Martha Meets Jesus

John 11:1-44

The Big Idea

Martha brought both sadness and trust to Jesus. We can speak honestly with him and remember his promise of life.

The Bible Story

Jesus Raises Lazarus

John 11:20–27 describes Martha going out to meet Jesus after Lazarus has died. She tells Jesus that Lazarus would not have died if he had been there. Jesus tells her that Lazarus will rise and declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He says that the one who believes in him will live, and asks Martha whether she believes this. Martha affirms her belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, who was coming into the world. This conversation takes place in Bethany, before Jesus goes to Lazarus’s tomb. Martha’s sorrow and her trust belong together; her words are not presented as a lack of faith. This scene does not yet show Lazarus coming out of the tomb.

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

Martha meets Jesus in Bethany and speaks with him while the tomb is not the central focus. Jesus gestures gently as he declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” while Martha listens and affirms her belief.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did Jesus say about resurrection and life?
How did Martha show faith while she was sad?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to help children read John 11:20–27 carefully and notice Martha’s faith in the middle of sorrow. Invite gentle discussion about bringing honest feelings to Jesus. For older children, compare this conversation with the later events in John 11 without showing the resurrection event in this illustration.

Source note