Lazarus is risen

Lazareth Is Risen Bible Craft

Mary and Martha were devastated when their brother Lazarus died. But they were not the only ones crying. “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Jesus knew Lazarus was about to wake from his “sleep,” so why did Jesus cry? Perhaps He wept seeing the result of sin in this world – knowing in His mind the perfect eternal world He made, and now seeing people He loved broken-hearted because of what sin caused.

This craft shows Lazarus in bandages, coming forth from the tomb with the stone rolling away. It’s a picture of resurrection – of life returning, of death defeated. Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come forth!” and the dead man came out, bound in graveclothes. It was real. It was powerful. It was a glimpse of what’s to come.

This is a beautiful story to help young minds understand death as a Christian. The first death in this world should be viewed as what Jesus called it – a “sleep.” When our children understand the temporary nature of the first death, it can help them process and accept any deaths they may face. And let’s not forget to mention: just as Lazarus was called forth from the grave to live, so will Christ’s followers be called forth. Death is not the end for those who follow Jesus – it’s a sleep before the resurrection.

Help your children see that Jesus has power over death itself, and that through Him, we have hope.

John 11:1-45