They planned to console her and had no thoughts of a reason to celebrate. They thought they were going to the tomb to weep with her. Friends of Mary followed her when she went out to meet Jesus who had sent for her. They seemed to ignore the words that Jesus wanted to wake up Lazarus. They feared wicked men over trusting Jesus. They warned him that people in Judea planned to stone him. The disciples tried to prevent Jesus from heading to Bethany. They allowed the anointing and wrapping of burial cloths and placed Lazarus in the tomb. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus to help them but gave up waiting once Lazarus died. The reaction of people involved with Lazarus and Jesus reflected human responses. His sister Mary had washed and anointed the feet of Jesus.

He told the disciples he needed to awaken Lazarus from sleep. No further news came before Jesus announced that Lazarus had died, and he wanted to go to him. They had seen many miracles and knew Jesus had God’s power, so this should have helped them trust Jesus. His absence probably worried the sisters. His words should have assured and comforted his friends. He simply stated that this illness was for the glory of God and would not lead to death. He didn’t rush off to heal his friend or even head to a town closer to his friend. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was unwell, he stayed put for two more days. The story of the death of Lazarus is found in John 11:1-12:9. Lazarus become so ill that his sisters sent for Jesus. How Did People Respond to the News of Lazarus? He took no active part in the drama until Jesus spoke to him. Lazarus went from ill to dead and then laid in a tomb wrapped in burial cloths for four days. How amazing that we can hope before we ever have a need. His parents named him long before he needed the Christ to restore his life. To have a name that in hindsight is a prophecy is remarkable. Lazarus means God HAS helped, past tense, already done. Those who wondered about it, wanted to meet Jesus and Lazarus, to find out more.

Like any news station that doesn’t like the story, enemies wanted to bury the news, kill the rescued man, and bury him again. The account goes beyond the miracle to see how curious people and enemies of Jesus reacted. In John 12:9, we read that a crowd followed Jesus but not only to see him, they also came to see Lazarus who was an ordinary man who had a life and death altering experience that intrigued them and still amazes those who read it. Lazarus aroused curiosity even during the time of Jesus.

Lazarus bible story for kindergarteners