The Raising of Lazarus

In Bethany live Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus loves. The sisters send word to him: “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” Jesus declares that this sickness is for the glory of God, and stays two more days where he is. When he arrives, Lazarus has already been in the tomb four days. Martha goes out to meet him: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Jesus tells her, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” She confesses him as the Christ, the Son of God. Seeing Mary and the Jews weeping, Jesus is deeply moved, and he weeps. At the cave, closed with a stone, he commands, “Take ye away the stone.” He gives thanks to his Father, then cries with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” The dead man comes out, his hands and feet bound with graveclothes. Many believe in him; but from that day on, the Sanhedrin resolves to put him to death.