Jesus Raises Lazarus
John 11:1-53 New Testament PrincipleHope
Jesus' friend Lazarus got sick and died. When Jesus came, He cried with Lazarus's sisters. Then He stood at the tomb and called, "Lazarus, come out!" and Lazarus walked out alive. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, so we have hope even when someone dies.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life, stronger than death itself. Because of Him we have hope even in our saddest days, and He cares about our tears.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it
- RestorationJesus makes it new (this lesson)
Memory verse
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.”
John 11:25 BSB
The Big Story · Restoration
Death came into God's world because of sin. Jesus, the resurrection and the life, raised Lazarus as a preview of the day He will raise all His people and wipe away every tear.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Unwrap him
- Ellie’s Lab (science experiment): A smell that spreads
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Come out!
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus is stronger than everything!
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Come out!, Color Lazarus
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Lazarus died, and his sisters were very sad. Jesus cried with them. Then Jesus called, "Lazarus, come out!" and Lazarus came out alive. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, so we have hope even when we're sad.
Start here
Ask, "What makes you feel better when you're really sad?" Let a few kids share. Say, "Today Jesus' friends were very sad. Jesus did two things. He cried with them, and then He did something amazing."
Bible story 6 min
Jesus had three good friends. Their names were Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They lived in a town called Bethany.
Lazarus got very sick. His sisters sent for Jesus. "Lord, Your friend is sick!" But Jesus did not come right away. Lazarus died. He was in the tomb for four days.
Martha ran to Jesus. "Lord, if You had been here, he would not have died." Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life."
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Act it out 10 min
You’ll need: A blanket, Rolls of toilet paper
- Choose Jesus, Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Everyone else is a friend.
- Act out the skit. Loosely wrap Lazarus's arms with toilet paper, then everyone unwraps him at the end.
- Switch so more kids get a turn.
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3rd – 4th grade
Jesus waited, came to Bethany, and wept with His grieving friends. Then He called Lazarus out of a four-day tomb, showing He is the resurrection and the life. Because Jesus is stronger than death and cares about our tears, we have real hope.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Two sisters, one Savior, Come out!
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, with friends, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
Jesus deliberately waited, then came to a four-day tomb, wept with His friends and called Lazarus back to life, proving He is the resurrection and the life. The sign that gave Lazarus life set in motion the plot to take Jesus' life. Our hope rests on the One who conquered death by dying and rising.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 6 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Life for life, Hope in the hard places
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: with friends, at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Hope
The same principle in other Bible stories.
In the BeginningThe First Sin and God’s PromiseGenesis 3:1-24Sin broke God's good world, but God came looking for His people and promised a Rescuer.Old TestamentHope
Jesus the KingJesus Is Alive!Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18On the third day, the women found Jesus' tomb empty. Angels said, "He is not here; He has risen!" Jesus is alive, and because He lives we have hope.New TestamentHope
The Church BeginsJesus Makes All Things NewRevelation 21:1-7; Revelation 22:1-5, 20; Genesis 2:8-10God showed John a vision of the future. Jesus will make a new heaven and a new earth, with no more tears, sickness or death. God will live with His people forever, and they will see His face.New TestamentHope