Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were close friends of Jesus. When Lazarus became ill the sisters sent word for Jesus to come, but he delayed going to him and Lazarus died. When Jesus finally arrived at their home both sisters said to him, "If you had been here our brother would not have died." Jesus sympathized with them and even wept with them (though he knew what he was about to do).

It was to Martha that Jesus said the beautiful words, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."

It was a joyful moment when Jesus called Lazarus forth from the tomb and presented him alive again.

Later at a gathering which included the sisters and the risen Lazarus, Mary would anoint Jesus with a costly perfume, a preparation for his impending death and burial.

During this time Zacchaeus met Jesus and his life was changed. He previously had been a person who defrauded others and after his encounter with Jesus he became a generous man who was willing to restore even fourfold anything he had taken illegally.

Mark records the healing of the blind man Bartimaeus. Jesus told the man, "Your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.