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INTRODUCTION. In contrast to the raising of Jairus' daughter and the widow's son
which took place in Galilee, this incident occurs in Judea in the small village of Bethany. Bethany was less than two miles distant from Jerusalem and was located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. As Jesus journeyed to and from Jerusalem, He stopped in Bethany at the home of Mary and Martha who were sisters to rest from his travels (Luke 10:38-42). John, in this story, informs us that the sisters also had a brother Lazarus.
Jesus and his disciples had retired to the area beyond (east of) the Jordan River because some of the Jews had sought to stone him (John 10:31-42). While they were there a messenger came from Mary and Martha informing Jesus that Lazarus was sick.