30. "Raising of Lazarus from the Dead"

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“Raising of Lazarus”

John, in chapter 11 of his Gospel, describes the raising of Lazarus and Jesus’ last Passover. Chapter 12 begins with the meal in Bethany with Martha, Lazarus and others, including Mary who anoints him with the costly perfumed oil, and of whom Jesus says, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.” John 12:7

Jesus begins his entry into Jerusalem followed by those who had witnessed the raising of Lazarus from the dead. “This was [also] why the crowd went to meet him, because they heard that he had done this sign." John 12:18

Returning to our icon, we should now be aware of how important John saw this “sign," this miracle, to be. There was danger in going to Judea where the Jews had tried to stone Jesus. But Jesus said anyway: “Let us go to him [Lazarus].” His disciples said: “Let us also go to die with him [Jesus].”

Martha goes first to the tomb; then Mary. They are at the feet of Jesus. Mary kisses his feet and says: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

The event is a “sign.” Its truth, often personal, is usually only discovered in meditative silence.

After this event, the Pharisees and Scribes, standing left of Jesus, decided to kill both Jesus and Lazarus.