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Jesus stands before Lazarus’s cave tomb while the stone covering the entrance is being moved, with Martha nearby expressing concern.

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The Tomb Is Opened

John 11:1-44

The Big Idea

Jesus cares about people who are hurting and calls us to trust him with hope, even in sorrow.

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The Bible Story

Jesus Raises Lazarus

John 11:38-40 describes Jesus coming to Lazarus’s tomb, a cave with a stone laid against it. Jesus tells the people to take away the stone. Martha objects that there will be an odor because Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus reminds her to believe and see God’s glory. This moment follows Martha’s honest grief and her affirmation of faith in Jesus. The passage does not describe the stone’s size or say who physically removes it. The next verses—not shown in this scene—describe Jesus praying and calling Lazarus out alive. Keep this image focused on the stone being taken away and on the expectation surrounding Jesus’ words.

Themes

Faith in JesusHopeJesus as the resurrection and the lifeJesus’ authority over deathJesus’ compassion in grief

Bible moment

The Bible moment

John 11:38-40 describes Jesus coming to Lazarus’s tomb, a cave with a stone laid against it. Jesus tells the people to take away the stone. Martha objects that there will be an odor because Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus reminds her to believe and see God’s glory. This moment follows Martha’s honest grief and her affirmation of faith in Jesus. The passage does not describe the stone’s size or say who physically removes it. The next verses—not shown in this scene—describe Jesus praying and calling Lazarus out alive. Keep this image focused on the stone being taken away and on the expectation surrounding Jesus’ words.

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus stands before the cave tomb and asks that the stone be taken away. Martha stands nearby, expressing concern, while the stone is shown being moved from the entrance. The scene focuses on trust and expectation rather than frightening details.

Talk together

Talk about it

  • Why was Martha concerned when Jesus asked for the stone to be moved?
  • What might this moment teach us about trust and hope?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with John 11:38-40 when teaching older children about Jesus’ compassion, Martha’s faith, and hope. Invite children to notice the difference between honest concern and refusing to trust. Explain gently that Lazarus’s death is part of the passage, but avoid graphic details. Read the following verses separately if discussing what happened after the tomb was opened.

Source note

From this passage

John 11:38-40 · Lazarus

Jesus stands before the cave tomb and asks that the stone be taken away. Martha stands nearby, expressing concern, while the stone is shown being moved from the entrance. The scene focuses on trust and expectation rather than frightening details.

Continue the Story

Jesus Raises Lazarus

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