Why 'Jesus Wept' Defined the Raising of Lazarus
The article explores the biblical story of the Raising of Lazarus, focusing on the significance of Jesus weeping (John 11:35). The Greek term 'edakrusen' implies quiet, deep sorrow, highlighting Jesus's empathy. The timing—four days after death—is crucial due to an ancient Jewish belief that the soul hovers for three days, making the miracle a total reversal of decay. This miracle, performed in Bethany near Jerusalem, forced the Sanhedrin's hand, leading to the plot to kill Jesus. The article also discusses depictions of the scene in Western art by Rembrandt and Caravaggio, emphasizing the challenge of capturing both Jesus's empathy and Lazarus's resurrection.
Key facts
- The Bible's shortest verse is John 11:35: 'Jesus wept.'
- The Greek word for wept is 'edakrusen,' meaning quiet, deep sorrow.
- An ancient Jewish belief held that the soul hovered near the body for three days.
- Jesus waited until the fourth day to raise Lazarus, ensuring biological decay had begun.
- Bethany was located less than two miles east of Jerusalem.
- The Raising of Lazarus was the 'point of no return' for the Sanhedrin.
- Rembrandt and Caravaggio both painted the Raising of Lazarus.
- The miracle predicted Jesus's own death and resurrection.
Entities
Artists
- Rembrandt
- Caravaggio
Institutions
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Wikimedia Commons
Locations
- Bethany
- Jerusalem