Skip to main content
    All Sunday school lessons
    Free · KJV · Lesson Plan

    The Raising of Lazarus: Sunday School Lesson

    John 11

    Ages 8–12 ~45 min Memory: John 11:25

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    Jesus weeps with us at the grave, and He has authority over it.

    Story Summary

    Lazarus of Bethany fell sick and died, and Jesus waited two days before going. Martha met Him with tears; Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection, and the life.' At the grave Jesus wept, then called with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth' — and the dead man came out, bound hand and foot.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

    John 11:25

    Discussion Questions

    1. Why do you think Jesus waited before going to Bethany?
    2. What is the shortest verse in the Bible, and where is it here?

      Teacher hint: 'Jesus wept' (John 11:35).

    3. What did Jesus tell the people to do after Lazarus came out?

      Teacher hint: 'Loose him, and let him go' (John 11:44).

    4. What does this story say to someone who has lost a person they love?

    Craft Idea: Grave-Cloth Pull Card

    Supplies

    • Card stock
    • White strips of cloth or paper
    • Scissors
    • Markers

    Steps

    1. Draw a tomb opening on the card and cut a slot.
    2. Draw Lazarus on a strip that slides out of the slot.
    3. Wrap the figure in paper strips.
    4. Write John 11:25 above the tomb.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page for the memory verse and discussion questions.

    This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to John 11.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the grave-cloth pull card.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

    More Sunday school lessons

    Luke 17:11–19

    The Healing of the Ten Lepers

    Ages 5–11 · ~35 min

    Mark 12:41–44

    The Widow's Mite

    Ages 6–12 · ~35 min

    Matthew 21:1–11

    The Triumphal Entry

    Ages 4–10 · ~40 min

    Luke 22:7–20

    The Last Supper

    Ages 7–12 · ~40 min

    John 13:1–17

    Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet

    Ages 6–12 · ~40 min

    Luke 23 · John 19

    The Crucifixion

    Ages 8–12 · ~45 min

    Luke 24:13–35

    The Road to Emmaus

    Ages 8–12 · ~40 min

    Acts 1:1–11

    The Ascension

    Ages 6–12 · ~40 min

    Acts 2

    The Day of Pentecost

    Ages 7–12 · ~45 min

    Where to go next

    Teaching The Raising of Lazarus? Here is what to grab next for your class.