Jesus Raises Lazarus
Scripture: John 11:1-44
Theme: Jesus has power over death
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“God’s Love Is Strong!” “God loves you so much! He can bring back people who have gone to sleep (just like Lazarus). Jesus has big, strong love, he can even bring people back from being gone!” (Repeat: “Jesus loves you! He can do big things!”) Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
God’s Great Love
Once, a man named Lazarus got very sick. His two sisters, Mary and Martha, sent a message to Jesus: “Lord, our friend is sick.” Even though Jesus was far away, He knew it was time to come.
Jesus loved Lazarus and His sisters. He stayed where He was for a few days. Then, one day, He said, “Lazarus is gone, but I am glad I was here to love him.” The sisters cried because they missed their friend.
Soon, Jesus went to the place where Lazarus was buried. He told everyone, “Lazarus, come out!” The man came walking out, alive! People were very surprised. Lazarus was not dead anymore because Jesus loved him.
Mary and Martha hugged their friend again. Jesus showed them that He is the Great Doctor, He heals even when it’s hard. “God’s love can bring people back from sadness!” Jesus said.
— Why This Story Matters This is a special story about how Jesus loves us! No matter how sad or tired we feel, God’s love always keeps us safe and strong. Just like Lazarus, we can trust that Jesus is with us, even when we’re far away.
Activities
Supplies:
- Read the Story (2 min): Say, “Jesus loved Lazarus very much. He didn’t leave him alone when he was sad. Instead, He touched him and said, ‘Come out!’” (Use John 11:33, 36 in kid-friendly words.)
- Prep the Toy: Lay the stuffed animal on the paper/blanket. Tell kids, “Just like Jesus touched Lazarus, we’re going to gently touch this friend to show God’s love!”
- Touch Activity (5 min):
- Divide kids into small groups (3, 5 per group).
- Each group takes turns gently touching the stuffed toy while saying, “Jesus loves you! God’s love is like this gentle touch!”
- Use the crayons to draw rays or hearts around the toy (optional).
- Praise Time (3 min): Say, “God is like a loving hug! He cares for you even when you’re sad. Thank you for touching with love!”
- 2. “Lazarus’ Tomb Story Stones” (Memory & Color)
- Read the Story (3 min): Show the Bible page. Say, “Lazarus was sick, but Jesus went to his tomb. He told the stone to roll away and said, ‘Come out!’ God’s love is strong enough to take away sadness.” (Use John 11:21, 44 in simple terms.)
- Prep Stones (2 min): If using paper plates, cut out round plates. If using rocks, wash them clean.
- Decorate Stones (5 min):
- Give each child a stone/paper plate + glue + markers.
- Let them draw a “tomb” shape (triangle or square) and write/color:
- “God loves you!”
- “Jesus brings us back!”
- “Even when we’re sad, God is with us.”
- Display & Share (3 min):
- Hang stones on a string or tape them to a wall.
- Say, “Just like Jesus rolled the stone away, God rolls away our sadness! Who can tell me what we wrote on our stones?”
- Sing a short song like “Jesus Loves the Little Children” (repeat “all the world o’er”) to wrap up!
- Tip: Always end with a prayer like, “Dear God, thank You for Your love. Help us to trust You, even when things are hard. Amen!” Keep it short, joyful, and full of hugs!
Discussion Questions
- Here are four simple, open-ended questions for babies and toddlers to explore God’s love through Jesus raising Lazarus:
- “Look, Jesus loves us just like he loved Lazarus. What are some ways God is near to you today?”
- (Encourage them to name things like hugs from Mom/Dad or sunshine.)
- “When Lazarus was sick, Jesus said, ‘I love him.’ What makes you think God loves you too?” (Pause for their response, maybe a smile or touch!)
- “Lazarus was buried, but Jesus brought him back. How can God help us when we feel sad or scared?” (Let them point to their heart or hug you.)
- “Can you share one thing you love about God, just like Lazarus loved his friend?” (Wait for a word like ‘love’ or ‘Jesus’, no pressure!)
Prayer Focus
“Dear Jesus, You love little ones so much! You hear our hearts, even when we cry. You make our babies feel safe and happy, just like You did for Lazarus. Thank You for Your love, always with us. Amen!” (Or short version for repetition:) “Jesus loves you so much! He always keeps you safe, just like He did for Lazarus! God is good, and God loves you!”
Missions Spotlight
In Madagascar, the Famadihana ceremony involves exhuming the dead and celebrating their lives. The concept of resurrection is deeply embedded in the culture. Missionaries share that Jesus doesn’t just remember the dead , He raises them to life.
To the Cross
Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb , even though He knew He was about to raise him. Jesus felt the pain that death causes. Then He raised Lazarus, showing He has power over death. At the cross, Jesus Himself would die and rise again , conquering death forever.
Teaching Tips
- Adapt Songs for Mixed Ages: Utilize repetitive, rhythmic songs to e
- Inclusive Sensory Play: Incorporate diverse sensory elements (textu
- Tiered Small Group Discussions: Divide the class into small groups
- Scaffold Hard Questions: Break down complex theological questions i
Family Take-Home
“Jesus Raises Lazarus” teaches us that God always has power over death, even when it seems impossible. In this story, Jesus lovingly brought Lazarus back to life after he had been buried, showing us that faith in God can bring hope and comfort in difficult times.