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Jesus Raises Lazarus Free Lessons, Crafts, and Activities

We’re thrilled you’re here to explore this powerful resource on Jesus Raises Lazarus from John 11:1-44. This moving Bible story, where Jesus calls Lazarus back to life, vividly demonstrates His divine power over death and His deep love for His people. Whether you’re a parent, Sunday School teacher, children’s ministry leader, homeschooler, Vacation Bible School coordinator, or passionate about sharing God’s Word, this resource is designed to bring this story to life for kids in a fun, meaningful way!

Quick Reference (click the link to go to that section of the web page)

“Christ’s power over death is the pledge of our resurrection, and His tears at Lazarus’ tomb show His heart for our sorrows.”

— C. H. Spurgeon

Video: Jesus Raises Lazarus (Craft Stick Bible Story)

Jesus raises the dead! Join us for the emotional and striking Craft Stick Bible Story of Jesus Raising Lazarus from the dead! In this episode, Jesus shows His power over death by raising His friend Lazarus from the dead.

The Craft Stick Bible Stories, our cinematic 5-10 minute video series where craft stick puppets and cardboard sets tell the timeless stories of Scripture. Packed with faith, fun, and creativity, this series has delighted kids, families, and Sunday School classrooms in over 50 countries!

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3 Free Jesus Raises Lazarus Lessons

Lesson 1: Jesus’ Power Over Death Gives Hope

When Jesus raised Lazarus with the words, “Lazarus, come out!” He revealed His divine authority over death (John 11:43-44). Jonathan Edwards emphasizes that this miracle points to Christ’s power to grant eternal life, offering hope to all who trust Him (Sermon: “The Excellency of Christ,” 1736). This lesson teaches us that Jesus is stronger than death itself, encouraging us to place our hope in Him for both this life and eternity, knowing He has conquered the grave.

Discussion Questions

  1. How do you think Mary and Martha felt when Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb?
  2. Why does Jesus’ power over death give us hope for the future?
  3. How can we trust Jesus when we face sad or scary times?

Lesson 2: Jesus’ Compassion Shares Our Sorrows

Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb, showing His deep love and empathy for His friends’ grief (John 11:35). Matthew Henry notes that Christ’s tears demonstrate His willingness to enter our sorrows, making Him a compassionate Savior (Commentary on John 11:1-44). This lesson helps us understand that Jesus cares about our feelings, inviting us to bring our hurts to Him, confident that He understands and comforts us in every trial.

Discussion Questions for Lesson 2

  1. Why do you think Jesus cried, even though He knew He would raise Lazarus?
  2. How does it feel to know Jesus cares about your sadness?
  3. What can you do to talk to Jesus when you’re feeling upset?

Lesson 3: Faith in Jesus Leads to Life

Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Alexander Maclaren teaches that faith in Christ transforms death into a doorway to eternal life, as seen in Lazarus’ resurrection (Expositions of Holy Scripture: John). This lesson encourages us to trust Jesus as the source of life, reflecting on how faith in Him brings hope and purpose, even in the face of loss.

Discussion Questions for Lesson 3

  1. What did Jesus mean when He said He is “the resurrection and the life”?
  2. How can believing in Jesus change the way we think about life and death?
  3. What’s one way you can show your faith in Jesus this week?

3 Free Jesus Raises Lazarus Craft Activities

Craft 1: Lazarus’ Tomb Glow Jar (Advanced)

What You Need: Glass jar with lid, gray and brown construction paper, tissue paper (white, blue), mod podge or diluted glue, paintbrush, battery-operated LED string lights, scissors, markers, small pebbles, cotton balls.

  1. Cover the outside of the jar with gray tissue paper using mod podge to create a stone-like texture for the tomb.
  2. Cut a large brown paper circle for the tomb’s entrance and glue it partially open, revealing a white tissue paper figure of Lazarus inside, drawn with markers to show him standing.
  3. Add small pebbles and cotton balls around the base for a rocky, earthy scene.
  4. Place LED string lights inside the jar, wrapping them around a small paper figure of Jesus calling out, to symbolize His life-giving power.
  5. Seal the lid and shake gently to let the lights glow, representing Lazarus’ resurrection.
  6. Encourage kids to write a prayer of trust on a paper strip and place it in the jar.

Why It Helps: This advanced glow jar creatively captures the moment of Lazarus’ resurrection, with the glowing lights symbolizing Jesus’ power over death, prompting kids to reflect on hope and faith.

Craft 2: Resurrection Hope Wreath

What You Need: Paper plate, green and white tissue paper, construction paper (various colors), scissors, glue, ribbon, markers.

  1. Cut out the center of a paper plate to form a wreath base.
  2. Crumple green tissue paper into small balls and glue them around the wreath to represent new life.
  3. Cut white tissue paper into strips to form bandages, wrapping them around a small paper figure of Lazarus, and glue him to the wreath.
  4. Add colorful paper flowers with “I am the resurrection” (John 11:25) written in the centers.
  5. Tie a ribbon loop to hang the wreath, encouraging kids to reflect on a hope they have in Jesus.

Why It Helps: The wreath symbolizes the hope of resurrection, encouraging thoughtful reflection on Jesus’ promise of life, with the act of crafting fostering meditation on faith.

Craft 3: Comforting Heart Bookmark

What You Need: Cardstock (white, red), yarn, scissors, markers, hole punch, stickers, small beads.

  1. Cut cardstock into a long strip (2” x 8”) for the bookmark base and a red heart shape to glue on top.
  2. Write “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) on the heart, decorating with stickers or drawn tears to represent Jesus’ compassion.
  3. Punch a hole at the top of the bookmark and thread yarn with beads through it for a tassel.
  4. Encourage kids to use the bookmark in their Bible, reflecting on a time Jesus comforted them.

Why It Helps: The bookmark connects kids to Jesus’ empathy, prompting reflection on His care for their sorrows while crafting a practical tool for Bible reading.

Bonus Content

Memory Verse

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” — John 11:25

Tip: Practice by writing the verse on a paper strip and wrapping it around the Lazarus figure in the wreath craft, repeating it while decorating, then display it to review daily.

Fun Fact About the Story

In Jesus’ time, tombs like Lazarus’ were often carved into rocky hillsides, sealed with a large stone to prevent theft or disturbance. Lazarus had been dead four days, an important detail to the Jesus’ Jewish listeners, who believed the soul lingered near the body for three days, making his resurrection a stunning miracle that confirmed Jesus’ divine power. The public nature of the miracle, with a crowd witnessing Lazarus walk out of the tomb alive, made it undeniable, stirring some to faith and others to anger.

The phrase “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), the shortest verse in the Bible, reveals His deep humanity, showing that He shared in human grief even while knowing He was about to raise Lazarus. This emotional moment would have resonated deeply with the Gospel’s audience, showing Jesus as both compassionate friend and powerful Lord. For kids, this highlights that Jesus understands their feelings and has the power to bring hope, encouraging thoughtful reflection on His love and authority.

Bible Verses for Further Study

  • John 5:24: Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life, echoing His words to Martha.
  • Psalm 30:5: God’s weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
  • Romans 6:4: We are raised with Christ, connecting to Lazarus’ resurrection.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:54-55: Death is swallowed up in victory through Christ.

Jesus Raises Lazarus Story Summary

In Jesus Raises Lazarus, Jesus delays visiting His sick friend Lazarus, who dies and is buried. Arriving in Bethany, Jesus weeps with Mary and Martha, showing His compassion, then calls Lazarus out of the tomb, raising him to life before a crowd. This miracle reveals Jesus’ power over death and His deep love, teaching three key lessons: His power gives hope, His compassion shares our sorrows, and faith in Him leads to life. These truths encourage children to trust Jesus’ power, seek His comfort, and grow in faith through His promises.

Good Words to Know

  • Resurrection: Jesus raising someone, like Lazarus, from death to life.
  • Compassion: Feeling and showing care for others’ suffering, as Jesus did.
  • Faith: Trusting in Jesus’ power and love, even in hard times.
  • Miracle: A powerful act of God, like raising Lazarus.

References

  • The Bible, John 11:1-44.
  • Edwards, Jonathan, “The Excellency of Christ,” Sermon, 1736, Public Domain.
  • Henry, Matthew, Commentary on the Whole Bible, John 11:1-44, Public Domain.
  • Maclaren, Alexander, Expositions of Holy Scripture: John, Public Domain.
  • Spurgeon, Charles Haddon, “Lazarus Raised from the Dead,” Sermon #1126, delivered April 26, 1874, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 20.

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