This lesson teaches children that Jesus has power over death and that he is the one who gives us life. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for stories, verses, and activities.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive, and he is stronger than death. Because Jesus loves us, we can trust him even when we are sad or scared.
Memory Verse
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.
(WEB)
Ask children to put one hand on their heart and raise the other hand high over their head as they say the verse. Then have them slowly lower the raised hand and rest it on their heart again, showing that Jesus brings life to us.
The Story: John 11 for Kids
A man named Lazarus was very sick. He lived in the town of Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha, and Jesus was their good friend. The sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Jesus loved Lazarus very much, but he did not hurry to go right away. He stayed where he was for two more days.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, and I am going to wake him up.” The disciples did not understand. Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died.” Jesus was sad about this, but he knew something wonderful was going to happen. When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.
Martha ran out to meet Jesus. She said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha believed in the day when everyone would rise, but Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He wanted Martha to know that he has power over death itself.
Mary came out crying, and the people with her were crying too. Jesus cried as well. The people said, “See how much he loved Lazarus!” Jesus went to the tomb, which was a cave with a big stone at the entrance. He asked the people to roll the stone away.
Jesus prayed to his Father, and then he called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The man who had died came out of the tomb, still wrapped in cloth. Jesus told the people, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Many people who saw this believed in Jesus. Some went and told the leaders what Jesus had done.
Read It Together
John 11:35
Jesus wept.
(WEB)
Point out that this is the shortest verse in the chapter. Explain that Jesus felt sad with his friends, which shows children that Jesus cares about how they feel.
John 11:43-44
43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Free him, and let him go.”
(WEB)
Ask children to act out the moment Lazarus walks out of the tomb. Show them that the power of Jesus brings Lazarus back to life, and that Jesus is able to do what no one else can.
John 11:40
Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus invited Martha to believe. Explain that when we trust Jesus, we get to see God’s glory, even when things seem hopeless.
Talk About It
- How do you think Mary and Martha felt when their brother got sick and died?
- What did Jesus say about himself that helped Martha believe?
- Why do you think Jesus cried even though he knew he would bring Lazarus back?
- When have you felt sad and needed to remember that Jesus is with you?
- What is one thing you can trust Jesus to do for you this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tomb Craft
You will need a paper cup, a small paper circle, markers, and a little cotton ball. Let children draw a sad face on one side of the paper circle and a happy face on the other. Have them glue the cotton ball inside the cup to show Lazarus’s tomb, then place the paper circle over the top and lift it to show the change from sad to joyful.
Roll the Stone Game
You will need a large cardboard box or a blanket, and a soft ball. Set up the box as a tomb and place the ball inside. Have children take turns rolling the “stone” away from the entrance. Each time a child moves the stone, say a word about what Jesus is able to do, such as “Jesus brings life.”
Life Reminder Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pencil. Ask children to write or draw one thing that reminds them Jesus is alive, such as a flower or a sunrise. Let them take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day. Encourage them to share it with a family member during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is the source of resurrection and life, not just a teacher who speaks about it. Jesus delays his visit for a purpose, and he weeps with those who grieve, which reveals both his divine authority and his tender compassion. The miracle points forward to the resurrection that the whole church hopes in.
Avoid suggesting to children that if they pray hard enough, every person they love will be brought back to life. Jesus raised Lazarus, but the chapter focuses on his identity and his power, not on a promise that every loss will be undone now. Help children see that God is faithful even when the answer is not what they hoped for.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are the resurrection and the life. Help us trust you when we feel sad or afraid. Thank you for loving us and for crying with us when we hurt. Help us remember that you are alive and that you are with us every day. Amen.
