The Home of God

John 11:33-36, New International Reader's Version

³³Jesus saw her crying. He saw that the Jews who had come along with her were crying also. His spirit became very sad, and he was troubled. ³⁴ “Where have you put him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

³⁵Jesus wept.

³⁶Then the Jews said, “See how much he loved him!”

New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Objects:

• Bible
• Tissue paper
• Cup filled with tap water
• Eyedropper

Message:

Hello, everyone! I have a fun question for you today: Do you know the shortest verse in the Bible? (Pause for answers.) That’s right! It’s just two words: “Jesus wept.” You can find it in the Gospel of John, chapter 11, verse 35.

But I wonder why Jesus wept. Have you ever been to a funeral? (Allow children to answer.) It’s a sad time because it means we have to say goodbye to someone we love. Even when we believe in God, it’s normal to feel sad when someone dies.

Let me share the story of what caused Jesus’ tears. Jesus had friends named Mary and Martha, who had a brother named Lazarus, who got very sick. Mary and Martha knew Jesus could heal Lazarus, but before Jesus arrived at their house, Lazarus died. Mary and Martha were heartbroken and must have cried because they loved him so much. (Using the eyedropper, gently place a drop of water on each child’s cheek like a tear. While you are placing a “tear” on each child’s cheek, ask the children the following question.) Have you ever felt so sad that you cried? (Encourage responses.) Would you like to share one of those times with us?

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him and said, “Lord, I wish you had been here! Then my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you anything you ask for” (John 11:21-22 NIRV).

^“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if they die. And whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26 NIRV). By saying this, Jesus gave Martha hope. This verse tells us everything will be okay because Jesus has power over death.

Then Jesus went to Lazarus’ tomb. Does anyone know what a tomb is? (Wait for answers.) Exactly! It’s like a cave with a big stone in front of it. When Jesus arrived, Mary, Martha, and many friends were crying. And this is where we find the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” As he cried, Jesus also prayed, thanking God for always hearing him. Then, Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come out!” Let’s all shout that together! (Encourage them to shout.) “Lazarus, come out!”

And guess what? Lazarus came out! He was alive and well again! Mary and Martha went from being sad to being so happy! (Hand out tissues for the children to wipe away their “tears.”) I am sure that they wiped away their tears with a tissue.

Because of what Jesus did that day, many people started to believe and put their hope in him. I wonder what “hope” means to you. Can you share an example of hope in your life? (Encourage responses.) Hope is wanting something good to happen and believing it will.

Think about this: when you feel sad, how can you put your hope in Jesus? (Encourage answers.)

Jesus loved Lazarus, and when Lazarus died, Jesus cried. But then Jesus did something amazing—he brought Lazarus back to life! This shows us that God’s love is stronger than death. The new life that Jesus offers isn’t just for Lazarus; it’s for all of us. When we put our hope in Jesus, we know that nothing, not even death, can separate us from life with God!

Prayer:

God, there are times in life when we are really sad. Please help us remember to put our hope in you when we feel that way. There are times that we are so sad we cry. (Mention the times that the children named earlier.)Thank you for showing us that we can live forever with you in heaven through Jesus. We’re so grateful for the new life we get when we follow Jesus. Help us to start enjoying this new life today and to place our hope in you. Amen.

Between the Sundays: Family Conversation Starters

We have added conversation starters to each children’s message series to help spark conversations within families during the week. We encourage families to use these questions to guide them through conversations and subject matter discussed during the worship service, including the children’s messages on Sundays. These conversations will reinforce learning and nurture faith formation for the entire family.

1. Watch the Bishops perform “Lazarus Come Forth." Listen to the line from the song, “Arise with new hope, a new life is born.” As a family, consider what life with new hope means to you.
2. Read the passage of scripture from John 11, then discuss as a family what images come to mind when you hear the story read aloud. What sounds do you hear? What smells do you smell?
3. Imagine how you would feel if you were Lazarus. When Jesus called out to him, Lazarus came running out and nearly knocked Jesus over. I wonder how you would feel if Jesus called you.

As a family (around the dinner table, in the car, or somewhere else), discuss wondering questions:

1. I wonder how Mary and Martha felt knowing their brother Lazarus was going to die.
2. I wonder why Jesus didn’t arrive right away.
3. I wonder why Jesus wept.
4. I wonder why some saw Jesus raise Lazarus from out of the tomb and believed, but others wanted Jesus to be arrested.
5. I wonder what your favorite part of the story is and why.
6. I wonder if you see yourself in this story. If so, where?