Jesus Raises Lazarus

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Theme: Jesus has power over death

Age Group: 1st-3rd Grade (Ages 6-8)

Overview

Lesson Title: Jesus Has Power Over Death Overview: This lesson uses the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11) to teach little ones that God never stops loving us, even when life feels difficult. Jesus’ miraculous power shows that He doesn’t let death win, He gives us hope! Keep it simple, interactive, and heart-filled with praise. Key Points: – Lazarus was sick and died, but Jesus went to visit him anyway (show kindness in tough times). – Jesus told the tomb, “Roll away the stone!” and Lazarus came back to life (trust God even when it seems impossible). – Jesus promises that death is not the last word, He’s our ultimate Healer! Application & Encouragement: End with a prayer or activity (like drawing Lazarus rising) to remind them: “Even when we feel stuck or sad, Jesus loves us and brings good things out of hard times!” Volunteer teachers, keep it hopeful and hands-on, kids love movement and repetition! (Example: Use a flashlight + toy tomb for a simple “roll the stone” demo!) 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

Jesus Raises Lazarus One day, Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus lived in a town called Bethany, near Jerusalem. A friend named Jesus often visited them, and Lazarus was very sick. His friends and family were sad and worried. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus: “Lord, the one you love is very sick.” But Jesus heard the news and stayed where he was for two more days, even though he could have traveled right away. He knew it was time, so he decided to go to Bethany.

When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had already been in the grave for four days. Many people who had come to the funeral were sad and sadder still when they saw Jesus. Martha went to meet him and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” Jesus answered gently, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha still didn’t understand, but Mary cried out, “Lord, if you had been here, he wouldn’t have died!”

Jesus wept too, which made the people nearby say, “He loved him, and he wept.” But Jesus had a bigger plan. He told them, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even if they die.” Then, with a loud voice, he said, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man stepped out of his grave, alive and healthy! The people were amazed, and Lazarus was glad to see his friends again.

This story teaches us that Jesus doesn’t give up on us when we’re sad or when life feels hopeless. Even when people think someone is lost or gone forever, Jesus is still working in their lives. Just like Lazarus was brought back to life, Jesus gives us hope, that one day, when we trust in him, we will live forever with him! What can we do today to show we believe in Jesus’ promise of hope?

Activities

Supplies: God’s power to bring life from death, whether in the story of Lazarus or their own lives!

  2. Preview the Story: Start by reading John 11:1, 44 aloud or have the teacher read key parts (e.g., Jesus’ weeping, the command “Come out!”). Ask, “Why was Lazarus so sad?” (Answer: He was dead.)
  3. Cut & Color: Give each child a printed tomb scene with a tomb, grave markers, and a few small figures (Jesus, Mary, Martha, Lazarus). Let them color the tombs and graves with crayons.
  4. Assemble the Scene: Cut out the tomb and grave pieces (or trace and cut out shapes). Have them glue the tomb onto a piece of paper and arrange the figures around it to show Jesus’ actions, weeping, sending Mary and Martha, and calling Lazarus from the tomb.
  5. Discuss & Apply: Ask, “How did Jesus show he loved Lazarus?” (He wept with sorrow, sent help, and commanded Lazarus to live.) Then challenge them: “How can we show God we trust him with our ‘dead’ worries?” (Praying, asking for help, trusting him to work miracles in our lives.)
  6. 2. “Trust God’s Power Sandbox”
  7. A sensory activity where children ” bury” a small object (symbolizing Lazarus’ body) and then “raise” it with God’s help.
  9. Tell the Story Short: Use a kid-friendly version of the story (e.g., “Lazarus was sick and died, but Jesus went to the tomb. He wept, then told Lazarus, ‘Come out!’ and he walked away!”). Emphasize Jesus’ promise: “I am the resurrection!” (John 11:25).
  10. Set Up the Activity: Fill a small tray or cup with sand or dirt. Place the toy or drawn figure near the edge. Explain, “This is like Lazarus’ body, it’s covered up, but Jesus can bring it back to life!”
  11. Bury & Act Out: Let each child bury the figure in the sand (use their hands or a small tool). Then, say, “Now Jesus is going to tell Lazarus to come out!” Have them say or act out “Come out!” while shaking their hands or making a “calling” motion. Finally, gently dig the figure out and cheer, “He’s alive again!”
  12. Pray & Reflect: Close by praying: “God, thank you for raising Lazarus, and for raising us up when we feel sad or lost! Help us trust you like Jesus did.” Ask: “What’s something you’re ‘burying’ that God can bring back to life?” (Encourage them to share or pray over a worry, like anxiety or a broken toy.)

Discussion Questions

  1. Here are four open-ended discussion questions for young children (ages 6-8) based on the story of Jesus Raising Lazarus (John 11:1-44), designed to help them reflect on the lesson while connecting it to their own lives:
  2. What is one way that Jesus is like a friend who never gets tired of helping you, just like He did for Lazarus?
  3. (Encourage them to think about how Jesus is always there for us, even when we feel sad or need help.)
  4. Example application:
  5. “If you ever feel lonely or sad, how can you trust that God is listening to you like He did with Lazarus?”
  6. Lazarus was sick for a long time before Jesus came. What are some things you think might have made him feel scared or worried? How can we help others feel less scared when they are sick or going through hard times?
  7. Example application:
  8. “When someone you know feels sick, what kind of kind words or actions can you use to show them they aren’t alone?”
  9. Jesus told Martha and Mary that He would raise Lazarus if they believed in Him. What did you learn from them about trusting in Jesus when things look very difficult?
  10. (Encourage them to think about their own faith and how they can trust God, even when things feel hard.)
  11. Example application:
  12. “If you had a hard decision to make, like trusting God even when you don’t feel ready, how would you ask Him to help you believe?”
  13. After Jesus raised Lazarus, the people in the story were excited to celebrate with Him. What are some fun ways we can thank God for the people He raises from their struggles in our lives? How can we share His good news with others, just like Jesus did?”
  14. Example application:
  15. “If you had someone you know who is facing a big challenge, what kind of encouragement could you give them to remind them of God’s love?”
  16. These questions invite them to explore the story with curiosity and kindness, making connections between the biblical example and their own lives.

Prayer Focus

Prayer Focus: Trusting Jesus in Times of Need Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for loving us so much that You hear our prayers, even when we feel sad or afraid. Sometimes in the Bible, like when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, we see how strong and kind You are. He didn’t just give us words of comfort; He showed us how to trust You even when things look scary or uncertain. Help us to remember that You see us, and You always have a plan to take care of us, just like You did for Lazarus. When we feel worried or tired, remind us to lean on You, just as Lazarus did. You know our hearts, and You want us to be brave like Jesus. He didn’t stay away from the people He loved, He came back to bring them hope. Help us to follow His example by reaching out to someone who might feel alone or sad, just as Jesus reached out to Lazarus’s family. Teach us to speak kind words and show love, because love is like a gift from You, it makes hearts feel lighter and brighter. Now, Father, we ask that You help us trust You more every day. When we pray, let us pray with our whole hearts, believing that You hear us, even when we don’t understand. Help us to be like little Lazarus, bold enough to say, “Lord, come quickly!”, because we know You always answer when we ask with faith. Amen. — Teacher’s Note: This prayer can be adapted by adding simple actions, like: – “Shake hands with a friend to remind us to reach out in love.” – “Draw a heart for Jesus to hold while praying.”

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.

Family Take-Home

This Sunday school lesson tells the powerful story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11). When his friends, Mary and Martha, mourned his death, Jesus visited and comforted them, showing His love and power to bring life back to those lost in sorrow. It reminds families that God’s love never fails, and even in hard times, He can bring hope and healing.

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