The Resurrections Performed by Jesus in the New Testament

Throughout the New Testament, the accounts of Jesus performing miracles, including raising people from the dead, are a central part of Christian belief. However, when examining the specific instances mentioned, one must consider the context and details provided in the biblical texts. This article will explore the instances of Jesus raising individuals from the dead, focusing on the evidence provided and the stories' significance.

Which Lady Did Jesus Raise from the Dead?

The question is often posed to whether Jesus raised any woman, or lady, specifically from the dead. Upon review of the biblical texts, no such specific case is explicitly recorded. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as having performed resurrections with four individuals: the daughter of Jairus, the son of a widow in Nain, and Lazarus.

The Widow of Nain’s Son

Luke 7:11-15 tells the story of the widow of Nain and her only son being raised by Jesus. The passage states:

11 As he was going to the house of the mourning man, a crowd met him; and a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. 12 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ 13 And he went up and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ 14 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 15 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has arisen among us!’ and ‘God has visited his people!’

This account clearly describes a son, not a lady, being resurrected. The term "young man" used in the text is gender-neutral, but the story revolves around a boy who was the only child of his mother.

The Daughter of Jairus

Matt 9:18-26 and Luke 8:40-56 detail the raising of the daughter of Jairus. The account states:

18 While he was still speaking, some from the ruler of the synagogue’s house came and said, ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher.’ 19 But Jesus hearing this answered them, ‘Do not fear, only believe, and she will be made well.’ 20 And when he came into the house, he permitted no one to go in except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the girl. 21 And they were all weeping and wailing for her. But he said, ‘Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.’ 22 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 23 But taking them all with him, he went aside and said to the girl, ‘Talitha koum! ’ (which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise!’) 24 And immediately she got up and began to walk. (For she was twelve years of age.) And they were utterly astonished. 25 And giving strict orders to them, he directed that she should be given something to eat. 26 What I am telling you, tell no one, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.

The narrative focuses on the daughter's miraculous resurrection, with no indication of her being a woman or a lady. The term "little girl" is used to describe her, further emphasizing her young age.

Lazarus

John 11:38-44 tells the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. The passage is as follows:

38 Now many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 39 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him, while Mary remained seated in the house. 40 Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 41 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’ 42 Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ 43 Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ 44 Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even if he dies, will live, 45 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ 46 She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.’ 47 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, and said to her privately, ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’

This chapter describes Lazarus, a man closely associated with Jesus and his disciples, being brought back to life. No specific indication of his being a lady or woman is present in the text.

Historical Context and Interpretation

The four individuals mentioned in the New Testament are collectively referred to as ‘resurrections’ or ‘raised from the dead’. However, when analyzing the biblical texts, it's important to note the context and terminology used. The terms 'daughter', 'son', and 'little girl' indicate the gender of the individuals involved, but no specific case of a lady or woman being raised from the dead is explicitly recorded.

The stories of these resurrections are often seen as symbolic events highlighting the power and compassion of Jesus. They are not meant to be interpreted as literal instances of people returning from the dead, but rather as miraculous acts that demonstrate the significance of his message and mission.

Conclusion

While the New Testament recounts instances of Jesus raising individuals from the dead, the specific cases of ladies or women being raised are not explicitly detailed. The accounts of the widow’s son, the daughter of Jairus, and Lazarus highlight the miracles performed by Jesus and the significance of his teachings. Reading these stories with a critical and historical lens provides deeper insights into the meanings and symbolism behind these biblical accounts.

For those interested in exploring more, further study of the historical and cultural contexts, as well as critical biblical scholarship, can offer a richer understanding of the stories and their significance.