Lazarus was one of the best friends of Jesus and a firmly believer is his teachings.
Father Simon, a leading resident of Bethany, had left behind a wealthy and respected family, with extensive vineyards and olive orchards, who were comforted by many visitors after his passing. [1] In June A.D. 27, Jesus and the apostles stored their personal effects at Lazarus' home in Bethany before departing Jerusalem to preach in Samaria. [2] At Jesus' 10th appearance after his resurrection, he spoke words of love and unity to his followers in Philadelphia. [3]
David Zebedee was self-appointed defender of Lazarus, joining him in Philadelphia after the persecution following his resurrection and the establishment of the kingdom in Jerusalem. [4] David became the self-appointed defender of Lazarus, who was persecuted by Pharisees in Bethany before fleeing to Philadelphia. [5] Jesus instructed David to defend Lazarus, who fled to Philadelphia to avoid persecution. [6] Lazarus of Bethany died at 67 as treasurer of the church in Philadelphia, siding with Abner against Paul and the Jerusalem church. [7] During their first meeting with Jesus in Bethany, Lazarus and the boys were the same age, forming a lifelong friendship. [8]
The following day, Lazarus took Jesus to explore Jerusalem, where they discovered teaching conferences at the temple that helped relieve the previous day's unpleasant memories. [9]
In March, Jesus and the apostles journeyed to Jerusalem, where Lazarus of Bethany had visited them twice at the Jordan and prepared a place for them to stay in Bethany. [10]
Jesus loved Lazarus with fervent affection, his desire to visit with Martha and Mary next to his own family being a significant part of his decision to go up to Jerusalem for the Passover. [11]
Jesus received message about the illness of Lazarus, leading to a profound and divine plan to glorify God and exalt the Son through a stupendous outward work, despite the disciples' fears and doubts. [12] The resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus demonstrated his power and brought about both belief and disbelief among the people. [13]
Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus before commanding for the stone to be rolled away, preparing for the greatest manifestation of divine power during his earthly ministry. [14] Martha and Mary joined Lazarus in Philadelphia after David joined them in Bethany. [15] Lazarus and his sisters, with a private tomb on their own premises, were respected and wealthy followers of Jesus in the village of Bethany. [16] The Sanhedrin decreed death for both Jesus and Lazarus, in response to their defiance and miraculous deeds. [17]
Jesus formed a lifelong friendship with Lazarus of Bethany and his sisters Martha and Mary while stopping in their home on the eastern slopes of Olivet. [18]
Lazarus and his sisters were summoned before the Sanhedrin, where despite clear testimony, his resurrection was attributed to the power of the prince of devils. [19]
Lazarus, treasurer of the church at Philadelphia, supported Abner in his dispute with Paul, ultimately dying at the age of 67 from the same sickness that once struck him in Bethany. [20]
Lazarus, a wealthy man who inherited extensive vineyards and olive orchards, was highly respected in Bethany and his family was comforted by many friends from near-by hamlets and Jerusalem. [21]
See also: UB 127:3.5; UB 128:6.5; UB 134:9.2; UB 152:7.1.