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Jesus Raised Lazarus

Bible Passage: John 11

Kids Church: September 27, 2020

Volume 9: Jesus the Savior. Unit 25: The Kingdom to Come. Session 4 of 4

Leading Parent, please read below for an overview of today's lesson (drop down) ----->>

Jesus Raised Lazarus

Jesus received word that His friend Lazarus was sick. Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. They lived in the town of Bethany, which was about two miles away from Jerusalem. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus, likely expecting Him to come right away.

Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus; yet He stayed where He was, and Lazarus died. Why would Jesus do such a thing? Jesus said that Lazarus’ sickness was “for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). He said that He was glad He wasn’t there when Lazarus died so that the disciples may believe. (John 11:15) Jesus’ timing is always perfect, and He acts—or doesn’t act—so that God will be glorified.

By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Martha went to meet Jesus. She said to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” Jesus had shown His power to heal people who were sick. Even still, she believed He could do a miracle.

Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Jesus is the source of life—eternal life that cannot be destroyed by death. Believers do not need to fear death because physical death is not the end. (See John 11:25-26.) Jesus endured death for us so that when we die and are absent from our physical bodies, our souls are with the Lord. (See 2 Cor. 5:8.)

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. His messiahship was clearly on display, and it was Jesus’ claims to be the Son of God that would lead to His death on the cross. Jesus interrupted Lazarus’s funeral knowing His would soon follow.

Emphasize to kids that when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He showed that He has power over death. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. He gives eternal life to those who trust in Him.

Christ Connection: When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He showed that He has power over death. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. He gives eternal life to those who trust in Him.

Opening Prayer for Kids Church Worship

Dad (or Mom) lead your family

Praise God for His attributes: holiness, greatness, grace, mercy, etc.
Thank God for His goodness, provision, etc.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship God and learn the lesson He has for us today.

You may ask all the kids to take turn to pray as well.

Pledges - recite out loud together

Right hand to your heart

Bible raised high in the air

Praise & Worship singing to God together

Leader - Ask the Big Picture Question

Everyone reply with the Big Picture Answer

Everyone memorize the Scripture verses CSB version

NIV

Leader: Death exists in the world because of sin. Sin separates us from God, but the Bible says God sent Jesus so that we can have a right relationship with Him. Jesus has power over death. When we trust in Jesus, God rescues us from sin, death, and darkness. He brings us into His kingdom of life and light. Let's all sing “Kingdom of the Son (Colossians 1:13-14).”

Everyone sing the Scripture song CSB version

Everyone open your Bible and read aloud Revelation 21:4

Oh, I can’t wait for the day when there will be no more death—no more grief, crying, or pain. We worship a Savior who is stronger than the darkness. Jesus has power over death! Let’s sing together “Jesus, Our Savior.”

Praise & Prayer Time

Share praises from this past week of what you see God's been doing in your lives.
Confess and repent of our sins. Pray to God for His holiness and purity in our lives.
Ask God to forgive us, and ask the Holy Spirit to help to control us.
Share prayer requests with each other. Pray for each other.
Thank God for school starting!
Ask God to give wisdom for parents, school teachers and kids for virtual learning to manage time, technology, and meals for this semester.
Ask God for protection for those back to school and work physically from the COVID-19 virus.

Bible Lesson Time

Leader - Read the main story point below

Watch the Bible Story video

Apply the Bible Lesson

Distribute Bibles. Guide your children to open their Bibles to John 11. Challenge kids to name the three New Testament books that come before John (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and the three books that follow John. (Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians).

Choose a volunteer to read aloud John 11:4.

LEADER SAY • Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. They lived in Bethany, about two miles away from Jerusalem. When Lazarus got sick, Jesus and His disciples were across the Jordan River—probably in a region called Batanea.

Ask the following questions. Lead your family to discuss:

(Take your time to ask, ponder and answer the following questions)

1. Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Point out that Jesus could have healed Lazarus while he was sick. Instead, Jesus waited and Lazarus died. Jesus said Lazarus’ sickness would end not in death but in God’s glory. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead to show His power over death. Help kids recognize that God sometimes allows bad things to happen so that His glory might be displayed.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Phil. 2:9-11.)

2. Jesus said, “Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever.” What did He mean? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Do you believe this? Invite kids to share their thoughts. Remind them that unless Jesus returns first, we will face physical death on earth. But Jesus gives us eternal life. Though our bodies may die, this physical death is temporary. When Jesus returns and sets up His kingdom, we will get new bodies and will live with Him forever.

(Option: Choose a kid to read 1 Thess. 4:13-14.)

3. How should we live differently as Christians who have been brought from death to life? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Allow kids to share their ideas. Emphasize that when God gives us new life in Jesus, we should turn from our evil ways of sin and live for Him. God created us to do good works and share the good news of Jesus with the world.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Eph 2:4-5.)

Sing the Response Songs below

Missionary Moments

Closing Prayer - Leader

Praise and thanksgiving to God that His Son was born to save and redeem us.
Protection from the COVID-19.
Productive at home this week.
For others who are sick or lost of job.
Wisdom for government officials and President Trump and VP Pence.
Wisdom for Governor Greg Abbott of Texas.
Wisdom for church leaders about ministering online, and reopening of church gatherings.

Bonus! Jesus Raised Lazarus Video Moments. Enjoy!!

Enjoy 2 different age group viewings. 1) Preschoolers & Lower Elementary, and 2) everyone.

Enjoy a full motion picture for the whole family!

"LETTERS TO GOD is a well written, entertaining, heart-rending, and inspiring story about a boy with cancer." 1:53 mins.

Synopsis (short summary): "Tyler is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy armed with strong faith and courage as he faces his daily battle against cancer. Surrounded by a loving family and community, Tyler's prayers take the form of letters he sends to his ultimate pen pal, God."

Watch with your children. Pick out some of the "teaching moments" and talk to them about it.

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