Welcome to another exciting Sunday school session, where we’re diving deep into a topic that’s not only intriguing but profoundly relevant to our lives: The Resurrection of Lazarus. Buckle up because we’re about to explore how Jesus holds the keys to life, death, and resurrection, and what that means for us today. Let’s get started!
Why This Topic Matters for Teens
You might wonder why the story of Lazarus matters to teenagers. Well, here’s the deal:
1. It’s Real Life: We all face challenges, disappointments, and moments when life seems like it’s falling apart. Lazarus’s story shows us that Jesus can bring life out of our toughest situations.
2. Faith-Building: As young people, we’re building our faith foundation. Lazarus’s resurrection is a powerful reminder that with Jesus, there’s always hope, even when things seem impossible.
3. Identity and Purpose: Understanding the power of Jesus helps us discover our own identity and purpose. He can resurrect dreams, hopes, and ambitions that may have felt dead.
So, let’s dive into this incredible story and find out how Jesus demonstrates His power over death and resurrection!
Bible Reading: John 11:1-7 (NIV)
1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
Let’s break this down a bit:
- Lazarus was sick: Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, was seriously ill.
- The message to Jesus: Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus, telling Him about Lazarus’s condition.
- Jesus’ response: Surprisingly, Jesus didn’t rush to Lazarus’ side, but He had a purpose for the situation.
- God’s glory: Jesus explained that Lazarus’s sickness was not meant to end in death but for God’s glory and to reveal God’s Son’s glory.
- Love: Jesus deeply loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary.
- Two more days: Jesus stayed where He was for two additional days before deciding to go to Judea.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Jesus delayed going to Lazarus, even though He loved him?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt God was taking a long time to answer your prayers? How did you handle it?
- What does it mean for something to be “for God’s glory” in our lives?
- How do you feel knowing that Jesus loves you as much as He loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary?
Bible Reading: John 11:38-44 (NIV)
38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Explanation For Teenagers:
Let’s dig into this miracle:
- The tomb: Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, and a stone sealed the entrance.
- Martha’s concern: Martha was concerned about the stench, considering the length of time Lazarus had been dead.
- Jesus’ reminder: Jesus emphasized the importance of belief.
- Thanksgiving: Jesus thanked God for hearing Him, not because God needed reminding, but for the people’s benefit.
- The miracle: Jesus, with a loud voice, called Lazarus out, and Lazarus emerged, still wrapped in burial cloths.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What does Jesus’ statement, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” mean to you personally?
- Why do you think Jesus thanked God before performing the miracle, even though God always hears Him?
- What do you think Lazarus experienced being in the tomb for four days?
- How do you think Lazarus’s life changed after this incredible miracle?
Youth Group Game: “Resurrection Relay”
Objective: Experience the theme of resurrection through a fun and active game.
Materials Needed: Blindfolds, a soft ball or plush toy, and markers for labeling.
Instructions:
- Divide the group into teams.
- Blindfold one member of each team (the “Lazarus”).
- Place the “Lazarus” at one end of the playing area.
- Scatter soft balls or plush toys around the area.
- The other team members must guide their blindfolded “Lazarus” to find and touch the ball, symbolizing coming back to life.
- The first team to “resurrect” Lazarus and touch the ball wins a point.
Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus, we thank You for the incredible story of Lazarus’s resurrection, which shows us Your power over death and the importance of faith. Help us to trust You even in challenging times and to believe that You can bring life out of the darkest situations. As we leave this session, may Your resurrection power work in our lives, resurrecting hope, dreams, and faith. In Your powerful name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, you hold the keys to unlocking the resurrection power of Jesus in your life. Stay strong in faith, and never forget that with Jesus, there’s always hope and new life!