The Raising of Lazarus

Lazarus was a dear friend of Jesus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, who lived in Bethany. When Lazarus became very sick, his sisters sent word to Jesus. But Jesus waited two more days before going — and by the time He arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.

Martha came running out to meet Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies — and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" Martha declared, "Yes, Lord — I believe You are the Christ, the Son of God."

When Jesus saw Mary weeping and the mourners crying, He was deeply moved and wept. Then He went to the tomb. A stone covered the entrance. "Roll away the stone," He said. He looked up and prayed. Then He called in a loud voice: "Lazarus, come out!" And Lazarus walked out — still wrapped in his burial cloths. Jesus said, "Unwrap him and let him go." This miracle, more than any other, revealed who Jesus truly is: Lord over death itself. Every Coptic funeral is held with this hope.