Bethany - Lazarus' Tomb
Bethany rests on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about one and one-half miles from Jerusalem. It was here that Jesus stayed with His friends the last week before his crucifixion. It was the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus and was associated with important events in Scripture history. It was also the home of Simon the Leper where Jesus was anointed before his crucifixion
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (Matt. 26:6-13).
It was also here where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11). Today the tomb is dark and musty and the visitor must walk through tight quarters deep below the surface of the street. A very old house is located across the street from site of the tomb of Lazarus that is known as the "Oldest House in Bethany." A church has been built near this site to commemorate Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
Bethany is also the scene of Jesus' ascension into heaven after His resurrection (Luke 24:50-52). Today, this is the site of the Church of the Ascension, including the Chapel from the time of the Crusaders. Also located on the Mount of Olives are the Russian Church, the Lutheran Augusta Victoria Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of Viri Galilea, and the Eleone Church, one of the three main churches built by Constantine, operated by the Carmelite Sisters.
See photos from Bethany and Lazarus' Tomb
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