The 7th and last of the classical signs in John is the resurrection of Lazarus. The synoptics record two other resurrections: Jairus’ daughter in Mathew, Mark and Luke and the Widow of Nain’s Son in Luke. Only John records the events in John 11.
While there are a number of similarities between the other two recorded resurrections and Lazarus’, there are two important differences.
Comparing the case of the young man from Nain with Lazarus:
- A sick person dies before Jesus arrives.
- He tells the widow not to cry (like Lazarus’ relatives).
- He commands the young man to get up.
Comparing Lazarus with Jairus’ daughter:
- A sick person dies before Jesus arrives.
- Sleep is used a s a metaphor for death
- Jesus express emotion or displeasure with the mourners
- Jesus commands Lazarus to come out.
- Jesus gives instructions for care for the one raised.