Maximinus, steward of Lazarus
Manager of Lazarus of Theophilus in Bethany.
"I am under the impression that he is either a relative, not quite so rich, entertained as a guest by Theophilus’ children, or a steward of their large estates, treated as a friend because of his merits and his long service in the house. Perhaps he is the son of one of the stewards of the father, and has been given the same position by Theophilus’ children."[1]
Watching over Lazarus, he is the one who comes to announce his entry into agony.[2] He attends to his agony and his death.[3] He is the one who organizes the grand funeral[4] during which Jesus will not arrive. Indeed, the Christ will come later, when Lazarus has been dead for 4 and a half days, and will raise him.[5]
Character and Appearance
He is a little older than Lazarus, about thirty-five years old, a bit more.
Apostolic Journey
Witness of the Ascension where he will be among the close ones of Jesus.[6]
His Name
Origin unidentified. Probably related to the Latin "maximus," meaning the greatest.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
GRM 116 GRM 117 GRM 135 GRM 136 GRM 198
GRM 204 GRM 206 GRM 225 GRM 279
GRM 375 GRM 378
GRM 485
GRM 541 GRM 543 GRM 544 GRM 546 GRM 548 GRM 550 GRM 581 GRM 582 GRM 586 GRM 587
GRM 621 GRM 636 GRM 638
Learn More About This Character
He emigrates with the family of Bethany to Gaul (Provence) during the first anti-Christian persecution triggered by Herod Agrippa I. He will be the one to give the last communion to Mary of Magdala, a hermit in the Sainte-Baume near the present-day town of Saint-Maximin. He himself is then about 80 years old.