival at Bethany reached Jerusalem, and next day the multitude thronged out and escorted Him in triumph into the city. It was the raising of Lazarus that excited their enthusiasm (Joh 12:3,17-18).
After this Lazarus appears no more in the Gospel story. Surely he of all men should have stood by Jesus at His trial and crucifixion; and the explanation of his absence is probably that he had been forced to flee. Observing the popular enthusiasm, the infuriated rulers had determined to put him also to death (Joh 12:10-11). He would withdraw more for Jesus' sake than for his own. His presence only increased the Master's danger.
2. The beggar in our Lord's parable (Lu 16:19-31).
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and I declare unto you, that many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit at table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the heavenly kingdom.
Then Jesus went thence, and retir'd towards the district of Tyre and Sidon. and there came a woman of Canaan from those quarters, and cried out to him, have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously tormented by a demon. read more. but Jesus not making her any answer, his disciples came and entreated him to grant her request; for, said they, she is very importunate with us. but he answered, my commission was only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. however she advanc'd, and throwing her self at his feet, cried, O Lord, assist me. but he answered, it is not just to take the childrens bread, and throw it to puppies. 'tis true, Lord, said she: yet even puppies eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is thy faith: as you desire, be it done. and her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon who had been a leper, there came to him a woman with an alabaster-box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, while he was at table. read more. one of his disciples seeing this, with indignation said, to what purpose is this waste? for this could have been sold for a great price, which might have been given to the poor. Jesus perceiving this, said to them, why do you trouble the woman? for what she has done is out of regard to me. ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always. for her pouring this ointment on my body, is preparative to my burial. I declare unto you, in whatever quarter of the world, this part of the gospel-history shall be related, what this woman has now done shall be there mentioned to her praise.
Jesus leaving that place, went towards the frontiers of Tyre and Sidon; and entring into a house, desired to let nobody know it; but he could not be conceal'd. for a woman, whose child was possess'd with an impure spirit, having heard of him, found him out, and throwing herself at his feet, read more. entreated him to force the demon out of her daughter; now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation. Jesus therefore said to her, let the children first be satisfy'd; for it would not be decent to take the children's bread, and throw it to puppys. she answer'd, true, Lord, yet puppys eat of the crumbs, which children drop under the table. then said Jesus to her, for this expression, go thy way, the demon has left your daughter. accordingly she went home, where she found that the demon was indeed gone out of her daughter, and she was lying on the bed.
now being at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, while he was at table, there came a woman with a viol full of the perfume of spikenard, which was very costly; and she opened the viol, and poured it upon his head. but some had a secret indignation, and said, why must the perfume be so wasted? read more. for we could have sold it for above two hundred denarys, and given them to the poor: and they inveighed against her. but Jesus said, let her alone, why do you disquiet her? it is commendable, what she has done out of respect to me. the poor you have always with you, and you may relieve them whenever you please: but me you will not always have. she has done what she could: she has perfum'd my body previously to my burial. I declare unto you, in whatever quarter of the world this part of the gospel-history shall be related, this action of hers shall be mention'd to her praise.
I advise you in like manner to lay out your fallacious treasure in acts of charity, that when you die, they may secure to you everlasting habitations.
There was a rich man, who used to dress in purple and fine linnen, and pass his days in pomp and luxury. a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him. read more. but he wanted to be fed with the crumbs, that fell from the rich man's table. at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments. besides this, there is an unalterable chasm between us and you, so that the passage from one place to the other is impracticable to those who should attempt it. upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers, to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment. but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them. no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent. Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.
these things were transacted at Bethabara, near Jordan, where John used to baptize.
Jesus went therefore a second time to Cana in Galilee, where he had changed the water into wine. now a certain nobleman was there, whose son was sick at Capernaum. who having heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went there to desire him to come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. read more. but Jesus said to him, except you see signs and miracles, you will not believe. the nobleman said to him, sir, pray come down before my child be dead. go thy way, said Jesus: thy son is well. and the man believed what Jesus had said to him, and went his way. as he was upon the road, his servants met him, and acquainted him, that his son was well. then he enquired of them the hour when he began to mend: and they answered, yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. so the father knew that it was at the very same hour, at which Jesus said to him, thy son is well. and he himself believed, and all his family. Jesus did this second miracle when he return'd from Judea to Galilee.
then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Thereupon they again endeavour'd to seize him: but he escaped out of their hands, and retir'd beyond Jordan, to the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, who was of Bethany, the town of Mary, and of Martha her sister. (it was that Mary who perfum'd the Lord with ointment, after having wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) read more. his two sisters therefore sent this message to Jesus; he, Lord, whom you love, is sick.
his two sisters therefore sent this message to Jesus; he, Lord, whom you love, is sick. when Jesus heard that, he said, the disease is not to be mortal, but is design'd for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified thereby. read more. now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. however, he stay'd in the place where he was, even two days after he had heard that Lazarus was sick. and then he said to his disciples, let us return to Judea. upon which his disciples said, master, it is not long since the Jews attempted to stone you; and are you for going thither again? Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? he that travels by day does not stumble, because he has the light of this world to see by. but if a man travels by night he stumbles, because there is no light for him. thus he entertain'd them: and after that, he said to them, our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him.
thus he entertain'd them: and after that, he said to them, our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him. then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he will recover; read more. though Jesus meant it of Lazarus's death: but they understood it of the natural rest in sleep. then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there (to the intent you may believe) but now, let us go to him. then said Thomas, that is, Didymus, to his fellow-disciples, let us also go, that we may die with him. When Jesus was arriv'd, he found that Lazarus had been then four days in the grave. now Bethany being distant from Jerusalem but about fifteen furlongs, many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to condole with them upon the loss of their brother.
many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to condole with them upon the loss of their brother. Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him: but Mary stay'd at home. read more. Lord, said Martha to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. but yet even now whatever you shall ask of God, I know God will grant it to you. Jesus said to her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again at the resurrection of the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me shall live even though he were dead: and no man living that believeth in me, shall ever die. do you believe this? yes, Lord, said Martha, I believe that thou art the Messiah the son of God, who was to come into the world. When she had said this, she went privately to call Mary her sister, saying, the master is come, and calls for you. no sooner she heard that, but she arose with all speed, and came to him. for Jesus was not yet arrived in the town, but staid at the place were Martha met him. the Jews then who were with Mary in the house to comfort her, when they saw that she rose in such haste, and went out, followed her, saying, she is going to the grave to weep there. Mary being come to the place where Jesus was, as soon as she saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying, Lord, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. when Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he sighed from his heart, and was troubled, and said, where have ye laid him? they said to him, Lord, come and see. then Jesus wept. upon which the Jews said, see how he loved him.
upon which the Jews said, see how he loved him. but some of them said, this man who has given sight to the blind, could not he have prevented Lazarus's death? read more. Jesus then again sighing, came to the sepulchre which was a cave, shut up by a stone. Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, sister to the deceas'd, said to him, Lord, by this time he is offensive: for he hath been dead four days.
Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, sister to the deceas'd, said to him, Lord, by this time he is offensive: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus said to her, did I not tell you, that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? read more. then they took away the stone from the place where the corps was laid. and Jesus lifting up his eyes to heaven said, "father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I know that thou hearest me always: but I say this, because of the people here present, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." when he had spoke this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. and he that was dead came forth, his body wrapt in a winding sheet: and his face bound about with a napkin. loose him, said Jesus, and let him go.
upon this the chief priests and the Pharisees being assembled in council, said, what shall we do? for this man performs many miracles. if we let him go on at this rate, all will believe on him; and the Romans will come, and destroy both our temple and nation. read more. but one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest at that time, said to them, ye don't know what you are about. you little consider it is our interest, that one man should die for the people, to prevent the destruction of the whole nation. now this he did not say from his own motion: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation: and not for that nation only, but likewise to reassemble the dispersed children of God into one body. from that day therefore, they consulted together to put Jesus to death.
Six days before the passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, and raised to life again. there a supper was provided for him; Martha was in waiting: but Lazarus was one of the guests that sat at table with him. read more. but Mary taking a pound of the oil of spikenard which was very costly, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them with her hair: so that the house was filled with the odour of the perfume.
but Mary taking a pound of the oil of spikenard which was very costly, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them with her hair: so that the house was filled with the odour of the perfume. whereupon one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who was to betray him, read more. said, why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, to be given to the poor? this he said, not out of any concern for the poor; but because being purse-bearer he used to pilfer what was in bank. then said Jesus, let her alone: against the day of my burial hath she kept this. the poor you will always have with you; but me you will not always have. a great multitude of Jews knowing that Jesus was there, went thither, not for his sake only, but likewise to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. for the chief priests had resolved to put even Lazarus to death;
for the chief priests had resolved to put even Lazarus to death; because he was the occasion that many of the Jews left them, and believed on Jesus.
because he was the occasion that many of the Jews left them, and believed on Jesus.
the people that were present testified, that he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead. and it was upon the rumour of this miracle, that the people crowded to him.
now the favourite disciple of Jesus sat next to him at table.
now the favourite disciple of Jesus sat next to him at table.
he shall drink of the wine of the divine vengeance, the strongest wine that can be poured out of the cup of his indignation; He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the lamb:
Morish
Laz'arus
1. Brother of Martha and Mary, and a resident at Bethany. Jesus loved them all, and He spoke of Lazarus as 'our friend.' Very little is recorded of him except the striking fact that he was raised from the dead by the Lord Jesus, which manifested the glory of God and glorified the Son of God. When his sisters made the Lord a supper at Bethany, Lazarus was one of those who sat with Him. He was a living witness of the power of the Son of God over death, and as such he was in danger of being killed by the Jews, on account of many believing on the Lord because of him. Joh 11:1-43; 12:1-17.
2. The poor man in the parable of Luke 16. His circumstances are related
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There was a rich man, who used to dress in purple and fine linnen, and pass his days in pomp and luxury. a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him. read more. but he wanted to be fed with the crumbs, that fell from the rich man's table. at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments. besides this, there is an unalterable chasm between us and you, so that the passage from one place to the other is impracticable to those who should attempt it. upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers, to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment. but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them. no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent. Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, who was of Bethany, the town of Mary, and of Martha her sister. (it was that Mary who perfum'd the Lord with ointment, after having wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) read more. his two sisters therefore sent this message to Jesus; he, Lord, whom you love, is sick. when Jesus heard that, he said, the disease is not to be mortal, but is design'd for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified thereby. now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. however, he stay'd in the place where he was, even two days after he had heard that Lazarus was sick. and then he said to his disciples, let us return to Judea. upon which his disciples said, master, it is not long since the Jews attempted to stone you; and are you for going thither again? Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? he that travels by day does not stumble, because he has the light of this world to see by. but if a man travels by night he stumbles, because there is no light for him. thus he entertain'd them: and after that, he said to them, our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him. then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he will recover; though Jesus meant it of Lazarus's death: but they understood it of the natural rest in sleep. then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there (to the intent you may believe) but now, let us go to him. then said Thomas, that is, Didymus, to his fellow-disciples, let us also go, that we may die with him. When Jesus was arriv'd, he found that Lazarus had been then four days in the grave. now Bethany being distant from Jerusalem but about fifteen furlongs, many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to condole with them upon the loss of their brother. Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him: but Mary stay'd at home. Lord, said Martha to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. but yet even now whatever you shall ask of God, I know God will grant it to you. Jesus said to her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again at the resurrection of the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me shall live even though he were dead: and no man living that believeth in me, shall ever die. do you believe this? yes, Lord, said Martha, I believe that thou art the Messiah the son of God, who was to come into the world. When she had said this, she went privately to call Mary her sister, saying, the master is come, and calls for you. no sooner she heard that, but she arose with all speed, and came to him. for Jesus was not yet arrived in the town, but staid at the place were Martha met him. the Jews then who were with Mary in the house to comfort her, when they saw that she rose in such haste, and went out, followed her, saying, she is going to the grave to weep there. Mary being come to the place where Jesus was, as soon as she saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying, Lord, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. when Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he sighed from his heart, and was troubled, and said, where have ye laid him? they said to him, Lord, come and see. then Jesus wept. upon which the Jews said, see how he loved him. but some of them said, this man who has given sight to the blind, could not he have prevented Lazarus's death? Jesus then again sighing, came to the sepulchre which was a cave, shut up by a stone. Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, sister to the deceas'd, said to him, Lord, by this time he is offensive: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus said to her, did I not tell you, that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? then they took away the stone from the place where the corps was laid. and Jesus lifting up his eyes to heaven said, "father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I know that thou hearest me always: but I say this, because of the people here present, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." when he had spoke this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Six days before the passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, and raised to life again. there a supper was provided for him; Martha was in waiting: but Lazarus was one of the guests that sat at table with him. read more. but Mary taking a pound of the oil of spikenard which was very costly, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them with her hair: so that the house was filled with the odour of the perfume. whereupon one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who was to betray him, said, why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, to be given to the poor? this he said, not out of any concern for the poor; but because being purse-bearer he used to pilfer what was in bank. then said Jesus, let her alone: against the day of my burial hath she kept this. the poor you will always have with you; but me you will not always have. a great multitude of Jews knowing that Jesus was there, went thither, not for his sake only, but likewise to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. for the chief priests had resolved to put even Lazarus to death; because he was the occasion that many of the Jews left them, and believed on Jesus. The next day, a crowd of people that were come to the feast, hearing that Jesus was on the road to Jerusalem, took branches of palm-trees, and went to meet him, crying, "Hosanna, blessed is the king of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord." now Jesus was riding upon a young ass, which he got by the way; as it is written, "fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy king comes sitting on an ass's colt." this passage his disciples did not understand at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, they remembred how they had mounted him, and perceiv'd that those words related to him. the people that were present testified, that he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead.
Smith
Laz'arus
(whom God helps), another form of the Hebrew name Eleazar.
1. Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Martha and Mary.
Joh 11:1
All that we know of him is derived from the Gospel of St. John, and that records little more than the facts of his death and resurrection. The language of
Joh 11:1
implies that the sisters were the better known. Lazarus is "of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha." From this and from the order of the three names in
Joh 11:5
we may reasonably infer that Lazarus was the youngest of the family. All the circumstances of John 11 and 12 point to wealth and social position above the average.
2. The name of a poor man in the well-known parable of
Lu 16:19-31
The name of Lazarus has been perpetuated in an institution of the Christian Church. The leper of the Middle Ages appears as a lazzaro. The use of lazaretto and lazarhouse for the leper hospitals then founded in all parts of western Christendom, no less than that of lazaroni for the mendicants of Italian towns, is an indication of the effect of the parable upon the mind of Europe in the Middle Ages, and thence upon its later speech.
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Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, who was of Bethany, the town of Mary, and of Martha her sister.
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, who was of Bethany, the town of Mary, and of Martha her sister.
now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
Watsons
LAZARUS, brother to Martha and Mary. He dwelt at Bethany with his sisters, near Jerusalem; and the Lord Jesus did him the honour sometimes of lodging at his house when he visited the city. See the account of his resurrection related at large in Joh 11:5, &c.
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now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.