Overview
Mary Magdalene is an enigmatic character in the Bible who is often shrouded in mystery. Her relationship with Jesus is also a source of debate and is steeped in myth and legend. But what is often overlooked is her relationship with Lazarus, her alleged brother. Was Mary Magdalene the sister of Lazarus, or is this an unfounded rumour? This article will explore the evidence supporting a connection between Mary Magdalene and the biblical figure Lazarus.
Biblical Evidence
The Bible does not mention a sister for Lazarus, though scholars have noted that Jesus using the term ‘sister’ when addressing Mary Magdalene does support the idea that there was a familial relationship between the two. Furthermore, it is likely that Mary Magdalene was present during Jesus’ visit to Martha, Mary, and Lazarus’ house. On all three occasions she is mentioned alongside these individuals, suggesting she was a close companion. Additionally, Mary Magdalene was deeply affected by Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead, with the Bible noting that she ‘opened her eyes and wept’ (John 11: 35). This outpouring of emotion serves as further evidence for her family connection to Lazarus.
Church Traditions
Church traditions also indicate that there was a connection between Mary Magdalene and Lazarus. In the Eastern Orthodox traditions the two were considered siblings. What’s more, in the Middle Ages, stained glass windows depicting Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem often included Lazarus as part of the procession. This suggests that not only were Lazarus and Mary related, as siblings, they also held an important place in Jesus’ narrative.
Conclusion
Despite the lack of Biblical evidence, there is a considerable amount of evidence both from the Bible and Church traditions that suggests Mary Magdalene may have been the sister of Lazarus. Her presence during Jesus’ trip to Bethany, her grief at his raising of Lazarus, and the traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church all serve to support the idea of a familial relationship. It may be the case that Mary Magdalene and Lazarus are indeed related – however, it is difficult to conclusively prove this to be the case.
Iconography
The presence of Mary Magdalene in popular iconography suggests there could have been a familial relationship between her and Lazarus. As early as the sixth century, Mary Magdalene’s image has been depicted alongside Jesus and Lazarus in artworks. This suggests a close relationship between the two figures, particularly when put into the context of Jesus’s raising of Lazarus from the dead. Interestingly, in these works Mary Magdalene is often shown displaying a sister-like affection towards Lazarus. Further evidence pointing to a familial connection between Mary Magdalene and Lazarus can be found in some modern iconography, such as films and books, where the relationship is explored in more depth.
Literature
In literature, there are several references to Mary Magdalene as the sister of Lazarus. Most famously, the novel “The Da Vinci Code” features Mary Magdalene and Lazarus as siblings. However, this is not the only example. There are other works that allude to this relationship, although this is mainly found in fiction. Moreover, some studies suggest that the tone of Jesus’s conversations with Mary in the gospels can be interpreted as being between siblings.
Theories
There are numerous theories about the connection between Mary Magdalene and Lazarus, particularly in academic literature. These range from suggesting that the two were related by blood to them being relatives in Christ’s spiritual family. Others propose that Mary Magdalene is actually the same person as Martha, which goes some way to explaining their presence in Jesus’s narrative. However, none of these theories can be conclusively proved or disproved.
Viewpoints
It is difficult to determine a definitive answer as to whether Mary Magdalene and Lazarus were siblings, and views on this topic vary. Some people believe they were related, while others regard this to be a myth or an exaggeration. Ultimately, the evidence that exists doesn’t provide a clear answer and so it is open to interpretation. It is likely the case that Mary and Lazarus were at least close friends and companions, if not related in some way.
