How Does The Miracle Of Lazarus Foreshadow The Events Leading To Jesus Own Death And Resurrection?

The Miracle of Lazarus: A Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

The raising of Lazarus from the dead, as recorded in John 11, stands as one of the most profound miracles in the New Testament. Not only does this event serve as a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ divine authority, but it also foreshadows the climactic events of Christ’s own death and resurrection. This study will explore how the Lazarus miracle points forward to the cross and the empty tomb, and what it reveals about Jesus' mission and identity.

1. The Setting: Death, Grief, and Divine Purpose

Jesus receives word that his friend Lazarus is gravely ill. Yet, instead of rushing immediately to Bethany, Jesus waits two days. This delay is intentional and purposeful:

But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. - John 11:4 ASV

The delay ensures that Lazarus would be dead for four days, leaving no doubt about his death and magnifying the miracle to come. This points to a divine plan at work, even in the face of suffering and loss.

2. Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life

In the midst of grief, Jesus makes a remarkable claim to Martha:

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die. Believest thou this? - John 11:25-26 ASV

Here, Jesus identifies himself as the source of both resurrection and eternal life, a truth that will be decisively proven in his own resurrection. This declaration anticipates the hope that will burst forth from the empty tomb.

3. The Miracle: Calling the Dead to Life

Jesus approaches the tomb and commands:

And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes... - John 11:43-44 ASV

Just as Jesus called Lazarus from the grave, he would soon, by the power of God, rise from his own tomb. The miracle demonstrates Jesus’ authority over death, foreshadowing his ultimate victory on Easter morning.

4. The Consequence: The Plot to Kill Jesus

The raising of Lazarus does more than comfort a grieving family—it triggers the events that lead directly to the cross. The religious leaders, alarmed by the growing faith in Jesus, convene to plot his death:

So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death. - John 11:53 ASV

In this way, the miracle sets in motion the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus’ own sacrificial death and resurrection.

5. Foreshadowing Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

Lazarus’ death and resurrection prefigure Jesus’ own death and triumph over the grave. Lazarus is raised by Jesus’ command; Jesus rises by his own authority as the Son of God (John 10:17-18 ASV).
The stone rolled away from Lazarus’ tomb anticipates the stone rolled from Jesus’ tomb (John 20:1).
Lazarus emerges still bound in grave clothes, but Jesus leaves his burial wrappings behind, signifying a greater victory over death (John 20:6-7 ASV).
The miracle of Lazarus points to Jesus as the source of resurrection life for all who believe in him (John 11:25 ASV).

6. The Call to Faith

Jesus’ words to Martha are a call to all:

Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God? - John 11:40 ASV

This miracle is a sign meant to evoke faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to assure believers of the promise of resurrection and eternal life.

Conclusion: The Unfolding of God’s Redemptive Plan

The raising of Lazarus is not just a story of compassion, but a divine signpost pointing to the greater miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. It assures us that Jesus has power over death and offers eternal life to all who trust in him. As we reflect on this miracle, we are reminded that our hope rests not in this life alone, but in the resurrection power of Christ, who is the resurrection and the life.

Ask the Bible