News of Lazarus’ Death

Commentary

Verses 1 through 6 describe the setting for a miracle. Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, had become gravely ill (v. 1). Lazarus lived in Bethany with his two sisters, Mary and Martha. This was the same Mary who later poured perfume on the Lord’s head and wiped his feet with her hair (v. 2). 

Bethany was located on the east side of the Mt. of Olives, about two miles from Jerusalem (v. 18), along the road leading to Jericho. Jesus was about twenty miles from Bethany when a messenger arrived with the news that His dear friend, Lazarus, was critically ill. Scripture makes it clear there was a strong love between Jesus and this family (v. 3). However, when Jesus heard about Lazarus’ illness, he said, “His sickness won’t end in death, it will bring glory to God and his son.” (v. 4). He waited two more days before He and His disciples left for Lazarus’ house. This only gave greater opportunity for people to believe.

When Jesus finally raised Lazarus from the dead it was one of his greatest and most noteworthy miracles. No one could question it since Lazarus had been dead for four days and was buried. This miracle was so convincing that the priests plotted to kill Lazarus (John 12:9,10). Why did Jesus take four days to get to Lazarus? A summary of the four days will help answer this question: On the first day the messenger had to travel to find Jesus. The next two days He lingered. On the fourth day Jesus crossed the Jordan river and traveled day’s journey to Bethany.

Application