Come Out, Lazarus

John 11:1-44

The Big Idea

Jesus cares about people who are hurting and has authority over death. In him, we can find hope.

The Bible Story

Jesus Raises Lazarus

John 11:1–44 tells how Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, became ill and died. Jesus went to Bethany after Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Martha and Mary grieved, and Jesus shared their sorrow. At the tomb, Jesus thanked the Father and called, “Lazarus, come out.” Lazarus came out alive, still bound in grave clothes, with his face covered by a cloth. Jesus then told the people present to unbind him and let him go. This passage presents Jesus as the resurrection and the life and shows his compassion in grief, his authority over death, and hope in him.

Themes

Faith in Jesus Hope Jesus as the resurrection and the life Jesus’ authority over death Jesus’ compassion in grief

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus stands before the opened tomb, calling Lazarus to come out. Lazarus emerges alive with his hands and feet still bound in grave clothes and a cloth covering his face, while nearby people help unbind him. The composition highlights hope and release.

Talk together

Talk about it

How do you think Martha and Mary felt when Lazarus came out?
What does this story teach about Jesus?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with John 11:1–44 when teaching older children about grief, faith, compassion, and hope. Invite children to notice that Jesus wept with those who mourned, then called Lazarus out alive. Discuss the picture gently, avoiding frightening details and emphasizing that Lazarus is still wrapped and is being helped.

Source note