Week of March 11, 2018

Dear Parents,

Jesus received word that His friend Lazarus was sick. Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. They lived in the town of Bethany, which was about two miles away from Jerusalem. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus, likely expecting Him to come right away.

Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus; yet He stayed where He was, and Lazarus died. Why would Jesus do such a thing? Jesus said that Lazarus’ sickness was “for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). He said that He was glad He wasn’t there when Lazarus died so that the disciples may believe. (John 11:15) Jesus’ timing is always perfect, and He acts or doesn’t act so that God will be glorified.

By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Martha went to meet Jesus. She said to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” Jesus had shown His power to heal people who were sick. Even still, she believed He could do a miracle.

Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Jesus is the source of life—eternal life that cannot be destroyed by death. Believers do not need to fear death because physical death is not the end. (See John 11:25-26.) Jesus endured death for us so that when we die and are absent from our physical bodies, our souls are with the Lord. (See 2 Cor. 5:8.)

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. His messiahship was clearly on display, and it was Jesus’ claims to be the Son of God that would lead to His death on the cross. Jesus interrupted Lazarus’s funeral knowing His would soon follow.

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He showed that He has power over death. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus died on the cross for our sin and rose from the dead. He gives eternal life to those who trust in Him.

Family Talking Points

Toddlers

• Jesus healed people.
• Martha said Jesus is the Messiah.
• Jesus made Lazarus alive again.
• Believers will live with Jesus forever.

Preschool

• What did Jesus heal people from? Jesus healed people from sickness, sin, and death.
• Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

Kids

• What did Jesus heal people from? Jesus healed people from sickness, sin, and death.
• Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

Unit Key Passage

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:2-3)

Next Week

“Jesus Was Anointed” (Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:1-8)

Reminders

“LifeKids Families” Facebook Group – we’ll be posting photos, updates and more in the LifeKids Families Facebook Group, so please add yourself. Only parents/families of LifeKids will be accepted to the group!