When Lazarus Is Resurrected

JESUS, along with those accompanying him, now arrive at the memorial tomb of Lazarus. Actually, it is a cave with a stone placed at the entrance. "Take the stone away," Jesus says. Martha objects, not yet understanding what Jesus intends to do. "Lord," she says, "by now he must smell, for it is four days." But Jesus asks: "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"

So the stone is removed. Then Jesus raises his eyes and prays: "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. True, I knew that you always hear me; but on account of the crowd standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that you sent me forth." Jesus prays publicly so that the people will know that what he is about to do will be accomplished through power received from God. Then he cries out with a loud voice: "Lazarus, come on out!" At that, Lazarus comes out. His hands and feet are still bound with burial wrappings, and his face is covered with a cloth. "Loose him and let him go," Jesus says.

On seeing this miracle, many of the Jews that had come to comfort Mary and Martha put faith in Jesus. Others, however, go off to tell the Pharisees what has occurred. They and the chief priests immediately arrange for a meeting of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin.

Next time: Conclusion of When Lazarus Is Resurrected'

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991