Come Forth: The Raising of Lazarus and the Promise of Jesus’s Greatest Miracle

by James Martin

Author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Learning to Pray on one of the most intriguing events in the New Testament.

“this remarkable testimony demonstrates the power of a single Gospel story. This is soul-nourishing and highly recommended.”—Ben Witherington III, author of A Week in the Life of Corinth
One of America’s most beloved spiritual leaders and the New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Learning to Pray examines one of the most intriguing events in the New Testament—the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead—and explains its significance for us today.
In this wise and thoughtful book, Father James Martin, SJ, analyzes the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection and asks us to consider what Jesus means when he calls Lazarus—and each of us—to “come forth.” Taking us through the Gospel story verse by verse, he offers deep reflection on the lessons it holds about love, family, sadness, frustration, fear, anger, freedom, and joy.
Come Forth combines compelling analysis of the biblical text, insights about the historical setting of the story, meditations on Lazarus in art and the larger culture, as well as stories of Martin’s personal experiences. As he explores these strands in-depth, Martin offers us a deeper understanding of this miracle and its essential message—letting go of the limiting beliefs that prevent us from experiencing God in all His glory.
“All of us have things that we need to ‘let die’ in order to follow God more freely, to love more deeply, and to become the people whom God desires us to be,” Martin writes. As this wise and profound book reveals, we need only to open ourselves to the transformative story of Lazarus and trust that God can use it to free us to experience new life—and come closer to Him.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christian, Theology, Audiobook, Christianity

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

James Martin, SJ is a Jesuit priest, writer, editor at large of the Jesuit magazine America, and consultor to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communication.

Fr. Martin grew up in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, United States, and attended Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business in 1982 and worked in corporate finance at General Electric for six years. Dissatisfied with the corporate world, he entered the Society of Jesus (more commonly known as the Jesuits) in 1988, and after completing his Jesuit training (which included studies in philosophy and theology, as well as full time-ministry) was ordained a priest in 1999. He received his Master's in Divinity (M.Div.) and Master's in Theology (Th.M.) from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now part of Boston College).

During his Jesuit training, Martin worked in a hospital for the seriously ill and a homeless shelter in Boston, with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Jamaica, with street-gang members in Chicago, in a prison in Boston, and for two years with East African refugees in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Jesuit Refugee Service. In addition to his work at America magazine, Fr. Martin has written or edited more than 15 books, most of which are about spirituality and religion. He is a frequent commentator on religion and spirituality and has appeared on all the major networks, served as an expert commentator for ABC for the papal conclave that elected Pope Francis, and has written for many outlets, including the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Father Martin's best known books The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything (2010) and Jesus: A Pilgrimage were both New York Times bestsellers; My Life with the Saints was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book; and all three were winners of the Christopher Award.

He has received over 15 honorary degrees from Catholic colleges and universities, and in 2017 Pope Francis appointed him as consultor to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communication.

Reviews

[Richard Propes · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will feel closer to both Jesus and Father James Martin, SJ, by the time you reach the closing pages of "Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus's Greatest Miracle."

Father Martin, author of "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything" and "Learning to Pray," embarks on a mesmerizing and meaningful journey with "Come Forth" as he analyzes the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection and asks us to consider what Jesus means when he calls Lazarus - and each of us - to "come forth." Father Martin offers both an intelligent and insightful journey through the Gospel story verse by verse reflecting on lessons about love, family, sadness, fear, anger, freedom, joy, and so much more. To say that I experienced "Aha!" moments throughout "Come Forth" would be an understatement - Father Martin writes in such a way that I felt like I gained a new relationship with this biblical text that not only helps me understand it more fully but also helps me relate more fully to it.

"Come Forth" combines a thorough analysis of the biblical text not just through Martin's own knowledge but by also surveying a wide variety of research, thoughts, and ideas around the text. Martin shares what resonates with him most AND why, but he also holds space for the reader's own experiences and beliefs. "Come Forth" also offers insights about the historical setting of the story, incredibly engaging meditations on Lazarus in art and the larger culture (often accompanied by illustrations, graphics, and photos), and brings into the discussion his own personal experiences whether discussing the times he's visited Lazarus's tomb or how his beliefs have changed over the years.

Along the way, Martin also shares abundantly of himself. He's never been hesitant to share openly of himself and he shares himself with remarkable transparency and vulnerability once again in the pages of "Come Forth." He brings us front-and-center with one of the key takeaways from this biblical text - learning to let go of the limiting beliefs that prevent us from experiencing God in all His glory.

“All of us have things that we need to ‘let die’ in order to follow God more freely, to love more deeply, and to become the people whom God desires us to be,” Martin writes.

With "Come Forth," Father Martin, invites us into the transformative wonder of the story of Lazarus and into a deeper relationship with God.

I will confess that I wasn't completely sure about "Come Forth" as I began my journey with it. Yet, what I received was an incredibly engaging experience that feels like part seminary and part spiritual direction. "Come Forth" fed me intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually while also offering me food for thought as a Christian with a disability whose relationship with organized religion has not always aligned with my faith journey.

Once again, Father Martin invites us into a deeper understanding of biblical text while simultaneously illustrating how the text is applicable for each of us personally.

[Filipa Ribeiro Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ressurreição de Lázaro analisada de forma quase obsessiva, de todos os prismas, cada palavra e cada frase no seu contexto, trazendo tanto as observações da tradição cristã como as últimas e mais modernas interpretações. James Martin é mestre no exercício muito inaciano de composição de lugar e consegue pôr-nos no lugar físico e histórico, no tempo de Jesus. Mas também coloca a ressurreição de Lázaro na nossa própria vida, nos desafios e dificuldades do nosso tempo e do nosso contexto.

[Cathryn Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare books that is both informational and inspirational. The verse-by-verse analysis of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead as told in the Gospel of John not only offers historical information and biblical insights, but also a fresh and fulfilling spiritual perspective of what it all means.

Written by the prolific James Martin, S.J., a Roman Catholic priest and author, this easy-to-understand and approachable book is ideal for Christians of all denominations. He opens it by saying it is a meditation on what happened 2,000 years ago in Bethany, a village very near Jerusalem now known as Al Eizariya. Each of the 17 chapters is devoted to a piece of the story—from the message Jesus receives that Lazarus is ill and dying to the unbinding of Lazarus as he emerges from deep within the tomb.

It's a magnificent and highly readable (translation: no degree in theology is needed) explanation and reflection that gives a new understanding of this old story, showing Jesus as both human and divine so we better understand what Jesus is telling all of us when he commands Lazarus—and us—to "come forth."

The book is filled with wisdom and wit, as well as detailed descriptions of the tomb as it is today, a frequent site for pilgrimages to the Holy Land. The depiction of the physical tomb is so complete that you will know the stairs leading to the burial site are very slippery so do hang on to the railing, and you will feel the sacred space that awaits after the cramped descent.

In addition, the book is filled with images of dozens of paintings, drawings, mosaics, sculpture, and icons portraying the Raising of Lazarus. (This is one of those extremely rare instances, in my opinion, where the Kindle is second-rate to the paper book because all of the art is depicted in black-and-white images.)

This is ideal reading anytime of the year, but it's especially poignant during Lent, as Lazarus's raising is a hint of what will happen to Jesus on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been wanting to read this book ever since I first heard that the author was writing it. The wait was worth it! The book definitely gave me a lot to think about, and I will definitely never read the story of Lazarus in the Bible again without pondering everything. What I especially like about the author, apart from the feeling you get that the book was much prayed over, is that he never insists that he is right. He says that it might have happened a particular way, but we can't know for certain until we get to heaven. I have never been disappointed in a book by this author. May he write many more!

[Ann Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I read most of this last year and just went back to it to finish. Jim Martin is always good!

[Alec Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many consider Jesus’ raising of Lazarus to be his greatest miracle. But why is this story only presented to us in the gospel of John and not the other synoptic gospels? Who was Lazarus to Jesus and why did Jesus raise him from the dead? Who do Mary and Martha represent in this story and how are these events still significant to us in modern day? James Martin SJ attempts to answer these questions by engaging readers in a Bible story he’s always found remarkable.

I must say I have mixed feelings about this one. I still don’t feel a super strong connection with the story of Lazarus rising from the dead. However, it was good to engage with a text that directly addressed spirituality and I have a few meaningful takeaways. The first is that we are all Martha, who is action-oriented, and we are all Mary, who is more ponderous. There are moments that call for each and it’s important we lean into that. My second takeaway is that I long for rebirth at various points in my life. There are unfavorable parts of myself that I can “leave in the tomb” and let die so that I can move forward a better and more loving person. While I wouldn’t recommend this book wholeheartedly, it rekindles a spiritual flame for me at a good time as we now enter the season of lent. For that, I am grateful.

[Noueman Maalouf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that takes us verse by verse into Jesus' greatest miracle. The strong points of the book are the biblical insights that are not commonly shared with a wide audience, as well as the multiple quotes and references to biblical scholars, including their different interpretations and perspectives on the same issues. This provides an insightful and broader understanding, where the text is open to the work of the Spirit. For example, John Dear links the passage ‘Lord, already there is a stench’ to our inability to change our minds about the culture of death: ‘seemingly secure in our stasis, we do not want authentic change.’ For someone like me who has never been to the Holy Land and may never visit, the geographical perspective of the story is new and reveals many hidden gems in the text.

I greatly appreciated the spiritual interpretation and the smooth narration of Father Martin, which kept me hooked to the book. His personal stories and those of his friends made his points more vivid. Since the story of Lazarus is very dear to my heart, I value Father Martin's contribution to one of the stories that I consider a pillar of my faith.

[Joe Boenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Martin SJ published this book just before the Synod on Synodality of 2023. He posted that he had given copies to many at the Synod, and that peaked my interest. I bought the book immediately and have used it during my daily spiritual reading.
If this book reads like a travelogue, it is because Fr Martin has led many pilgrimages to the Holy Land where he includes a visit to the tomb of Lazarus in what was Bethany and is now known as the town of Al Eizariya in Israel. The author takes each line of the Gospel narratives of Jesus in his relationships with his friends in Bethany: the siblings Martha, Mary and Lazarus. He deftly leads us from the town, to the home, to the dramatic events surrounding the death of Lazarus -- the "one whom Jesus loved." With incredible detail Fr Martin goes on to present Jesus arriving in Bethany four days afterwards to call Lazarus back to life. This, Fr Martin says, is Jesus' greatest miracle, and what would lead to his own arrest and death on the Cross.
The narrative by Fr Martin is compelling, as is the Gospel account itself. I will return for a second reading of this book soon and highly recommend it as a good source for Lenten reflection and prayer.

[Sadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good mix of scripture interpretation, historical information, and reflection!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspiring. It offers so much more than an exegesis of a very familiar story. It is a scholarly look at the particulars of an event well-known even in secular culture, but is easily readable and filled with examples of how the images in the Gospel story relate to the reader’s experience.
Father Jim’s newest wonderful book illustrates the living nature of Sacred Scripture with a message for the reader whenever it is read, somewhat summarized in the concluding chapter. “All of us have things that we need to let die to follow God more freely, to live more deeply and to become the people God desires us to be” (p. 330).

[MT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I've read a lot of popular church/biblical history, I've never read (what I imagine is called, and what I imagine this to be) a work of "pop theology." I appreciated Fr. Martin's approach throughout--a mix of memoir/travelogue, history (peppered with speculation and diverse takes), and homily. While sometimes meandering and lacking an overarching cohesiveness--each chapter addresses a different "theme" highlighted by the Lazarus story and some were more insightful than others--I ultimately appreciated Fr. Martin's offering. Particularly impactful were the concluding sections about dying to self (leaving what no longer serves in the tomb) and how crucial the help of others is to becoming freed of the death shrouds that bind us.

3.5/5

[Kathleen Fogarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn’t matter if you are a Bible scholar or a devout Christian, or just a person curious about who this Lazarus was in Jesus’ life, James Martin, S.J. brings a fresh eye to an ancient story. I’ve been part of his Friday afternoon online meetings for about a year, read another book of his, and I feel this book will bring many kinds of readers to explore how Lazarus’s story applies to our own lives. There’s history, biblical investigation, art, references to movies and cultural references and Father Martin’s own personal reflections, his story of visiting Lazarus’ tomb, and his unique and honest way of relating all this to his own life and asks us to look at what we need to leave behind so we can resurrect ourselves. This is a great book. I was very touched.

[Mary Leahy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father James Martin is a very good writer. I enjoy his philosophy.

[Kelly Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

more than just story of Lazarus

Great, introspective book on a topic that turns out to be far more reaching than I expected! I love your reflection questions. More books please!

[Scott Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a must-read, not only with regard to Jesus resurrecting Lazarus from death but how it fits into the broader gospel for each of us. Father James Martin, SJ gives us a compelling analysis of the raising of Lazarus in his book. He reviews the story from the Gospel of John from many aspects: geographical, historical, theological, psychological, sociological, artistic as well as his own personal and friends’ encounters with the place and the meaning of the story.. He envisions the story from each of the main characters. To do this, he presents many theologians’ and commentators’ perspectives. But then Father Martin brings it back to what this means for our own lives.

You won’t necessarily find the definitive, black-white interpretation of the passage you might expect from a Jesuit scholar. Martin raises many questions, presents many answers and leaves it to us to find what resonates with our mind and heart. He pushes us forward through his teaching and personal testimony to find the spiritual lessons in the gospel and assimilate the truth into our own spirit. Each chapter ends with questions of reflection that encourage us readers to dig deep beyond head/knowledge into heart/character.

A reader can sometimes get lost in interesting controversies presented here, such as the identification of the gospel writer and the identity of the Beloved Disciple kept anonymous in the gospel. Academic-leaning readers may get stuck wondering why the gospel writer included this incident when the other gospel writers ignored this momentous, remarkable, hard-to-keep-secret miracle. Was it because the twelve disciples were not present and therefore were not able to record it themselves (Matthew e.g.) or dictate it to others (Mark, Luke)? Was John’s gospel meant to fill in some gaps that the others missed, and being the last gospel to be distributed, the author had waited to see if Matthew, Mark or Luke were going to record Lazarus’ story? What was the purpose and who is the audience of this gospel and this story?

The answers to these questions may move us forward in our spiritual growth but most likely they’re not necessary to be resolved in order to grow in our faith. Father Martin doesn’t let us stop on these controversies but seems to say, “Keep the big picture in mind, keep seeking and asking and knocking and let Jesus draw you into a truth that completes your own resurrection and redemption story.”

If I could change one characteristic of Father Martin’s book, it would be to eliminate the closed, binary questions (easily answered with yes/no) at the end of the chapters. They tend to dominate the early chapters. He provides more open-ended questions in the later chapters, that start with How, When, What.. If his book is used in study groups, I hope discussion leaders would modify the questions to generate longer discussions.

[Bob Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father James Martin, SJ has written a wonderful book about the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. He thoroughly engages this miracle through theology, bible study, geography, anthropology, history, pilgrimage, Ignatian spirituality, culture, archeology and art.

Throughout the book he drew me into a deeper understanding of my spiritual life. I am left with a new excitement to experience everything God is calling us to.

I highly recommend this book and hope you are drawn to participate.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Mike Fedewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started to give it a 3, but it was definitely better than average. The possibility that Lazarus was the beloved disciple seems reasonable to me.

I wish he would have just stayed with John’s gospel, and not make all the connections between John and Luke.

He might have gone a bit overboard as he tried to include so many opinions and insights from other authors.


He offered many many valuable reflections about how the Gospel story is relevant for people 2000 years after the miracle. Jesus calls each of us forth from our tombs.

[Dierregi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Come Forth by James Martin isn’t the type of book I usually read, but as someone familiar with the story of Lazarus, I was intrigued. Although I didn’t have a Catholic upbringing, religious history is inescapable in a Catholic country. I was glad for the chance to dig a little deeper into this extremely puzzling tale.

The story of Lazarus is indeed a strange one. Allegedly, he was raised from the dead mainly to prove that Jesus was the Son of God. Yet, his fate after the resurrection is oddly irrelevant. Some say he went on to live a long life, while others suggest he was killed or died - again - a few days later, which makes his resurrection seem rather cruel.

Before reading this, I wasn’t familiar with Father James Martin, but after some research, I found him rather an interesting figure. He presents the parable in its entirety at the start of the book, then dissects each line, explaining how the teachings apply to our daily lives. Each chapter ends with questions designed to prompt deeper reflection on the story's meaning. His style is clear and accessible, and it helps that he has visited the alleged tomb of Lazarus and the Holy Land multiple times, enriching the text with his personal experiences and photographs.

The book also includes various artistic interpretations of the raising of Lazarus throughout the centuries, which I found to be a winning approach. Father Martin offers extensive references to the original texts, diving into Greek and Aramaic etymology, and even ties in pop culture by mentioning several films on the subject. I appreciated this because, although I haven’t seen any of these movies, it was useful to look up scenes depicting the raising of Lazarus on YouTube.

Although the content wasn’t quite what I expected - I was hoping for a deeper analysis of the text rather than a sort of manual for converting the unsure - I’m glad I read it. Come Forth provided me with new perspectives on a puzzling story that has fascinated people for centuries.

[Arash Farzaneh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, beautiful, and deeply life-affirming book! It is based on and around a page from the Bible and sheds light on the Raising of Lazarus, the culmination of miracles by the Messiah, and it breaks down the passage into sections, elaborating on them, and providing many fascinating thoughts, details, and reflections. You do not necessarily have to be a believer to enjoy and appreciate this book.

Jesus bringing back to life his recently deceased friend Lazarus can be interpreted in many ways ranging from leaving one’s shadows behind to not being influenced by and enveloped in a “culture of death” to embracing life in its most wondrous and resplendent forms.

At the same time, it is a call to embrace your calling, to leave behind the dead parts within yourself, to ignore and not to heed the nagging voice of unworthiness, unforgiveness, shame, and guilt as you step out of your figurative tomb, the bastion of a lifeless comfort zone that drains and drowns life in the name of supposed security.

That could be any part of yourself that is pulling you down ranging from bad habits, and rigid and unhealthy lifestyles to addictions of all types and stripes. With deep reflections, Father James Martin asks us to bury that which is dead within us and to come forth and walk like Lazarus, on unsteady footing at first but towards a new and better life both within and around you.

This book is in parts memoir and travelogue, a self-help and philosophy book, a meditation on life and our connection to and restoration of belief and faith, and has various bits of wisdom including explorations of various aspects of life by analyzing Greek words, terms and etymology as expressed in the New Testament. I believe that everyone will learn and gain something and much more from reading it!

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

To tell the truth, I don’t think much about Lazarus. I don’t consider his resurrection to be Jesus’ greatest miracle. (I’m not sure what I would consider his greatest miracle: I never ranked the miracles, but I keep thinking of feeding the five thousand (not counting the women and children) or giving sight to the blind man.)

In this book, Fr Martin alternates between the Jesuit mediation of imaginative contemplation (putting yourself in the story) and gathering scholars’ thoughts on the story.
Imaginative contemplation is, for me, a very potent meditation, and it can be vulnerable and scary, especially during the chapter from Lazarus’ perspective.
I didn’t really sign up for a compendium of other people’s ideas about the Lazarus story, but it was interesting to learn them.

One of the things I appreciate about Fr Martin (and maybe the Jesuits, generally) is that there is no single answer. We all arrive at our own conclusions.
I don’t agree with some of the points presented in the book. For example, Thomas remains my favorite apostle, and I feel we sadly misunderstand him. I expected Fr Martin to be more analytical of Thomas, but he simply dismisses Thomas as being sarcastic when Thomas says “Let us go with him so that we may die with him.”
I felt, at some points, Fr Martin elevates Lazarus too far, to being almost a messianic figure himself.

Fr Martin’s message is hopeful: God is calling us out of stagnation into a new life.

But the ultimate fate of Lazarus awaits all of us someday, and it is interesting to spend some time contemplating it.

[Matt Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book since it was first announced, because Fr. James Martin’s previous books (particularly Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone, Jesus: A Pilgrimage, and Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity) connected with me in a major way. No one is writing as clearly and with an eye to real people as Fr. James Martin is. His stories are relatable and honest. He doesn’t avoid thorny issues, but approaches them with care. In this case, he walks readers through the thoughts of a number of different New Testament scholars, making sure to assure readers that raising questions like this doesn’t change who God is.

There were a few little thoughts in here that I hope will stick with me for a long time.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come Forth
The Promise of Jesus's Greatest Miracle
by James Martin
Pub DateSep 05 2023
HarperOne
Christian| Health, Mind & Body| Nonfiction \(Adult\)


HarperOne and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Come Forth for review:


In this wise and thoughtful book, Father James Martin, SJ, analyzes the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection and asks us to consider what Jesus means when he calls Lazarus-and us-to "come forth." In verse by verse, he examines the lessons it teaches about love, family, sadness, frustration, fear, anger, freedom, and joy.



In Come Forth, Martin combines biblical analysis, historical insights, meditations on Lazarus in art and culture, and personal stories. He explores these strands in-depth in order to give us a deeper understanding of this miracle and its essential message, which is to let go of limiting beliefs that prevent us from experiencing God fully.


In order to follow God more freely, to love more deeply, and to become the people God desires us to be, we must 'let things die'," Martin writes. It is only by being open to the transformative story of Lazarus, as revealed in this wise and profound book, that we can experience new life-and become closer to God.


I give Come Forth five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brilliant and original study of the "Greatest Miracle" of Jesus, James Martin S.J. marries biblical scholarship to art and literature. As a former priest I received a broad brush of Biblical study in theology classes. Martin proves the Bible is living and exciting and poses many fascinating questions and points of meditation. Was the Lazarus of John, the center perhaps of that Gospel, related in oral and written tradition to Lazarus the beggar of Luke? Perhaps most intriguing and exciting, was Lazarus the "Beloved Disciple?" Was he friend or disciple, or both. And what of his sisters Martha and Mary? Was Lazarus murdered by powerful forces alarmed at the living proof of the greatest miracle of Jesus? A NOTE TO MY CATHOLIC FRIENDS BY THIS REVIEWER WHO LONG HAS ADMIRED FR. MARTIN: DO NOT BE DISSUADED FROM THIS BOOK BY THE AUTHOR'S OUTREACH TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY. IF you love the BIBLE, OR ART, here is your Lenten reading. And as for Jacob Epstein's unforgettable sculpture of Lazarus, the reaction of Nikita Khrushchev, and the artist's response-well, that has taken on fresh meaning in light of events of the past week. Thank you Fr. Martin.

[Kit K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lazarus has the deep theological dive I’ve come to love from Father James Martin. He is an excellent teacher and writer. I learned so much in this book. Admittedly, I was skeptical that a whole book could be dedicated to one of the Bible’s stories, especially after learning it was only in one of the gospels.

He takes the reader well beyond the Bible story of Lazarus to consider Jesus’ historical and human relationship with his world and our world. What a great thought experiment to be able to imagine the historic places Jesus actually traveled and taught.

I appreciate how Fr. Martin makes me feel like a biblical scholar and budding theologian because I can now understand debated biblical theories like the mystery identity of the “beloved disciple.” The writing style is a homily, scholarly paper, and discussion with a friend all mixed together. This book is a great read for all levels of biblical and religious knowledge.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each year I try to read at least one book about spirituality/ theology and one about history... and this book was amazing- timely, informative and, at times, a personal journey of introspection.
I am a huge fan of James Martin, SJ.
He has done a great job with this book.

At times a philosophy book, other times a history book about the various parts of the Holy Land at the time of the story of Lazarus, Christ and those who followed him; it is also contains art work over the centuries that has been inspired by the story of the biblical Lazarus.
Beautifully added at the end of each chapter -Martin truly offers an impactful contemplation for the reader to reflect on in their own life: how one can apply their understanding of Lazarus and his journey/purpose to their own life and beliefs.
Contemplative and thought provoking. Great for a church book club or a book club with theology/spirituality interests.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I preordered this book and looked forward to it arriving ever since joining the author in his weekly Friday Faithsharing sessions on Facebook which started in March of 2020 - you know, at the beginning of the pandemic shutdown. Fr Jim was in the process of this book throughout that time.
The story of Lazarus has always intrigued me so I thouroughly enjoyed Fr Jim's analyses and study of the story. He looked at it from various angles - historically, biblically, scholarly - and it was very well-researched. However, what really raised goosebumps for me was when early on in the book I read, "I invite you to think of reading this book as responding to a call...Within you is a longing to know more about Lazarus's story. I invite you to see in that not simple curiousity but a way that God is at work in you." Loved that!

[NC · Rating 3 out of 5]

A robust, verse-by-verse meditation on a story from John’s gospel that many of us raised in the Christian tradition may think we already know well. Martin uses textual, historical, cultural, and scholarly analyses (standout points-of-view he mentions include those of N.T. Wright, Amy-Jill Levine, and Ben Witherington)—as well as his own spiritual understandings and a myriad of artistic interpretations—to dig into the nuances that make this miracle all the more miraculous, mysterious, and relevant to our 21st century lives. There are moments when he repeats himself (e.g., uses the exact same phrasing to introduce a memory or concept that he has mentioned in an earlier chapter), but overall I found his narration and ideas really good food for thought.

[Don Harton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this on the new books shelf at our library. It was gone and I have been awaiting its return. The library has a generous renewal policy and I was patient! My patience has been rewarded!

The book returned, the book read, the book treasured. Martin walks us through John 11 at a deliberate but leisurely pace. We explore details of the biblical event in the words of scholars; we consider how artists have captured the story in painting and film and sculpture and literature. We visit the tomb. Martin is a patient tour guide, an informed Jesuit guiding us into Ignatian meditation on this profound miracle and its wonderful mysteries.

Read the story! Read the book! Be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him. (Col 3:10 NLT)

[Mark Chimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find Jesus's resurrection of Lazarus interesting and also enjoy the work of Father Martin, but I was skeptical about a whole book about this one miracle. In the introduction Father Martin even seems skeptical of this idea himself. However, I think this book delivers by looking at several of Jesus's teachings through the lens of this one miracle while also providing details of Father Martin's pilgrimages to the site of this miracle. Each chapter also ends with practical advice for living out each teaching. I found this to be particularly helpful during the Lenten season when I read it. Overall, I recommend this books because Father Martin finds several ways to make this book interesting and insightful throughout.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always geek out over a good James Martin book. I like how he divides the story of the Raising of Lazarus into its layers. I visited the tomb years ago during a trip to Bethany. Martin is right about the steps to the tomb...they're treacherous. Lovely artwork throughout--the best saved for last with the "Come Forth" by William Hart McNichols. Too bad the artwork wasn't in color. I like too Martin's exploration of both fiction and nonfiction sources as he reflects on the aspects of Lazarus but also sisters Mary and Martha (I had previously read a book about the sisters this summer). I'm intrigued that Lazarus was possibly the Beloved Disciple but also aspects of Lazarus' life and eventual second death that I hadn't known. Great Lenten read!