John 12:9, commentary and pictures

Six days before the Passover, just before His betrayal and death, Jesus on His way from Jericho to Jerusalem to attend the feast stopped at Bethany at the house of Lazarus, choosing this retreat for rest and refreshment. The gathering there was a supper or feast made at the house of Simon of Bethany, whom Jesus had healed of leprosy, to show his Master special honor, with Jesus and His friends as guests. At the table Jesus sat with Simon cured of a loathsome disease on one side and Lazarus raised from the dead on the other, while Martha served at the table and Mary earnestly listened to every word from His lips.

Many of the Jews learned that Jesus was at Bethany and came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. Some came out of curiosity about Lazarus, others because they cared for Jesus and longed to see and hear Him. Many wondered whether Lazarus would go with Jesus to Jerusalem and whether Jesus would be crowned king.

Public attention to Lazarus spread news of the miracle, drew a crowd to Bethany, increased public interest in Jesus, and helped fuel the growing excitement. Lazarus's presence was a living witness and living testimony to Christ's divine power, extraordinary and crowning evidence that Jesus is the Son of God, and his raising was the Jewish nation's last test. Though many expected Lazarus to recount an experience of death, he had nothing to tell, for the dead know nothing and their love and hatred have perished.

Despite this evidence, those who rejected the truth were not persuaded but hardened their hearts. The priests and rulers were alarmed because they feared the people would believe in Jesus because of Lazarus and that they would lose their influence. The rulers therefore decided to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus, hoping to regain influence by turning the people toward human traditions, and they sought to seize Jesus when He was alone in order to avoid the crowd.