Resurrection of Lazarus
Jesus received news of Lazarus' sickness but intentionally delayed his arrival until Lazarus had died. Jesus aimed to use Lazarus' death as an opportunity to demonstrate his divine power and the love of the Father. Four days later, Jesus resurrected Lazarus.
Summary
On Sunday night, February 26, 30 CE, Jesus received a message that his friend Lazarus was very sick. Instead of immediately going to him, and knowing that Lazarus would die that very night, Jesus decided to wait until there would be no doubt that Lazarus had truly died. Jesus decided to use Lazarus’ death to perform a spectacular demonstration of his divine power – a miracle that would be a signal to his enemies of the love of the Father and Jesus’ undisputable power over life and death and evidence that he truly was the Son of God. He hoped that this demonstration would inspire them to finally accept him and his teachings After four days, on March 2, 30 CE, Jesus and his apostles arrived at Lazarus’ home where he was received by Lazarus’ grieving sisters. He assured them that all was well, and went to Lazarus' tomb, where Jesus prayed and commanded Lazarus to come forth. Lazarus came back to life, still wrapped in his grave cloths. Jesus told the people to free Lazarus, but some were frightened and ran away; Lazarus didn't remember anything that had happened, and was confused about why he had awakened in the garden. Jesus reassured Lazarus and explained that this would happen to all who believed in him. Though many people came to believe in Jesus as a result of his amazing work, others only hardened their hearts to reject him even more.