Event New Testament
The raising of Lazarus
Also known as Lazarus, come out
When Lazarus of Bethany died, Jesus came four days after the burial, told Martha that He is the resurrection and the life, wept at the tomb, and called Lazarus out alive still bound in grave clothes. Many who saw it believed, and the council resolved from that day to put Jesus to death.
Why it matters. The last sign in John's Gospel shows Jesus's authority over death and sets the cross in motion.
- Primary passages
- Witnesses
Chronology confidence: medium
Recorded only by John, shortly before the final Passover; John presents it as the event that moved the council to plot Jesus's death.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-30 by the FaithGraph team
Connections
The raising of Lazarus precedes The Last Supper
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJohn places the raising of Lazarus before the final Passover, then the anointing, then the supper.
Evidence:Jesus participates in The raising of Lazarus
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJesus comes to Bethany, weeps, and calls Lazarus out of the tomb.
Evidence:Lazarus of Bethany participates in The raising of Lazarus
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceLazarus is the man who dies and is called out of the tomb.
Evidence:Martha participates in The raising of Lazarus
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceMartha meets Jesus on the road and confesses Him as the Christ.
Evidence:Mary of Bethany participates in The raising of Lazarus
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceMary falls at Jesus's feet weeping, and He is deeply moved.
Evidence:The raising of Lazarus occurs at Bethany
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJohn names Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha, and its distance from Jerusalem.
Evidence:The raising of Lazarus develops the theme Faith
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJesus asks Martha whether she believes, and many believe after the sign.
Evidence: