An Interview with Lazarus: A Testimony of Resurrection

Interviewer: Today, we have a unique opportunity to speak with a man whose life and story have been recorded in the Holy Bible and whose experience has left a profound mark on the faith of millions. Lazarus, the man whom Jesus raised from the dead, has kindly agreed to speak with us about his life, his miraculous resurrection, and the impact of Jesus’ power on his faith. Thank you for joining us today, Lazarus.

Lazarus: It is my honor to be here and to share the testimony of God’s goodness and grace in my life.

Interviewer: Before we dive into the incredible events surrounding your resurrection, could you tell us a bit about your early life? How did you come to know Jesus?

Lazarus: I grew up in Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem, along with my sisters, Martha and Mary. We had a close-knit family, and I was blessed to have sisters who were deeply committed to God. Our family had the privilege of meeting Jesus early in His ministry, and we became close friends with Him. He often stayed at our home when He traveled through Judea.

I remember many evenings sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teachings. My sister Mary would sit at His feet, hanging on to every word, while Martha was more concerned with making sure the house was in order and the meal prepared. One particular instance is recorded in Luke 10:38-42. Jesus gently reminded Martha that Mary had chosen “what is better” by focusing on Him and His message, and it wouldn’t be taken away from her. That lesson has stayed with us throughout our lives.

Interviewer: As your relationship with Jesus grew, something tragic happened to you—an illness that eventually led to your death. Can you take us through that experience?

Lazarus: Yes, it was indeed a dark time. I fell gravely ill, and despite my sisters’ best efforts, my condition worsened. Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus, believing that He would come to heal me. They had great faith that Jesus had the power to save me from death. After all, we had witnessed Him perform many miracles.

However, when Jesus received the message, He did not come right away. In fact, as recorded in John 11:6, He stayed where He was for two more days. My sisters and I were heartbroken, but we did not understand at the time that Jesus had a greater purpose in mind. As He told His disciples, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4).

As my illness worsened, I eventually succumbed to it and died. I remember nothing from the moments after my passing, but I know my body was laid in a tomb and sealed with a stone, as was the custom.

Interviewer: The Bible tells us that after four days, Jesus came to Bethany and performed the miracle of raising you from the dead. Could you describe that event from your perspective?

Lazarus: Well, as I mentioned, I had no consciousness after my death. It was like I was asleep. But according to my sisters, Jesus arrived after I had been in the tomb for four days. By that time, many mourners had gathered, and my sisters were grieving deeply.

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him. She expressed her grief and disappointment, saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). But she also expressed her faith, adding, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (John 11:22).

Jesus responded by assuring her, “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:23). Martha thought He was referring to the future resurrection at the last day, but Jesus declared something even more profound: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).

After this, Martha called for Mary, who also expressed her grief to Jesus. Moved by their sorrow and the sadness of those around Him, Jesus wept (John 11:35). His compassion for us was overwhelming, even though He knew what was about to happen.

Jesus then asked for the stone to be removed from the entrance of my tomb. Martha, concerned about the odor after four days, hesitated, but Jesus reminded her of His earlier words: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).

Then, Jesus looked up and prayed to the Father, thanking Him for always hearing Him. And with a loud voice, He called out, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43).

Suddenly, I came back to life. I heard His voice and found myself walking out of the tomb, still wrapped in the grave clothes. Jesus instructed those nearby to remove the linens, and I stood there, alive, in the midst of the astonished crowd. It was truly a miracle beyond all comprehension.

Interviewer: What was it like for you after you were raised from the dead? How did this miracle change your life and your faith?

Lazarus: After my resurrection, everything changed. Not only did my faith in Jesus deepen, but my entire perspective on life shifted. I had experienced death and returned by the power of Jesus’ word. I became a living testimony to the authority and divinity of Christ. It was no longer just about believing in Jesus’ ability to heal or perform miracles—it became personal. I was living proof of His power over death itself.

The news of my resurrection spread quickly. People came from far and wide to see me, and many believed in Jesus because of what had happened. However, this also made me a target. The religious leaders, particularly the chief priests, were upset because many were putting their faith in Jesus as a result of this miracle. In John 12:10-11, it’s written that the chief priests even plotted to kill me, hoping to stop the spread of belief in Jesus.

But through it all, my faith never wavered. I knew beyond any doubt that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. He is the resurrection and the life, and I am living proof of His divine power.

Interviewer: What would you say to those who struggle with faith or who question the power of Jesus in their lives today?

Lazarus: I would encourage everyone to trust in Jesus completely. His power is not limited by death, illness, or circumstances. Just as He raised me from the dead, He can bring new life to any situation that seems hopeless.

Jesus is more than a healer or a miracle worker—He is the source of life itself. He has the power to transform hearts, heal brokenness, and conquer sin and death. The key is to believe in Him and trust in His plan, even when things seem impossible.

I know that people face difficult trials and sometimes wonder why God doesn’t act immediately, just as my sisters and I wondered why Jesus delayed in coming to me. But I have learned that God’s timing is perfect. He allows things to happen for His glory, and His purpose is always greater than we can imagine.

Interviewer: Lazarus, your story is one of the most remarkable testimonies of God’s power and love. As we conclude, is there any final message you’d like to share with our readers?

Lazarus: I would like to leave you with the words of Jesus that were spoken to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). This is not just a statement about the future; it’s a promise for the present. Jesus offers life—eternal life—to all who believe in Him.

Trust in Him, no matter what challenges you face. His power is greater than any obstacle, and His love never fails. I am a living testament to that truth, and I pray that my story will encourage you to deepen your faith in the One who conquered death for us all.

Interviewer: Thank you, Lazarus, for sharing your incredible story with us today. Your testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and life we have in Christ.

Lazarus: Thank you for allowing me to share it. All glory belongs to God.

In this interview with Lazarus, we are reminded of the immense power of Jesus and His ability to bring life where there is death. Lazarus’ story, found in John 11, continues to inspire and encourage believers around the world to trust in Jesus, knowing that He is the resurrection and the life.