Dead for two days, he is revived in the prayerful presence of Yeshua (Jesus), his closest friend since their shared boyhood in Galilee. To write The Gospel According to Lazarus, Zimler researched daily life in the Holy Land at the time of the Roman Empire and paid special attention to ancient Jewish mystical traditions – the traditions that gave rise to charismatic healers and preachers like Jesus. Lazarus of Bethany was the brother of Martha and Mary and lived at Bethany, near Jerusalem. I met a big, big man during my first week at the clinic. Scholars note that the self-reference does not appear until chapter 13, but chapter 11 may give hints to this person’s identity. Missing from the Gospel is a description of how Jesus accomplished this miracle and if he had a special purpose for saving his companion. The novel squarely grounds Jesus (Yeshua), and his friends, disciples, and followers, in their Jewishness. At the center is Eliezer ben Natan, called Eli or Lazar by family and friends (Lazarus in Christian Scriptures) who is the author of this gospel. Indeed, one of his objectives was to restore to Jesus and Lazarus their Judaism.

John’s Gospel tells that Jesus resurrects his dear friend, Lazarus, after four days in the tomb.

In the New Testament, we are told that Jesus resurrected a beloved friend named Lazarus from the dead. I interpret Lazarus’s resurrection as symbolic of second chances, a beautiful reminder of the possibility of tomorrow. • The Gospel According to Lazarus by Richard Zimler is published by Peter Owen (£14.99). In THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LAZARUS, Richard Zimler takes a fresh approach to telling the story of the last weeks of Jesus' life. Lazarus, Hebrew Eleazar, (“God Has Helped”), either of two figures mentioned in the New Testament. To order a copy go to guardianbookshop.com or call 0330 333 6846.

Free UK p&p over £15, online orders only. Witherington notes that Lazarus is the first person referred to in this Gospel as one Jesus loved. The Gospel According to Lazarus is a 2019 novel by Richard Zimler. With The Gospel According to Lazarus, Richard Zimler brings the familiar story vividly to life and finds fresh meaning in the Passion and Crucifixion.

11:3 “So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” (referring to Lazarus)

The miraculous story of Lazarus being brought back to life by Jesus is known from the Gospel According to John (11:1–45).