Bethany

Location

Bethany is a village about two miles east-south-east of Jerusalem, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. The name 'Bethany' means 'house of affliction' or 'house of the poor' (Bet Ananiah). Modern al-Eizariya preserves the name of Lazarus (Arabic Al-Azariyah).

Biblical importance

Bethany is the home of Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary (John 11:1). Christ lodged there during Passion Week (Matt 21:17). He was anointed there for burial by Mary of Bethany (Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). He ascended from a place near Bethany (Luke 24:50-51).

Historical timeline

• c. AD 29 — Christ raises Lazarus at Bethany (John 11).
• Palm Sunday — Christ lodges at Bethany during Passion Week (Matthew 21:17).
• Wednesday of Holy Week — Christ is anointed for burial at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany (Matt 26:6-13).
• Ascension — Christ leads the disciples out 'as far as to Bethany' and is taken up (Luke 24:50-51).
• Fourth century — Christian pilgrimage to the tomb of Lazarus attested (Eusebius, Onomasticon).
• Modern — The Church of St Lazarus (Franciscan, 1954) and the traditional tomb of Lazarus preserve the site.

Important biblical events

• John 11:1 (KJV) 'Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.'
• John 12:1-3 (KJV) Six days before the Passover, Christ comes to Bethany; Mary anoints His feet.
• Matthew 21:17 (KJV) 'And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.'
• Matthew 26:6-13 (KJV) '…she hath wrought a good work upon me.' (the anointing)
• Luke 24:50-51 (KJV) 'And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.'

Related People

• Lazarus — the friend whom Christ raised.
• Martha of Bethany — the busy sister; the confession 'Thou art the Christ' (John 11:27).
• Mary of Bethany — the anointer; sat at the feet of Christ (Luke 10:39).
• Simon the leper — host of the anointing supper (Matt 26:6).
• Christ Jesus — a frequent guest.

Connected Places

• Mount of Olives — the ridge Bethany lies on.
• Jerusalem — two miles west.
• Gethsemane — on the same range, west side.
• Bethphage — the neighbouring village of Palm Sunday.

Christian tradition

• The traditional tomb of Lazarus is the oldest preserved site.
• The Church of St Lazarus (Franciscan, 1954) stands adjacent to the tomb.
• Byzantine and Latin liturgies commemorate Lazarus Saturday (the Saturday before Palm Sunday) each year.

Household reflection

Bethany teaches the household the ministry of hospitality. Christ had a friend's house. He rested there. He wept there. He was raised in the mind of a friend there before He rose in the tomb.

Every household should be a Bethany — a house where Christ is welcome, where His friends are welcome, and where a table is always set.

Room connections

Where this entry meets the household in the wider house of CrossAIHub.

• Read (Library) — Read John 11 and John 12:1-8 as a Bethany unit.
• Pray (Chapel) — Pray Martha's confession (John 11:27) at every household act of faith.
• Family (Kitchen Table) — On Lazarus Saturday, keep a small hospitality meal — invite a guest.
• Sing (Choir Room) — Sing 'Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation' (Latin, seventh century).
• Learn (Workshop) — Study the tradition of Christian hospitality — Bethany as a first parish.

Further reading

John 11-12 and Luke 24:50-51 in the KJV.

Egeria, Travels (late fourth century).

Any life of Christ that traces the Bethany trips in Passion Week.

Elsewhere in the Atlas

• Lazarus
• John 11
• Mount of Olives
• Jerusalem
• Christ Jesus
• Return to the atrium — the Atlas's main room.