The friends of Jesus at Bethany were important figures in the early Church. They were mentioned in all the four Gospels, although only Luke and John tell us their names. John alone, writing many years after the other evangelists gives in vivid detail the circumstances surrounding the death and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It led many to believe in Jesus, and created such agitation that the chief priests decided they must quickly kill both Jesus and Lazarus.

The raising of Lazarus is the greatest of the "signs" chosen by John to show how Jesus came to bring Light, Life and Love to the world. "I am the Resurrection, anyone who believes in me, even though he dies, will live". It's Martha's faith in her Lord that evokes this proclamation from Him. She who in Luke's Gospel (10:38-42) was in complete control when the Lord visited her, now has learnt to lean on Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who was to come into the world." Martha's proclamation is a leap in the dark. Her brother was dead; her sorrow was intense. The Lord had come too late. She did not expect anything and yet hoped for everything in her Master.