Jesus Raises Lazarus – Bible Story for Kids

This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in John 11:1-45, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.

Once upon a time, there were three siblings named Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. They lived in a village called Bethany. Lazarus got very sick, and his sisters were worried, so they sent a message to Jesus saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters very much, but He didn’t go to them right away. Instead, He waited for two more days before telling His disciples that they were going to visit Lazarus. The disciples were worried about Jesus going there because some people wanted to hurt Him. But Jesus said that as long as they walk in the light, they won’t stumble. Then He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” The disciples thought that Lazarus was just sleeping, but Jesus actually meant that Lazarus had died.

When they got to Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days and was already buried in a tomb. Many people had come to Mary and Martha to comfort them. Martha went to meet Jesus and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

Jesus said to Martha, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus then said something very important, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Martha replied, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Martha then went to call Mary, who was still at home. When Mary saw Jesus, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her and the other people crying, He felt very sad too, and He cried.

Jesus then told the people to remove the stone from the tomb. Martha was worried because Lazarus had been dead for four days and there might be a bad smell, but Jesus reminded her that if she believed, she would see the glory of God. Then, Jesus prayed to His Father, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”

After His prayer, Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come out!” And miraculously, Lazarus came out of the tomb, still wrapped in cloth. Many people who saw this miracle believed in Jesus.

Biblical Lessons

Jesus is compassionate and cares about our suffering.
Faith in Jesus can bring us hope and comfort in times of loss and grief.
Miracles can strengthen our faith and help us see God’s power and goodness.
Jesus’ words and actions demonstrate His identity as the Son of God.
God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations or desires.
Jesus’ victory over death foreshadows His ultimate triumph over sin and evil.

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