Jesus raises Lazarus

Bethany was a village near Jerusalem, close enough to be connected with pilgrimage and the city’s religious life. The narrative’s grief, burial customs, family friendship, and public reaction all prepare for Jesus’ final visit to Jerusalem.

John presents the sign as a revelation of Jesus’ glory and a summons to believe. It also intensifies the conflict that leads to the plot against Jesus and places life, death, faith, and resurrection hope at the center of the Gospel.