Modern translators translate Bethany to mean house of affliction or home of the poor instead of the traditional “House of dates.” Though there is no mention of this small town in the Old Testament, archeologists have found tombs covering the area dating back to the beginning of the second temple era. This would place tombs there during the time of Jesus' ministry years, making it a well established grave site. Today, Bethany is known as Al-eizariya which is Arabic for the place of Lazarus. But two thousand years ago, the small of Bethany was the home to Mary, Martha and Lazarus; as well as the home of Simon the leper. Jesus ate, slept, performed miracles and dwelled there. Outside of the twelve disciples, Jesus probably had closer relationships with the citizens of Bethany than any other place. After Jesus' resurrection, Bethany was the last place His followers physically saw Him. |
