The resurrection of Lazarus points to the future death and resurrection of Jesus. The description of Lazarus’s tomb is similar to the description of the tomb Jesus was placed in after he died (11:38, 44; 20:1, 7). Both accounts mention a cave and burial cloths. These details connect the two events and help us see that Lazarus’s story is a sign.
Soon after Lazarus was raised, a woman anointed Jesus for burial (12:3). This act prepared him for his coming death.
Then the time for his glorification began (12:23).