L
azarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary, lived in a small village called Bethany.
They were Jesus’ friends and when Lazarus was ill, they immediately sent a message to Jesus. Jesus said, “Lazarus’ illness will glorify God!” At first Jesus did nothing, but two days later Jesus told his disciples he wanted to go to Lazarus. The disciples said, “Is that a good thing? Bethany is near Jerusalem, where you have many enemies!” Jesus said, “Lazarus is dead. We have to go to them.” The disciples went with Jesus, even though they thought Jesus would be captured and they would all die. When they arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. His sisters had already wrapped his body in linen cloths and buried him. There were many people who had come to comfort the two sisters. Martha went out to greet Jesus. “Lord,” she said, “if you could have been here earlier, Lazarus would not have died! But even so, I know that God will give you whatever you ask!” Jesus said, “Lazarus will rise again.” Martha thought he was talking about the day of judgement, but Jesus said, “Anyone who believes in me will live even though they die. They will have everlasting life. Do you believe this?” Martha said, “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Son of God.”
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