Over the past few weeks we have learned how Jesus has power over sickness, power to give us what we need, and power over nature. That is enough right there to stop and rejoice, but it gets even better. Through the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead we learn that He has power even over death. What joy and what hope we have in Christ! Let the truth of His power encourage you as you share these activities with your little ones this week.
HIGHLIGHTS from the Weekend…
This week your child learned that Jesus was able to do things nobody else can do. He even has power over death. One day, Lazarus became very sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent a messenger to tell Jesus they needed him right away. Jesus waited two days before even starting His trip to go see them. Before Jesus got to them Lazarus died. Mary and Martha were very sad and told Jesus their brother would still be alive if He had gotten there in time. Jesus was so sad to see Martha and Mary crying that He cried, too. Then He got up, went to the grave of Lazarus and said, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out of the tomb wrapped in burial clothes. He was alive! (John 11:1-44)
Teaching Truth:
- Jesus has power over death because He is God.
- A miracle is something wonderful only God can do.
Memory Verse
"I praise you Lord for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. " Psalm 139:14
3 Activities that help us learn this week's teaching truth:
1. Wrap a Snack
Grab a couple of clean toilet paper tubes, and two regular size paper towel sheets.Help your child cut the paper towel into strips.Begin to wrap the strips around the toilet paper roll, gluing or taping as you go.Be sure to leave space towards the top to draw in the eyes with a marker.Take another toilet paper tube and help your child make Jesus by gluing yarn for hair and drawing a face and clothes on the tube.Act out the story by placing Lazarus under a paper towel like he is in a grave and have Jesus call him out.Then talk about the story using these questions:
What is a miracle? (something wonderful only God can do)
What happened to Lazarus?
Who brought Lazarus back to life?
Who has power over death?
2. Act It Out
Let your child paint and decorate an extra shoe box to be a tomb. Place the box upside down and cut a small doorway into one side of the box, creating an opening into the tomb. Have your child crumple a piece or two of brown construction paper forming rocks to cover the opening of the tomb. Next, let your child choose a small stuffed animal or doll that can be Lazarus and use some toilet paper to wrap Lazarus. Act out the story of Lazarus. Wrap up the stuffed animal Lazarus in the toilet paper as he dies, place him in the shoe box tomb, and cover the entrance with the construction paper rocks. When Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, take the stuffed animal Lazarus out and unwrap him.
3. Lazarus, Lazarus
Sing this song with your child to the tune of “Jingle Bells.”
Lazarus, Lazarus, he was Jesus’ friend
He got sick and died one day
Jesus raised him back again!
Pray
Dear God, We know you are so powerful you can do anything! We can call you when we need help and you will answer us. Even though we sometimes have to wait until you are ready to help, you will always come to us and help us with even the hardest things we can imagine. Help us to trust in your perfect timing.