John 11:1

THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS (John 11:1-44)

1. Now. certain man was sick, named Lazarus. The name of Lazarus is not mentioned by any of the sacred writers but John, but his family is named or referred to by Matthew, Mark and Luke. With his sisters we know, from Luke 10:38, that Jesus had. previous acquaintance, and that is presupposed in John's narrative. It would seem from Luke's account that Martha was the head of the family, and therefore it is thought that Lazarus was. younger brother. Putting together John 12:1-11, and Matthew 26:6-13, and Mark 14:1-9, it seems certain that Simon the leper was in some way connected with the family, but just how is. matter of conjecture. The family was one of some property. They owned their house, had their tomb in. garden, and were able to give. costly token of honor to Christ in an alabaster box of ointment worth, when we compare with modern values, three hundred dollars.

Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

It lies on the eastern slope of Olivet, about two miles from Jerusalem. It seems to have been the constant retreat of the Savior while sojourning at Jerusalem. It is distinguished from another Bethany beyond Jordan, and especially named as the home of the sisters who were such attached friends of Christ. Although John has not before named them, he speaks of them as well known. They had been named by Luke and were well known to the church at the late day when John wrote.