As a parent, teacher, or youth leader, you're always on the lookout for engaging and meaningful ways to help children understand the Bible. One of the most iconic and awe-inspiring stories in the New Testament is Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead. This incredible miracle showcases Jesus' power, compassion, and divine authority, making it an essential lesson for kids to learn.
Here are five fun activity sheets to help children delve into the story of Jesus raising Lazarus:
The Story Behind the Miracle
Before diving into the activities, let's take a brief look at the story of Jesus raising Lazarus. As recorded in John 11:1-44, Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, fell ill in the town of Bethany. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus, but He delayed coming. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already passed away. Jesus wept at the tomb, then called out to Lazarus, saying, "Come out!" And to everyone's amazement, Lazarus emerged from the tomb, alive and well.
Activity 1: Lazarus' Tomb Diorama
Create a 3D diorama of Lazarus' tomb using a shoe box or a rectangular container.
Materials:
- Shoe box or container
- Clay or play dough
- Small rocks or pebbles
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions:
- Cut out a tomb entrance from the construction paper and glue it to the front of the shoe box.
- Use clay or play dough to create the inside of the tomb, adding small rocks or pebbles for texture.
- Add a small figure of Lazarus (made from clay or paper) inside the tomb.
- Have the children decorate the outside of the tomb with markers or paint.
Activity 2: Jesus Calls Out to Lazarus
Recreate the scene where Jesus calls out to Lazarus at the tomb.
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions:
- Cut out a figure of Jesus and Lazarus from the construction paper.
- Have the children draw or color Jesus standing outside the tomb, with his arms outstretched and calling out to Lazarus.
- Add a speech bubble with the words "Come out!" coming from Jesus' mouth.
- Glue the figures onto a large piece of paper or cardboard to create the scene.
Activity 3: Lazarus' New Life
Explore the theme of new life and what it means to be raised from the dead.
Materials:
- Paper plates
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
- Construction paper
Instructions:
- Cut out a butterfly or a flower from the construction paper to represent new life.
- Have the children decorate the paper plate with markers or crayons, adding words or phrases like "New Life" or "Raised from the Dead."
- Glue the butterfly or flower onto the plate, symbolizing Lazarus' transformation from death to life.
Activity 4: Lazarus' Sisters
Focus on the roles of Mary and Martha in the story.
Materials:
- Paper dolls or paper figures
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
- Construction paper
Instructions:
- Create paper dolls or figures of Mary and Martha, dressing them in simple tunics and headscarves.
- Have the children act out the scene where Mary and Martha send word to Jesus about Lazarus' illness.
- Use markers or crayons to add emotions and expressions to the dolls, showing their concern and grief.
Activity 5: Jesus Weeps
Examine the emotional response of Jesus to Lazarus' death.
Materials:
- Tissues or paper towels
- Glue
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
Instructions:
- Cut out a figure of Jesus from the construction paper, adding tears to his face using markers or crayons.
- Have the children glue the tissues or paper towels onto the figure, creating a symbolic representation of Jesus' tears.
- Discuss how Jesus' emotional response shows his humanity and compassion.
As you guide children through these activity sheets, remember to encourage their creativity and curiosity. By exploring the story of Jesus raising Lazarus in a fun and interactive way, you'll help them develop a deeper understanding of this pivotal biblical event.
Share Your Thoughts!
How do you think these activity sheets can help children understand the story of Jesus raising Lazarus? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!
What is the main message of the story of Jesus raising Lazarus?
+The main message of the story is that Jesus has the power to overcome death and give new life, demonstrating his divine authority and compassion.
What can children learn from the story of Lazarus' sisters?
+Children can learn about the importance of faith, trust, and communication with God, as well as the value of sibling love and support.
How can the story of Jesus raising Lazarus be applied to everyday life?
+The story can be applied by trusting in Jesus' power and compassion, seeking new life and transformation in our own lives, and finding comfort in times of loss and grief.