Passion Sunday – Lazarus
What’s today about?
Today is Passion Sunday it is a time we get ready for Easter, remembering Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey on Palm Sunday; Jesus being put on trial and put to death on the cross on Good Friday and (spoiler alert) him beating death and coming back to life on Easter Sunday!
We are looking at a special story today. It is a story of when Jesus had to comfort his friends and Jesus was upset! One of his friends, Lazarus, had died. Jesus was sad that his friend had died but God had big plans. God brought comfort.
We will hear a bible story, think about what it means to us, pray and respond to the story in a creative way!
Hearing from the bible!
Let’s listen to this bible story:
You can find that story in the bible John 11: 1-45
Questions?
What parts of the story were your favourites?
What were the most important parts?
Have you ever lost something or someone you loved?
What do you think this story shows us about God?
Responding to the story
Have a go at one of these activities to help think about the story:
Craft: Toilet Paper Lazarus
Follow the link below to find out how to make a Lazarus:
What you Need:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- White strips of streamer, white paper or toilet paper (use news paper or flyers in a pinch)
- Tape or glue
- Googley Eyes
http://rebeccaautry.com/lazarus-craft-tutorial/
Think: How did Jesus bring comfort to his friends? How do you think Jesus can bring comfort to us today?
Game: Lazarus Cups
Need:
- 3 cups
- A rock
- A figure or ball to be Lazarus (Could draw a face on the ball)
Hide each object under a cup. Quickly mix up all the cups and then ask a child to point to the cup that they think “Lazarus” might be in. They then should say, “Lazarus, come out!” Open up the lid to find out if they picked the right cup. If they didn’t pick the correct cup, have them try again. Let all your children have a turn.
Think: Have you ever lost something then found it again.
Colouring in: Find some colouring resources linked here:
Colouring: https://sermons4kids.com/storage/491/raising_lazarus.gif
Dot to dot colouring: https://i.pinimg.com/474x/35/ff/c9/35ffc9cc85dc888b2730d3bd01116cd5–bible-stories-for-children-childrens-sunday-school.jpg
Let’s Pray: Pray using your hand
Hands help bring comfort and safety so let us use our hands to pray, Hold up the finger for each bit of the prayer.
Thumbs up – thank God for something good
Index finger – pray for those who look after us in church. (leaders and ministers. Bishop Cherry too!)
Middle finger – Pray for those who look after our country (prime minster and leaders)
Ring finger – pray for your family and friends
Little finger – pray for people who are ill, anxious, or worried and need God’s care
(adapted from Mary Hawes CofE)
Song idea
My Lighthouse by Rend Collective
Many thanks. My kids enjoyed the story of Lazarus this morning. Thank you for all the material.
Thanks Rosy. We will be posting new material every week for your kids to enjoy!