Lazarus, Come Out! • Lesson 2 Bible Point Jesus...

29Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Pre-K & K, Ages 5 & 6

Bible Point

Lazarus, Come Out! • Lesson 2

Jesus died and came back to life.

Bible VerseFor God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son (adapted from John 3:16).

Growing Closer to JesusChildren will n hear how Lazarus, a beloved friend of Jesus, died and was brought back to life by Jesus, n understand that Jesus did this for God’s glory, and n learn what they can do to bring glory and honor to God.

Teacher EnrichmentBible Basisn Lazarus, come out!

Because Jesus and his friend Lazarus were so close, it seemed odd to the disciples that Jesus chose to do nothing when he heard that Lazarus was sick. But Jesus likely knew that Lazarus was already dead, since he had been dead for four days when Jesus and the disciples arrived in Bethany three days later. And Jesus had other plans. He was going to bring glory to God through this incident.

Martha, distraught over Lazarus’ death, had trouble fully understanding what Jesus was capable of doing, even though she had great faith in him. Jesus’ comment to her in John 11:25 indicates that he was trying to teach her that he was more than a great teacher and healer. Indeed he was in control of life itself.

Some have suggested that Jesus wept over Lazarus because he may have been agonizing over the unbelief of the crowd. But more likely he was hurting with his friends, feeling their pain.

Through the miracle of raising Lazarus from death, Jesus showed that he can bring us back from hopelessness and despair.

Prayer• Read John 12:17-19.• Why were the Pharisees so upset that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead?• Pray: Lord, help me not to doubt your power and unfailing love. Let me experience my own renewing through…

Before the Lessonn Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use. Refer to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab Supplies

columns to determine what you’ll need.n Make photocopies of the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your children.n Pray for the children in your class and for God’s direction in teaching the lesson.

John 11:1-45

Lesson 2

30 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Pre-K & K, Ages 5 & 6

This Lesson at a GlanceWhat Children Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies

Welcome Time

Welcome!—Receive name tags, and be greeted by the teacher.

“Butterfly Name Tags” (p. 26), markers, tape or safety pins

Let’s Get Started

Direct children to one or more of the optional activities until

everyone arrives.

Option 1: Gauze Necklaces—String large beads on gauze strips.

Gauze strips, tape, large beads or large macaroni, bowl

Option 2: Decorate the Tomb—Glue construction-paper squares to a box “tomb.”

Large box; scissors; packing tape; glue sticks; black, gray, and colored construction-paper squares

Option 3: Treasure Chest—Find “treasures” in sand, and talk about good things to do.

Box, sand or rice, small “treasures” to put into eggs

Pick Up Our Toys—Sing a song as they pick up toys, and gather for Bible Story Time.

CD player

Bible Story Time

Setting the Stage—Examine a dead branch, and discover the power of Jesus’ words.

Tree branch

Bible Song and Prayer Time—Sing a song, bring out the Bible, and pray together.

Bible, construction paper, scissors, CD player, basket or box

Hear and Tell the Bible Story—Hear the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead from John 11:1-45.

Bible

Do the Bible Story—Act out a day at the mall to show how our words and actions bring glory to God.

Toy or stuffed animal

Closing Pockets’ Pet—Explain the story of Lazarus to Pockets.

Masking tape, toothpick, permanent marker

Parallel Poem—Discover that both Lazarus and Jesus were raised from the dead.

*See the end of this lesson for extra-time ideas and supplies.

Lazarus, Come Out!


It’s important to say the Bible Point just as it’s written in each activity. Repeating the Bible Point over and over throughout the lesson will help kids remember it and apply it to their lives.

Welcome Timen Welcome!SUPPLIES: “Butterfly Name Tags” handout (p. 26), markers, tape or safety pins• Bend down and make eye contact with children as they arrive.• Greet each child individually with an enthusiastic smile.• Thank each child for coming to class today.• As children arrive, ask them about last week’s “Today I Learned...” activities. Ask

questions such as “How did your search for a lost toy remind you of the way Jesus cares for you?” and “How did you feel protected by Jesus, your Good Shepherd?”

• Say: Today we’re going to learn that Jesus died and came back to life.• Hand out the butterfly name tags children made in Lesson 1, and help children

attach the name tags to their clothing. If some of the name tags were damaged or if some of the children weren’t in class last week, have them make new name tags using photocopiable patterns.

• Direct children to the Let’s Get Started activities you’ve set up.

Let’s Get StartedSet up one or more of the following activities for children to do as they arrive. After

you greet each child, invite him or her to choose an activity.Circulate among the activities to offer help as needed and direct children’s

conversation toward today’s lesson. Ask questions such as “What good things do you do to make God happy?” or “What good things can you say to make God happy?”

n Option 1: Gauze NecklacesSUPPLIES: gauze strips, tape, large beads or large macaroni, bowl

Set out a bowl of large beads or large macaroni. For each child, provide a 21/2-foot strip of rolled gauze with one end taped to make it easier to string the beads. Loosely knot one bead on the other end of the strip to prevent the beads from slipping off. Have each child string the beads on the gauze to create a necklace. Help the children tie the necklaces when they’re finished.

As the children work, explain that in today’s story Jesus brought his friend back to life and that his friend was wrapped in gauze similar to the gauze used to make their necklaces. Tell the children that when they wear their necklaces, they will be reminded about Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life for God’s glory.

n Option 2: Decorate the TombSUPPLIES: large box; scissors; packing tape; glue sticks; black, gray, and colored construction-paper squares

Set out a large box (large enough for a child to crawl in one side and out the other) with both ends taped shut. Cut rounded openings on both sides of the box.

Your 5- and 6-year-olds understand a little bit about hope, although their hopes generally focus on things they look forward to doing: “I hope I can go to Grandma’s house” or “I hope we have ice cream.” Help your children grow from hope that’s centered on wishes to hope that’s centered on trust. Hope in God is based on faith and trust. Faith comes as we learn to trust God for the things we need. The next time your children say, “I hope…” take the opportunity to stop and pray. Children’s hopes, when handed back to God, will begin to grow into a lifelong faith. Thank you for investing this time to encourage spiritual growth in your children.

Rolled gauze can be found in the first-aid section of a grocery store.

If the ink pad is dry, moisten it with three to five drops of water.

Lesson 2


Set out squares of construction or tissue paper and glue sticks for children to decorate the tomb. Have them decorate one side with black and gray squares and the other side with bright, colorful squares. Also set out the butterfly stamp and ink pad to decorate the cheerful side.

As the children decorate, explain that a tomb is where you put someone who has died. Ask if they’ve ever heard a story that had a tomb in it. Some may answer, “in the Easter story” or “when Jesus was put in a tomb.” Tell them that today they will hear an amazing story about Jesus bringing a friend back to life from out of a tomb.

n Option 3: Treasure ChestSUPPLIES: box, sand or rice, small “treasures” to put into eggs

Fill the plastic eggs from the Learning Lab with little toy “treasures.” In the classroom, set out a box filled with sand or rice, and hide the eggs in the box. Explain that this is a game to find an egg and then decide how to use the treasure inside to do something that makes God happy. Then have children re-hide the eggs with the treasures inside for

others to find.

When everyone has arrived and you’re ready to move on to Bible Story Time, encourage the children to finish what they’re doing and get ready to clean up.

n Pick Up Our ToysSUPPLIES: CD player

Lead children in singing “Pick Up Our Toys” (track 2) with the CD to the tune of “Skip to My Lou.” Encourage the children to sing along as they help clean up the room.

You’ll be using this song each week to alert children to start picking up. At first they may need encouragement. But after a few

weeks, picking up and singing along will become a familiar routine.If you want to include the names of all the children in your class, sing the song

without the CD and repeat the naming section. If you choose to use the CD, vary the names you use each week.

We will pick up our toys.We will pick up our toys.We will pick up our toysAnd put them all away.

There’s [name] picking up toys.There’s [name] picking up toys.There’s [name] picking up toys,Putting them all away.

(Repeat.)

If you don’t use Option 2, have a taped box handy to use if you have extra time. You can act out the story for a bit of lively learning!

One large piece of thick cardboard or poster board propped against a low table works well, too. Just cut a tomb “door” in the cardboard and decorate one “happy” side and one “sad” side.

Make sure to return Learning Lab items back to the box when you’re done using them so they can be used in future lessons!

track 2

Lazarus, Come Out!


(Repeat.)

Bible Story Timen Setting the StageSUPPLIES: tree branch

Before this activity, find a bare tree branch to bring to class.Tell the children you’ll clap your hands to get their attention. Explain that when

you clap your hands, they are to stop what they’re doing, raise their hands, and focus on you. Encourage the children to respond quickly so you’ll have time for all the fun activities you’ve planned.

Ask the children to sit in a circle around you. Pass the branch around the circle and say: Look at this. What is it? (A stick; a dead branch.)

You’re right. This used to be alive, but now it’s dead. Is there anything I can say to make this stick come back to life? (Plant it; water it.) Let’s try it! Ask for a volunteer and try one of the ideas children suggest.

Did it work? Absolutely not! Today we’re going to hear a story about a man named Lazarus. He was Jesus’ friend. When Lazarus died, Jesus used his words and power, and Lazarus came back to life! Why do you think Jesus would do such a thing? Let the children discuss this, and then say: Great ideas!

We’ll find out in a couple of minutes why Jesus brought his friend back to life. This story may sound similar to one you’ve heard before about when

Jesus died and came back to life. As you’ll find out, in both stories the power and glory belong to God!

n Bible Song and Prayer TimeSUPPLIES: Bible, construction paper, scissors, basket or box, CD player

Before class, make surprise cards for this activity by cutting construction paper into 2x6-inch slips. Prepare a surprise card for each child plus a few extras for visitors. Fold the cards in half, and then stamp the butterfly stamp inside one of the surprise cards. Bookmark the Scripture John 11:1-45 in the Bible you’ll be using.

Have the children sit in a circle. Say: Each week when we come to our circle for our Bible story, I’ll choose someone to be the Bible person. The Bible person will bring me the Bible marked with our Bible story for that week. Before I choose today’s Bible person, let’s learn our Bible song. As we sing, I’ll pass out surprise cards. Don’t look inside your surprise card until the song is over.

Lead the children in singing “Read God’s Book” (track 3) with the CD to the tune of “The Muffin Man.” As you sing, pass out the folded surprise cards.

Now it’s time to read God’s book,Read God’s book, read God’s book.Now it’s time to read God’s book.Let’s hear a Bible story.

Now it’s time to read God’s book,Read God’s book, read God’s book.Now it’s time to read God’s book.Let’s hear a Bible story.

track 3

Lesson 2


After the song, say: You may look inside your surprise cards. The person who finds the butterfly stamped inside his or her card will be our Bible person for today.

Identify the Bible person, and then have the rest of the children clap for him or her. Ask the Bible person to bring you the Bible. Help the Bible person open the Bible to the marked place and show the children where your story comes from. Then have the Bible person sit down.

Say: [Name] was our special Bible person today. Each week, we’ll have only one Bible person, but each one of you is a special part of our class and will get to have a turn! Today we’re all learning that Jesus died and came back to life.

Let’s say a special prayer now and thank God for sending Jesus to us. I’ll pass around this basket. When the basket comes to you, put your surprise card in it and say, “Thank you, God, for sending Jesus.”

Pass around the basket or box. When you’ve collected everyone’s surprise card, set the basket aside and pick up the Bible. Lead the children in this prayer. God, thank you for the Bible and all the stories in it. Teach us today that Jesus died and came back to life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

n Hear and Tell the Bible StorySUPPLIES: Bible

Help the children sit on the floor in front of you in three groups of equal size. Open the Bible to the book of John. Point to the Bible and say: Today’s story is from the book of John in the Bible.

In this story, Jesus’ friend Lazarus was very sick, and he died. Jesus didn’t heal Lazarus of his sickness right away, but instead let him die. Jesus’ friends were very confused during this time, as you’ll see. But Jesus had a good reason for not healing Lazarus right away.

I’m going to read the story, but I’ll need some help! Each group will jump up and say something different when I point to them.

Group 1 will say: “Hurry! Come quick, Jesus! Lazarus is sick!”Group 2 will say: “I don’t understand, Jesus! Lazarus is dead!”Group 3 will say: “Now I understand, Jesus! Lazarus lives!”Let’s practice this. Let the children practice standing up and saying their line a

few times. Great job!Jesus’ friend named Lazarus was sick. He was from a town called Bethany

where he lived with his sisters, Mary and Martha.The sisters sent word to Jesus. They said: Point to Group 1, and have

children stand up and say with you, “Hurry! Come quick, Jesus! Lazarus is sick!”But when Jesus heard this, he said that Lazarus’ sickness wouldn’t end

in death. Jesus said that instead Lazarus’ sickness would glorify God and prove that God had sent Jesus. Point to Group 1, and have children stand up and say with you, “Hurry! Come quick, Jesus! Lazarus is sick!”

Yet when Jesus heard this, he stayed where he was for two more days! Finally, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go see Lazarus.” When they arrived, they found that Lazarus had been dead and in the tomb for four

Your 5- and 6-year-olds can listen to and create stories. They can distinguish between real and pretend. They need simple directions—they understand one step at a time.

Lazarus, Come Out!


days. Martha ran out to Jesus and said: Point to Group 2, and have children stand up and say with you, “I don’t understand, Jesus! Lazarus is dead!”

Martha said that if Jesus had been there, her brother, Lazarus, would not have died. Jesus told her not to worry. He said that Lazarus would rise again. Martha said: Point to Group 2, and have children stand up and say with you, “I don’t understand, Jesus! Lazarus is dead!”

And when Mary heard that Jesus was near, she also ran to him and said that if Jesus had been there, her brother, Lazarus, would not have died. Jesus told her not to worry. Mary said: Point to Group 2, and have children stand up and say with you, “I don’t understand, Jesus! Lazarus is dead!”

Then Jesus went to Lazarus’ tomb and said, “Take away the stone.” Martha knew there would be a bad smell and said: Point to Group 2, and have children stand up and say with you, “I don’t understand, Jesus! Lazarus is dead!”

They finally moved the stone. Jesus said, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” Jesus prayed and then said in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out, with his hands and feet wrapped with cloth. Jesus said to take off the grave clothes and let him go. Finally, the people said: Point to Group 3, and have children stand up and say with you, “Now I understand, Jesus! Lazarus lives!”

Many people who had come to visit saw what Jesus had done and put their faith in him. Hooray! Point to Group 3, and have children stand up and say with you, “Now I understand, Jesus! Lazarus lives!”

Ask: • Why did Mary and Martha ask Jesus to come? (Their brother Lazarus was sick; they wanted Jesus to help Lazarus.)

• Why didn’t Jesus go to help Lazarus right away? (So that he could bring glory to God; to prove that Jesus was from God.)

• When Jesus and his disciples finally got to Bethany, what did they learn? (That Lazarus was dead; that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.)

• What did Jesus do next? (Told Lazarus to come out from the tomb; raised Lazarus from the dead.)

• Jesus did something amazing to bring glory to God. What can you do or say to bring glory to God? (Obey my parents; take care of my things; be kind to others.)

• Why didn’t Mary and Martha understand what Jesus was going to do? (It didn’t make sense; they didn’t know that Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead.)

• In the end, what did the people do? (Believed in Jesus.)

Say: Lazarus died, but Jesus raised him from the dead. Jesus brought glory to God by doing that. A little while later, Jesus died and came back to life. If we believe in Jesus, we’ll live forever with Jesus someday, too. That’s really something to give God glory for!

Lead children in a round of applause for Jesus.

This Bible story is featured in the new My First Hands-On Bible™. Order several now for your ministry at group.com.

Lesson 2


n Do the Bible StorySUPPLIES: toy or stuffed animal

Before this activity, set a toy or stuffed animal nearby. Say: We just heard an amazing story about Jesus and how he raised a man from the dead—all to bring glory to God! What do you think glory means? Let the children guess. Good guesses! If you bring glory to someone, you honor and obey them with the things you do and say.

Let’s pretend for a couple of minutes that you are at the mall with your parent. Raise your hand if you like to go to the mall. Let the children respond with a show of hands. What do you like to do there? (Shop; eat; see a movie; look around.)

We’re going to pretend that we’re at the mall and that a child has just seen the neatest, coolest, most awesome toy ever! I’ll pretend to be the child. I need a helper to be my parent. Choose a volunteer. Quietly whisper in the child’s ear that he or she is to say, “No, I’m sorry. We can’t buy that toy today.”

Walk around the room, pretending to be at the mall. Stop at the stuffed animal or toy you placed nearby. Say: Wow! That’s the neatest, coolest, most awesome toy ever! Can we get it? Please! Have the child say, “No, I’m sorry. We can’t buy that toy today.” Then, acting as a child, have a temper tantrum because you didn’t get your toy.

Thank the child for helping; then give children lots of time to discuss the following questions.

Ask: • Did I bring glory to my parent and to God by acting that way? If you were in the mall watching a child have a tantrum because he or she didn’t get a toy, what would you think? (That the child is spoiled; that if I acted that way in the store, I’d get in big trouble!)

• What would have been a better response? (Say “OK, Mom”; be nice and don’t make a fuss.)

Say: How a child behaves can either bring sadness or glory and honor to a parent and to God. Let’s see how a child can bring honor and glory to a parent and to God in this situation.

Choose a new child to be the parent, and walk around the room again using the dialogue above. But this time instead of throwing a tantrum, say: OK, can I put this toy on my birthday list? Thank the child for helping, and then say: We just learned that glory means giving honor and being obedient to someone. When Jesus died and came back to life, he brought glory to God.

In our story today, we heard how Jesus brought glory to God by raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus did this to show that he really was sent from God and that we should honor God and bring him glory, too. Our Bible verse for today is adapted from John 3:16, and it says: For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. When we honor God, we are saying thank you to him for sending us Jesus.

Lazarus, Come Out!


Closingn Pockets’ PetSUPPLIES: masking tape, toothpick, permanent marker

Make a mini fly swatter by folding a piece of tape at the top of a toothpick and drawing a grid on the tape with a permanent marker. Before class put the fly swatter into Pockets’ pouch.

Bring out Pockets the Kangaroo, and go through the following puppet script. When you finish the script, put Pockets away and out of sight.

Pockets: (Sniffling)

Teacher: Pockets? What’s going on? What’s the matter?

Pockets: (Sniffling) My pet died.

Teacher: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. What kind of pet was he?

Pockets: (Sniffling) A mosquito.

Teacher: (Surprised) A mosquito? How did he die?

Pockets: (Giggling and waving his fly swatter) I swatted him!

Teacher: Pockets! You’re being silly! It really is sad, though, when something or someone precious to us dies. Jesus had a very good friend who died.

Pockets: What was his name?

Teacher: Who can remember Jesus’ friend’s name? (Let the children respond.) Good!

Pockets: What happened to poor Lazarus? Not a fly swatter, I hope!

Teacher: Of course not! Children, let’s see if we can tell Pockets the whole story—and don’t forget to tell Pockets why Jesus did what he did. (Let the children piece the story together.)

Pockets: That’s amazing! Next time I have a choice to make, I’m going to remember this story so I can decide if I’m bringing glory to God by what I do.

Teacher: Excellent idea, Pockets! And in a few weeks, we’ll learn how Jesus also died and came back to life to bring glory to God. Goodbye for now!

Pockets: Goodbye!

Permission to photocopy this script from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Pre-K & K, granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. HandsOnBible.com

Lesson 2


n Parallel PoemSUPPLIES: none

Have the children stand in a line in front of you. Explain that as you say this poem, they will do the motions you suggest. You may want to repeat this several times. Encourage the children to say the words with you.

Lazarus died. (Lie on the floor.)They put him in a tomb. (Curl up in a ball.)Jesus raised him up (jump up)To bring glory to God! (Wave your hands in the air.)

Jesus died. (Lie on the floor.)They put him in a tomb. (Curl up in a ball.)God raised him up (jump up)To bring glory to God! (Wave your hands in the air.)

We can bring glory to God by the good things we say and do. Turn to the person next to you and say something nice. Let children have time to do this. Let’s end in prayer: Dear God, help us bring glory to you by the things we say and do. Because Jesus died and came back to life, we can have your power to help us bring glory to God! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Growing closer to Jesus extends beyond the classroom.Photocopy the “Today I Learned…’’ handout (at the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home with your children. Encourage parents to use the handout to plan meaningful family activities to reinforce this week’s topic.

Lazarus, Come Out!


n Lively Learning: From Sad to HappyUsing the decorated tomb you made using Option 2, act out the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the

dead. Have the child playing Lazarus enter the tomb on the “sad” side. Then spin the box around to reveal the “happy” side. Be sure to include Jesus, crying friends, and cheering friends each time you act it out. Do this several times until each child has had a chance to be Lazarus.

n Make to Take: Bandaged BuddyMake photocopies of the “Bandaged Buddy” handout (p. 40), and give one to each child. Have the children

color the picture of Lazarus with markers. Then let kids glue strips of gauze on his body or cover him with adhesive bandages. As the children work on their handouts, remind them that the story of Lazarus is similar to a story they’ll hear in a few weeks about how Jesus died and came back to life. Remind them that only God has power over death, but we have the power to know God through Jesus!

n Treat to Eat: Lazarus LunchGive each child a paper plate with half a bagel on it. Help children spread softened cream

cheese on the bagels. Let them add a face using raisin eyes and noses and an apple-slice mouth. Encourage kids to be creative! As you work and eat, talk about how Lazarus was Jesus’ special friend. Ask the children to talk about their special friends.

n Story Picture: Mini-TheaterHand each child a photocopy of the “Today I learned…” handout. Have children color the pictures on the

page. Help children cut the Lazarus puppet off the bottom of the page and the line around the tomb rock so that it swings open and shut. Show children how to fold the page so that it stands up like a mini-theater. Ask children to pair up and use the mini-theater while telling the Bible story.

For Extra Time If you have a long class time or want to add additional elements to your lesson, try one of the following activities.

See page 5.

40Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Pre-K & K, granted for local church use.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. HandsOnBible.com

Bandaged BuddyPhotocopy the handout. Let children color the picture with crayons and then

glue gauze strips or place adhesive bandages on Lazarus.

“Lazarus, come out!”

41

Verse to LearnFor God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son (adapted from John 3:16).

Ask Me...l Who was Lazarus, and why did he die?

l Why did Jesus bring him back to life?

l How can people bring glory to God?

Family Funl You’ll need a carton of eggs. As a family, use permanent

markers to write an idea on each egg about how to bring glory to God. Ideas might include: Make a card for a sick friend, call an elderly neighbor, compliment a friend, or draw a picture for a teacher. Each time you use one of the eggs, do the activity written on that egg. You may want to start right away with pancakes for supper or freshly baked cookies to remind your family that their words and actions can bring glory to God!

Today your child learned that Jesus died and came back to life. The children learned that Jesus brought Lazarus back to life to bring glory to God. They also learned that by being kind and obedient they bring glory to God, too!

Lesson 2

Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life (John 11:1-45)

Jesus died and came back to life.

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Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Pre-K & K, granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. HandsOnBible.com

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