The Story of Lazarus in the Bible

Welcome to Faithful Fable, a place where we share the undiluted word of God in quiz and stories. Today's story is about the story of Lazarus in the Bible, a tale of miraculous resurrection and unwavering faith. This narrative highlights the profound power of belief and the boundless compassion of Jesus Christ, as he brings Lazarus back to life, showcasing the triumph of life over death and the enduring strength of divine love.

The Story of Lazarus in the Bible

Once upon a time, in a land filled with wonders and miracles, lived a man named Lazarus. He was a friend of Jesus, a man of great faith and love. But before we delve into the incredible story of Lazarus, let’s set the stage and make sure our hearts and imaginations are ready for an adventure of hope and miracles.

This isn't just any tale; it’s a story that has been told for thousands of years, one that's been a beacon of hope for many. So, come along, little ones, as we trace the footsteps of Jesus and His dear friend Lazarus in the pages of the Bible.

Introduction to Bethany and the Sisters

In the quiet village of Bethany, not far from the city of Jerusalem, lived Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha. They were very close to Jesus and often welcomed Him into their home. Mary and Martha loved Jesus very much, and He loved them in return.

Lazarus Falls Ill

One sad day, Lazarus fell very sick. Mary and Martha were worried because they knew their brother was not just a little ill; he was very, very sick. They sent word to Jesus, who was teaching in another town, saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick." (John 11:3)

Jesus's Surprising Response

When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4) But instead of going to Bethany right away, Jesus stayed where He was for two more days.

Arriving in Bethany

Finally, Jesus told His disciples it was time to visit Lazarus. But when they arrived, they found that Lazarus had already been in his tomb for four days. Martha heard Jesus was coming and went out to meet Him, while Mary stayed at home.

Martha's Faith

Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now, God will give you whatever you ask." (John 11:21-22) Jesus told her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha believed in the resurrection on the last day, but Jesus had something more immediate in mind.

Jesus Comforts Mary

Mary then came to where Jesus was. Seeing Him, she fell at His feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, He was deeply moved. "Where have you laid him?" He asked. They replied, "Come and see, Lord." Jesus wept with them. He truly loved Lazarus.

To the Tomb

Jesus, along with Mary, Martha, and the others, went to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. Jesus told them to take away the stone. Martha was worried because Lazarus had been dead for four days, and there would be a bad smell. But Jesus reassured her to believe and see the glory of God.

The Miracle

With the stone rolled away, Jesus prayed to His Father and then called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43) And the most amazing thing happened—Lazarus came out of the tomb, wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus told them to take off the grave clothes and let him go free.

A Unique Game for You!

Hey kids, want to make this story even more fun? Here's a game you can play as you continue reading! It's called the "Miracle Tracker." Every time you hear about a miracle that Jesus does, put your hands up in the air and shout "Miracle!" Now, let’s see how many miracles you can spot in the story of Lazarus!

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus's Love: Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters very much. This story teaches us that Jesus loves each one of us deeply too.
2. Hope in the Face of Death: Even when Lazarus died, there was still hope because Jesus is more powerful than death.
3. Faith is Powerful: Martha and Mary showed great faith in Jesus, believing He could do anything, even bring their brother back to life.
4. Jesus is the Resurrection: Jesus has power over life and death. He said, "I am the resurrection and the life." (John 11:25)
5. Miracles for God’s Glory: Jesus performed this miracle so that people would believe in Him and see God’s glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who Was Lazarus in the Bible?
   Lazarus was a man from Bethany, the brother of Martha and Mary, and a dear friend of Jesus.
2. Why Did Jesus Wait Before Going to Lazarus?
   Jesus waited to show that God's timing is perfect and to reveal His glory by performing the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.
3. What Did Jesus Mean by "This Sickness Will Not End in Death"?
   Jesus meant that the end result of Lazarus's sickness would not be death, but a display of God's power and glory.
4. How Long Was Lazarus Dead?
   Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days before Jesus raised him from the dead.
5. What Do We Learn from the Story of Lazarus?
   We learn that Jesus has the power over life and death and that He is the source of resurrection and eternal life for all who believe in Him.
6. How Did the Raising of Lazarus Affect People’s Belief in Jesus?
   Many people who saw what Jesus did believed in Him. However, some went to the Jewish leaders, who then plotted against Jesus because they were afraid of losing their power.
7. What Happened to Lazarus After He Was Raised from the Dead?
   The Bible doesn’t give many details about Lazarus's life after he was raised from the dead, but he continued to live in Bethany with his sisters and was a living testament to Jesus's power.

This amazing story shows us that nothing is impossible for God, and reminds us that Jesus is the giver of life. Whenever you feel afraid or think that a situation is too difficult, remember the story of Lazarus and how Jesus can bring hope to even the most impossible circumstances.

If you want to explore more miraculous stories, check out how Jesus turned water into wine, or learn about the time when Jesus fed the five thousand with just a few loaves and fishes! Don't forget to try a fun Bible quiz on Genesis to test your knowledge on another part of God’s incredible story!