Jesus presided over the Passover supper in Bethany, where Simon had been laid to rest with his fathers by A.D. 12. [1]
Simon, father of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, welcomed the Nazareth family into his home on the eastern slopes of Olivet, sparking a lifelong friendship with Jesus. [2] Simon of Bethany purchased the paschal lamb and invited five Nazareth families for Passover, where Jesus caused a stir with his insightful remarks. [3] Simon, leading resident of Bethany, comforted sorrow-stricken sisters and was highly respected by friends from near-by hamlets and Jerusalem. [4]
Simon watched young Jesus in the temple and marveled at his wisdom and humility as he challenged the teachings of the wise men with thought-provoking questions. [5]