Tomb of Lazarus 

Private tombs normally had to be hollowed out of a huge rock, often with stone shelves hewn on the sides to lay the body. A large round stone sat in a long gutter so the stone could be rolled and stay in the track, allowing the entrance to be opened and closed. The door was then sealed to make it airtight.

Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived in Bethany, near Jerusalem. They were wealthy enough to own a family tomb. Their tomb was a small natural cave, an opening with a descent at the bottom of a ledge of rock about thirty feet high, located at the far end of the garden plot. Their parents had been laid to rest there.

Lazarus was placed in the tomb late on Sunday afternoon, and the stone door closed on Thursday morning, March 2, 30 CE. People of this age could not distinguish between a comatose or deceased person. They also believed that a soul could stay at the tomb until the end of the third day to reanimate the body, but it would leave the tomb by the fourth day. Therefore, after the third day, it was concluded that the soul left the body.

Jesus came and requested the stone be rolled back. Martha expressed concern that her brother would not look presentable.

Jesus’ apostles and caring neighbors helped to open the entrance. In the dim light, some forty-five mortals present could make out Lazarus resting on the right lower niche bound with linen bandages and grave cloths, his face covered with a napkin, resembling a mummy. At Jesus’ command, he stood up.