This story is about love, loss, and hope. You might have heard of Lazarus before — he's the man Jesus raised from the dead. Before we get to that amazing moment, let's understand who Lazarus was. Lazarus lived in Bethany with his sisters Mary and Martha. They were very close friends of Jesus — he visited their home and loved them deeply. One day, while Jesus was away, Lazarus became very sick and died. Imagine how sad Mary and Martha must have been! To make it worse, Jesus wasn't there when they needed him most. Today we'll explore what happened when Jesus finally arrived. We'll see how Jesus responds to grief, and what it teaches us about hope even in the hardest moments.
Let's open our Bibles to John chapter 11, verses 32 through 35. This is a very short but powerful passage. The title of this passage is 'Jesus Weeps.' Did you know that verse 35 is the shortest verse in the whole Bible? Just two words: 'Jesus wept.' But those two words tell us so much about God's love. Let's read what happens. Martha comes to Jesus and says, 'If you had been here, my brother would not have died.' She had faith that Jesus could heal Lazarus — but she was also heartbroken. Then Mary arrives, falls at Jesus' feet, and weeps. Jesus sees their tears and is deeply moved. Then something amazing happens: 'Jesus wept.' Not because He didn't know what He was about to do — He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead! Jesus shows us that it's okay to cry. He feels our pain with us. That's a God who truly understands. As we think about this story, I want you to consider: When you see someone sad, what's a simple way you can show them you care, the way Jesus showed He cared?
Jesus has arrived at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, who has been dead for four days. At the title: Jesus Raises Lazarus. This is one of the most amazing miracles in the Bible. First, Jesus asked the people to roll away the stone covering the tomb. That took faith — because after four days, there would be a terrible smell. Jesus wasn't worried. He then prayed to God the Father, thanking Him for always hearing Him. Then Jesus shouted with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' Can you imagine the silence? Everyone waiting… and then — Lazarus walked out, still wrapped in grave clothes! He was completely alive! This shows Jesus has power over death itself. Let's think about this: Jesus didn't just bring Lazarus back to life — He showed that He is the resurrection and the life. For sixth graders, that means even when things seem impossible or hopeless, Jesus can bring new life. It's a promise for us too.
Everyone, let's look at this title together: 'God's Power Over Death.' This is really the heart of the Lazarus story we just read. Jesus didn't just bring a friend back to life—He showed us something incredible about who He is. Point number one: Only God can raise the dead. Think about that for a second. No doctor, no scientist, no one in history has ever been able to do that. When Jesus stood at that tomb and called Lazarus out, He proved—beyond any doubt—that He is God's Son. This isn't just a neat trick; it's a huge sign pointing to His identity. This brings us to our memory verse, John 11:25. Jesus says, 'I am the resurrection and the life.' He doesn't say, 'I know about resurrection' or 'I can perform it.' He says, 'I AM it.' That's a very powerful claim. This miracle is like a preview of something even bigger—Jesus' own resurrection, which gives us all hope. Because Jesus has power over death, we don't have to be afraid of it. For believers, death is not the end—it's just a doorway to eternal life with God. That's the hope that carries us through hard times. You know what? This hope also gives us a way to comfort others who are grieving, because we can share this truth with them.
How Jesus comforted Mary and Martha after Lazarus died. This is a beautiful example of how we can comfort others who are hurting. First, Jesus showed up. He came to them. He didn't send a message or wait — he came in person. Then he listened. He heard their words and saw their tears. Sometimes just being there and listening is the best comfort we can give. Jesus did more. He wept with them. He shared their sorrow — the shortest verse in the Bible says 'Jesus wept.' That shows he truly cared. Then he acted: he raised Lazarus from the dead. Comfort involves presence, empathy, and help. Remember this model: show up, listen, empathize, and help when you can. I want you to think about how you can use this in your own life.
Today we saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the tomb. That's not just an old story; it shows us that Jesus really has power over death. When life feels scary or sad, we can trust Him. Here are our two big takeaways. First: Jesus has the final say over death. That's why we can trust Him even in the hardest moments. Second: look at how Jesus comforted Mary and Martha. He didn't rush them or give quick answers. He was present. He wept with them. That's our example for how to comfort others—just being there, listening, and loving them. Take a moment to think about someone you know who might be hurting. Maybe a friend, a family member, or even someone at school. What's one small thing you could do this week to be a comforter like Jesus? A visit, a kind word, a hug—it matters more than you know. Let's close with a quiet prayer. (pause) Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us how to love and comfort others. Please be with those who are grieving, and help us to be Your hands and feet. Amen. Go be a comforter!
