Jesus Raised Lazarus - Missio Church

Leaders, grow on the go! Listen to session-by-session training every week on Ministry Grid, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or LifeWay’s Digital Pass:

ministrygrid.com/gospelproject | gospelproject.com/podcasts

Use Week of:

INTRODUCE THE STORY !10"15 MINUTES#

PAGE 58

TEACH THE STORY!25"30 MINUTES#

PAGE 60

APPLY THE STORY!25"30 MINUTES#

PAGE 66

Unit 25 • Session 4

Unit 25 • Session 4

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 11

STORY POINT: Jesus has power over death.

KEY PASSAGE: Colossians 1:13-14

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over His creation

according to His perfect plan.

Jesus Raised Lazarus

54 Older Kids Leader GuideUnit 25 • Session 4

4

LEADER Bible StudyJesus 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.

55!e Kingdom to Come

Jesus Raised LazarusJohn 11

Jesus and Lazarus were friends. Lazarus lived in the town of Bethany, in Judea, with his sisters, Mary and Martha. One day, Lazarus got sick. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. “Lord, Your

friend Lazarus is sick,” they said.Jesus told His disciples, “Lazarus’ sickness

will not end in death. This sickness will bring glory to God and to the Son of

God.” Jesus stayed where He was for two more days. Then Jesus

said, “Let’s go back to Judea.”By the time Jesus arrived

in Bethany, Lazarus had been in a tomb for four days. Martha hurried to meet Jesus, but Mary stayed home.

Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my

brother wouldn’t have died.” Martha knew Jesus could do a

miracle though. “I know God will give You whatever You ask,”

she said.Jesus replied, “Your brother will

rise again.”Martha believed that Lazarus would rise

from the dead in the future—on the last day. But Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”

Bible Storytelling Tips

• Move around the room: As you tell the story, start at one side of the room and move to the other as you tell of Jesus’ journey to Bethany and to the tomb.

• Use pauses for emphasis: Set the tone for the story by pausing after dialogue. Build suspense after Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb.

The BIBLE Story


Jesus Raised LazarusJohn 11

Jesus and Lazarus were friends. Lazarus lived in the town of Bethany, in Judea, with his sisters, Mary and Martha. One day, Lazarus got sick. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. “Lord, Your

friend Lazarus is sick,” they said.Jesus told His disciples, “Lazarus’ sickness

will not end in death. This sickness will bring glory to God and to the Son of

God.” Jesus stayed where He was for two more days. Then Jesus

said, “Let’s go back to Judea.”By the time Jesus arrived

in Bethany, Lazarus had been in a tomb for four days. Martha hurried to meet Jesus, but Mary stayed home.

Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my

brother wouldn’t have died.” Martha knew Jesus could do a

miracle though. “I know God will give You whatever You ask,”

she said.Jesus replied, “Your brother will

rise again.”Martha believed that Lazarus would rise

from the dead in the future—on the last day. But Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”

Bible Storytelling Tips

• Move around the room: As you tell the story, start at one side of the room and move to the other as you tell of Jesus’ journey to Bethany and to the tomb.

• Use pauses for emphasis: Set the tone for the story by pausing after dialogue. Build suspense after Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb.

“Yes, Lord,” Martha said. “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

Martha went back to her house. She told Mary that Jesus wanted to see her. So Mary left the house, and all the people who had come to comfort Mary and Martha followed her.

Mary fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!” Mary was crying. Jesus wept too.

Mary led Jesus to the tomb where Lazarus was buried. It was a cave, and a huge stone covered the opening. “Remove the stone,” Jesus said.

So the stone was moved aside. Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank You that You heard Me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

Lazarus came out of the tomb, wrapped in linen and cloth. Jesus said, “Unwrap him and let him go.”

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.


INTRODUCE the StorySESSION TITLE: Jesus Raised LazarusBIBLE PASSAGE: John 11STORY POINT: Jesus has power over death.KEY PASSAGE: Colossians 1:13-14BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How does God care for His creation? God loves

and rules over His creation according to His perfect plan.

Welcome timeGreet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. Prompt kids to share about a time they heard a friend was sick. Did they visit or send a get-well card? If you were sick, what would you want your friends to do?

Activity page (5 minutes)Invite kids to complete “Back to Life” on the activity page. Guide kids to find and circle the 10 differences between the two pictures.SAY • The Bible story we will hear today begins with a sad

scene, but this story has a happy ending! We will find out how Jesus showed His power by bringing His friend Lazarus back from the dead.

Session starter (10 minutes)OPTION 1: Take a tissueInstruct kids to sit in a circle. Pass around a box of facial tissue, instructing each kid to take one or more. Then announce that for each tissue in a kid’s hand, she should

• “Back to Life” activity page, 1 per kid

• pencils or markers

• box of facial tissue


share that many facts about herself. Consider giving prompts: things that make you happy, things that make you sad, things that make you laugh, and so on.SAY • Tissues are useful for wiping your nose when you

sneeze or wiping away tears when you cry. Did you know that Jesus cried? When He was on earth, He cried because His friend Lazarus had died. We will hear more about Lazarus in today’s Bible story.

OPTION 2: Emotions charadesBefore the session, write several emotions on separate index cards. (confused, sad, happy, disappointed, angry, disgusted, afraid, excited, and so on) You may also choose to let each kid write an emotion on an index card.

Invite kids to take turns silently acting out the emotions. The rest of the group should guess the emotion. If your group is large, form two teams and call a volunteer from each team to look at a card and act it out. The first team to guess the emotion earns a point.

End the game by acting out the emotion sad. Portray weeping and grief.SAY • In today’s Bible story, Jesus visited some of His

friends in a town called Bethany. The Bible says that while Jesus was there, He wept. We’ll find out why.

Transition to teach the story

• index cards• markers


CountdownShow the countdown video as you transition to teach the story. Set it to end as the session begins.

Introduce the session (3 minutes)[Leader enters wearing an apron and a name tag. A Bible is positioned nearby.]LEADER • Hey, everyone! Welcome back to the Trash to

Treasures thrift shop! If you’re just joining us for the first time, my name is [your name], general manager of Trash to Treasures.

Did I ever tell you the story about how we got our name, Trash to Treasures? Well, let me tell you. Years ago, one of our first customers purchased an old, worn-out dresser from the store. I almost didn’t put it on the floor; it was in such bad shape. But she took it home and brought it back a week later to show me how she had restored it. !at dresser looked almost brand new! She had fixed up the legs, filled in cracks, and repainted the whole thing. I said, “Wow, that trash has really become a treasure!” And that’s how we got our name.

• countdown video

• leader attire• Bible

Tip: If you prefer not to use themed content or characters, adapt or omit this introduction.

TEACH the StorySESSION TITLE: Jesus Raised LazarusBIBLE PASSAGE: John 11STORY POINT: Jesus has power over death.KEY PASSAGE: Colossians 1:13-14BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How does God care for His creation? God loves



[Pick up a Bible.] You know, the Bible has a lot of stories about Jesus’ doing something similar. He took people without hope and gave them hope and a future. He gave sight to people who were blind, and He even gave life to people who were dead! Can you believe it?

Big picture question (1 minute)LEADER • Now, raise your hand if you remember our big

picture question and answer. [Call on a kid who raises his hand.] How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over His creation according to His perfect plan.

As we read the Bible, we need to remember that God created everything. He rules over everything as the Creator. God is loving and good, and His plans are always perfect. We see God’s care for creation when we hear how Jesus cared for people when He was on earth. Jesus shows us what God is like.

Giant timeline (1 minute)Show the giant timeline. Point to individual Bible stories as you review.LEADER • Jesus spent time teaching people about God

and His kingdom. He told parables, or stories, to show people that God’s growing kingdom is more valuable than anything. Jesus’ stories also teach us that Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

Not everyone accepted Jesus’ teachings, though. Many people misunderstood Jesus’ teaching and thought Jesus was someone He was not. Today, we will get a better picture of who Jesus is by hearing

• Giant Timeline


about something amazing Jesus did for one of His friends. Our story is called “Jesus Raised Lazarus.”

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes)Open your Bible to John 11. Use the Bible storytelling tips on the Bible story page to help you tell the story, or show the Bible story video “Jesus Raised Lazarus.”LEADER • Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were

Jesus’ friends. When Lazarus got sick, Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. Now, when I hear that someone I love is sick, I want to go visit him or her right away! Did Jesus hurry to see Lazarus? Look at John 11:5-6. [Allow kids to read the verse and respond.] No, but Jesus had a bigger plan. He waited two more days before He went to Judea where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. Jesus explained to His disciples that Lazarus had died, and Jesus was going to wake him up.

By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. How did Martha react when Jesus told them to remove the stone from the tomb? Look at John 11:39. [Allow kids to read the verse and respond.] Martha objected. After four days, Lazarus’ body would smell. But Jesus told her that if she believed, she would see how great God is.

So the stone covering the entrance of the tomb was taken away, and what did Jesus say to Lazarus? (“Lazarus, come out!”) Lazarus came out of the tomb. He was wrapped in cloth, so Jesus said, “Unwrap him and let him go.”

Wow! If Jesus had healed Lazarus when he was sick, no one would have seen Jesus raise Lazarus from

• Bibles• “Jesus Raised

Lazarus” video• Big Picture Question

Poster• Bible Story Picture

Poster• Story Point Poster


the dead. Jesus has power over death, and many people who saw what Jesus did believed in Him.

Christ connectionLEADER • 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.

Questions from kids video (3 minutes)Show the “Unit 25, Session 4” questions from kids video. Prompt kids to think about how the idea of death makes them feel. Is it OK to be sad about death? Guide them to discuss how they feel knowing that Jesus cried over death too. How is it helpful to know that death was never part of God’s design?

Missions moment (3 minutes) Ask a volunteer to hold the photos of the Sotos

while you tell about their ministry in Utah.LEADER • Today we learned that Jesus has power over

death. This is something that missionaries like the Sotos are teaching people. The Sotos often teach about Jesus in Spanish. Even though they have a church in the United States, where most people speak English, God is using them to share the good news of Jesus with Spanish-speaking people in Utah.

Discuss with kids what languages they might like to learn or are learning and how God could use their language skills to teach others about Him.

Tip: Use Scripture and the guide provided on page 65 to explain how to become a Christian. Make sure kids know when and where they can ask questions.

• “Unit 25, Session 4” questions from kids video

• “Soto Family Ministry” printable


Key passage (5 minutes)Show the key passage poster. Lead the boys and girls to read together Colossians 1:13-14.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 sing.

Lead boys and girls in singing “Kingdom of the Son (Colossians 1:13-14).”

Sing (4 minutes)Open your Bible and read aloud Revelation 21:4.LEADER • 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.

Sing together “Jesus, Our Savior.”

Pray (2 minutes)Invite kids to pray before dismissing to apply the story.LEADER • Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life.

You have power over death. So when we face death in this life, we grieve—not as those who have no hope, but as those who look forward to the promise that You will one day raise us to life again. We trust in You, and we love You. Amen.

Dismiss to apply the story

• Key Passage Poster• “Kingdom of the Son

(Colossians 1:13-14)” song

• “Jesus, Our Savior” song

• Bible


The Gospel: God’s Plan for MeAsk kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids.

God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean.

We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23)

God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9.

Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18.

We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus.

Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus. Provide I’m a Christian Now! for new Christians to take home and complete with their families.


APPLY the StorySESSION TITLE: Jesus Raised LazarusBIBLE PASSAGE: John 11STORY POINT: Jesus has power over death.KEY PASSAGE: Colossians 1:13-14BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How does God care for His creation? God loves


Key passage activity (5 minutes)Display the key passage poster. Lead kids in reading aloud Colossians 1:13-14 together. Then cover the poster.

Form two teams of kids. Position each team across from a large sheet of paper or dry erase board. Give the first player on each team a marker. Explain that when you say go, the first player should run to the paper, write the first word of the key passage, and then return the marker to his team. The next player should run to the paper, write the second word, and return to the team.

Continue until teams write out the entire key passage. Then lead kids to recite the key passage together.SAY • This is an important truth to remember. Jesus paid

the price for our sins. He died on the cross to set us free, and He welcomes us into His kingdom when we trust in Him as Lord and Savior. In Him, we have forgiveness of all our sins.

Discussion & Bible skills (10 minutes)Distribute Bibles. Guide boys and girls to open their Bibles to John 11. Challenge kids to name the three New Testament books that come before John (Matthew, Mark,

• Key Passage Poster• dry erase board or

large sheet of paper• markers

• Bibles, 1 per kid• Story Point Poster• Small Group Timeline

and Map Set (005802970)


Luke) and the three books that follow John. (Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians) Choose a volunteer to read aloud John 11:4.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. (buh TAY nee uh) [Point to Bethany (I5) and the region near E7 on the New Testament Israel Map.]

Ask the following questions. Lead the group to discuss:1. Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead? 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? 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. !ough 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 !ess. 4:13-14.)

3. How do you think someone who comes back to life from the dead might live di"erently? How should we live di"erently as Christians who have been brought from death to life? Allow kids to share their ideas.

Option: Retell or review the Bible story using the bolded text of the Bible story script.


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.)

Activity choice (10 minutes)OPTION 1: Explore Spanish BiblesBriefly remind kids of the Soto family in Utah.

SAY • The Sotos are from Puerto Rico. They speak both Spanish and English. God is using the Sotos to reach other Spanish-speakers with the gospel.

Pass around the Spanish Bible and books. You might also consider finding a Spanish Bible passage online for the kids to see. If the Bibles or storybooks contain pictures, ask if kids can recognize the Bible story based on the pictures.

Next, invite kids to draw pictures that teaches a truth from Scripture without using words. Explain that pictures are a way we can share about Jesus, even if we don’t speak the same language as someone else.

Close in prayer, thanking God for the Sotos and their ministry and for other missionaries your church supports.

OPTION 2: Wrap up raceSAY • In Bible times, when a person died, his body would

be washed, covered with good-smelling spices or oils, wrapped in linen cloth, and buried in a cave or tomb. Lazarus died and had been in a tomb for four days, but that didn’t stop Jesus. Jesus has power over death. He raised Lazarus from the dead.

Form teams of three to five kids. Instruct each team to choose a volunteer to be wrapped up. Give each team a roll

• Spanish Bibles and Bible storybooks

• paper• crayons

Tip: Use this activity option to reinforce the missions moment from Teach the Story.

Option: Check with your local library or church association for books in Spanish.

• bath tissue or white paper streamers


of paper streamers or two rolls of bath tissue.When you say go, players will wrap their team’s

volunteer from ankles to head. Kids should use all of the paper, but be sure kids do not cover a player’s feet, mouth, or eyes. When all the volunteers are wrapped, prompt the rest of the kids to shout together, “Lazarus, come out!” Volunteers should break out of the wraps. Assist if needed.SAY • Like Lazarus was physically dead, we are all spiritually

dead apart from Jesus. But Jesus can free us from the power of sin and death. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. He gives forgiveness and eternal life to those who trust in Him.

Journal and prayer (5 minutes)Distribute journal pages and pencils. Guide kids to think about and answer the questions listed on the page:

• What does this story teach me about God or the gospel?

• What does the story teach me about myself?• Are there any commands in this story to obey? How are they for God’s glory and my good?

• Are there any promises in this story to remember? How do they help me trust and love God?

• How does this story help me to live on mission better?

As kids journal, invite them to share their ideas. Then pray, asking God to comfort those who are grieving. Thank God for sending Jesus to rescue us from sin and death.

As time allows, lead kids to complete “Story Scramble” on the activity page. Kids should unscramble the key words to complete the sentences.

Option: Review the gospel with boys and girls. Explain that kids are welcome to speak with you or another teacher if they have questions.

• pencils• Journal Page• “Story Scramble”

activity page, 1 per kid

Tip: Give parents this week’s Big Picture Cards for Families to allow families to interact with the biblical content at home.


Jesus Raised Lazarus - Missio Church

Documents

Transcript of Jesus Raised Lazarus - Missio Church