Intro to Chapter 27: The Power of Unbelief
The raising of Lazarus within a few miles of Jerusalem was no chance miracle, and few miracles are set up with such detail. As a result of it, the high priest proclaimed that “Jesus must die for the nation of Israel,” and the Sadducees joined the Pharisees in plotting how to bring that death about.
In all his parables, Jesus had named only one character: Lazarus, who “died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.” A rich man died also and was buried in hell. After learning that there could be no relief for his anguish, the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his five brothers to warn them, “lest they also come into this place of torment.” Abraham refused. They would not believe, Abraham said, even if Lazarus should rise from the dead.
Jesus, returning to Bethany, was about to provide literal proof of Abraham’s assertion.