Session 3Week of September 27, 2020

Christmas • Session 1

JESUS HAS POWER OVER DEATHJOHN 11:1-44

BEFORE WILDLIFE: 1. Read the Lesson Summary2. Select & Prepare which session starter & activity you will use.

Please Note: Some Session Starters and Activities require supplies, some of which are included in your Wildlife Kit. Some include pages that will need to be printed off ahead of time. If your group is interested in a Wildlife Kit, please contact your campus’ Community Life Pastor.

DURING WILDLIFE: 1. Lead the Session Starter you elected to use2. Show the Bible Story Video to the group3. Read the Bible Story to the group4. Lead the Activity you elected to use5. Pray with the group

AFTER WILDLIFE: Optional Activities provided in the back of this leader guide.

Wildlife Leader Guide

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Christmas • Session 1

LESSON SUMMARY

Read this lesson summary before you lead Wildlife:

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. (John 11:5) 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 would 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. Decay had set in, and Mary and Martha were grieving. 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.

Emphasize to kids that when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He showed that He has power over death. Jesus died on the cross for our sin and rose from the dead. He gives eternal life to those who trust in Him.

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Session Starter

YOU’LL NEED:• Stopwatch or

timer

YOU’LL NEED:• Beach ball• Music

Christmas • Session 1

Session StarterOPTION 1: Wait for ItInstruct kids to be seated. Explain that you are going to set a timer for 10 seconds. Lead kids to count to 10 together while you run the timer. When kids finish counting, stop the timer. How accurate was their counting?Explain that this time, kids should count silently to themselves. Set the timer for 15 seconds. When kids think 15 seconds have passed, they should stand. Note which kidstands closest to the 15-second time. Wait for several kids to stand, and then announce the winner. Play several rounds, varying the time kids should wait before they stand.SAY • Was it difficult to wait for the time to pass? How

many times did you stand before the time was up? What types of things do you have to wait for in life? Why is waiting difficult?

• In today’s Bible story, Jesus was called to visit a friend. Jesus didn’t go right away; He waited We’ll soon find out why.

OPTION 2: Silly StuntsLead kids to stand in a circle. Give one player a beach ball. Kids should pass the beach ball around the circle. Each player may pass the ball to the player standing next to him, or he may toss the ball across the circle.As kids pass the ball, play a song. Pause the music and say, “Come out!” The player holding the ball should set down the ball and step out of the circle. Instruct him to do a silly stunt. (Suggestions: quack like a duck, spin around three times, whistle a familiar tune, walk around like a penguin, and so forth)SAY • Today we are going to hear a Bible story about a time

Jesus shouted, “Come out!” to His friend who was buried in a tomb. We’ll find out what happened next.

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Show this video to the group.https://vimeo.com/432933056

Read the following Bible story to the group:

Jesus Has Power Over DeathJohn 11:1-44

Jesus and Lazarus were friends. Lazarus lived in the town of Bethany, which was in the region of Judea. Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, and they lived there too. One day, Lazarus got sick. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. “Lord, Your friend Lazarus is sick,” they said.

When Jesus heard the news about Lazarus, He said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. This sickness will bring glory to God and to the Son of God.” Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He stayed where He was for two more days. Then Jesus told His disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”

The disciples didn’t think that was a very good idea. The Jews in that area did not like Jesus. They had even tried to kill Him! But Jesus said, “Lazarus is our friend. He has fallen asleep, but I’m going to go wake him up.”

The disciples thought Lazarus was just resting, so Jesus explained what He meant. “Lazarus has died,” Jesus said. “Let’s go to him now.” By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in a tomb for four days. Many people had come to comfort Mary and Martha since their brother had died. When Martha heard Jesus was coming, she hurried to meet Him. But Mary stayed home.

The Bible Story

Christmas • Session 1

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Christmas • Session 1

Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” Martha knew Jesus could do a miracle, though. “I know God will give You whatever You ask,” she said.

Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha believed that Lazarus would rise from the dead in the future—on the last day. But Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” Martha said. “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

Martha went back to her house to get Mary. She told Mary that Jesus wanted to see her. So Mary left the house, and all the people who had come to comfort Mary and Martha followed her. When Mary saw Jesus, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!” Mary was crying, and Jesus wept too.

Mary led Jesus to the tomb where Lazarus was buried. It was a cave, and a huge stone covered the opening. “Remove the stone,” Jesus said.Martha said, “Lord, it’s been four days since Lazarus died. There will be a smell.”

Jesus said, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So the stone was moved aside. Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank You that You heard Me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out of the tomb, wrapped in linen and cloth. Jesus said, “Unwrap him and let him go.”

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Apply The Story

Christmas • Session 1

Activity choiceOPTION 1: Eye Witness InterviewsWrite the following names on separate name tags: Mary,Martha, Lazarus. Label additional name tags Disciple 1,Disciple 2, Jewish friend 1, Jewish friend 2, and so forth so every kid has a role. Lead kids to review the Bible story by asking the actors the following questions:

1. Disciples: Where did Jesus say He wanted to go? (Judea, John 11:7)

2. Mary: What did you do when Jesus came to town? (stayed home, John 11:20)

3. Martha: What did Jesus say your brother would do? (rise again, John 11:23)

4. Jewish friends: Where did you follow Mary? (to the tomb, John 11:31)

5. Lazarus: What command did Jesus give to you? (“Come out!” John 11:43)

SAY • Why did Jesus raise people from the dead? Jesus raised people from the dead to show that He has power over death. Jesus raised Lazarus from physical death. Our sin makes us spiritually dead, but Jesus can free us from the power of sin and death. When we trust in Him as Lord and Savior, He takes away our sin and we can live with Him forever.

OPTION 2: Bound for BurialForm two teams of kids. Instruct each team to choose avolunteer to be wrapped in cloth. At your signal to begin,teams will wrap the volunteer with crepe paper streamers.Ensure that kids wrap the volunteer loosely and do notcover his face with the paper.

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YOU’LL NEED:• Nametags• Marker

YOU’LL NEED:• White crepe

paper streamers or bath tissue

Christmas • Session 1

ACTIVITIES Continued...

As kids work, explain that in Bible times when aperson died, his body would be washed, covered withgood-smelling spices or oils, wrapped in linen cloth, andburied in a cave or tomb. After a few minutes, repeat Jesus’declaration: “Unwrap him [her] and let him [her] go.”SAY • Why did Jesus raise people from the dead? Jesus raised people

from the dead to show that He has power over death.

Pray with the groupBefore dismissing to small groups, lead the kids in a timeof prayer. Thank God for His perfect timing. Thank Him forsending Jesus, who has power over death. Emphasize thatbelievers do not need to fear death because physical deathis not the end. Believers will be raised from the dead to livewith God forever.

AFTER WILDLIFEOPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

After WildLife Options:1. Read “The Gospel: God’s Plan For Me” page to the group.2. Provide copies of any printable activities (i.e. activity / coloring page3. Provide copies of printable Family Meeting Take Home Sheet.

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Christmas • Session 1

If time, use this page to review the Gospel with the group.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for MeAsk kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids.

God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean.

We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23)

God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9.

Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18.

We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus.

Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

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Jesus Is PowerfulUNIT 29 • Session 5 • Older Kids Activity Pages

Instructions: Can you uncover the name

of the man Jesus told to “Come out!”?

Use your Bible and the clues below to

solve the puzzle.

CLUES1. What Abraham said God would provide (Genesis 22:8)

Jesus said, “ , come out!” (John 11:43)

2. The name of Elizabeth’s husband (Luke 1:5)

3. The emperor of Rome who called for a census (Luke 2:1)

Jesus Is PowerfulUNIT 29 • Session 5 • Older Kids Activity Pages

Instructions: What did Jesus say to Martha? Use the code key to solve the puzzle and find out.

JESUS HAS POWER OVER DEATH LIFEPOINT CHURCH

JESUS HAS POWER OVER DEATHJOHN 11:1-44SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

MAIN SCRIPTURE: John 11:1-44

SUMMARY: Jesus and Lazarus were friends. Lazarus lived in the town of Bethany, which was in the region of Judea. Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, and they lived there too. One day, Lazarus got sick. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. “Lord, Your friend Lazarus is sick,” they said.

When Jesus heard the news about Lazarus, He said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. This sickness will bring glory to God and to the Son of God.” Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He stayed where He was for two more days. Then Jesus told His disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”

The disciples didn’t think that was a very good idea. The Jews in that area did not like Jesus. They had even tried to kill Him! But Jesus said, “Lazarus is our friend. He has fallen asleep, but I’m going to go wake him up.”The disciples thought Lazarus was just resting, so Jesus explained what He meant. “Lazarus has died,” Jesus said. “Let’s go to him now.”

By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in a tomb for four days. Many people had come to comfort Mary and Martha since their brother had died. When Martha heard Jesus was coming, she hurried to meet Him. But Mary stayed home.

Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” Martha knew Jesus could do a miracle, though. “I know God will give You whatever You ask,” she said. Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again.”Martha believed that Lazarus would rise from the dead in the future—on the last day. But Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”“Yes, Lord,” Martha said. “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God.”Martha went back to her house to get Mary. She told Mary that Jesus wanted to see her. So Mary left the house, and all the people who had come to comfort Mary and Martha followed her.

When Mary saw Jesus, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!” Mary was crying, and Jesus wept too.Mary led Jesus to the tomb where Lazarus was buried. It was a cave, and a huge stone covered the opening. “Remove the stone,” Jesus said. Martha said, “Lord, it’s been four days since Lazarus died. There will be a smell.”Jesus said, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

So the stone was moved aside. Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank You that You heard Me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”Lazarus came out of the tomb, wrapped in linen and cloth. Jesus said, “Unwrap him and let him go.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What happened to Jesus’ friend Lazarus at the beginning of this story? (He got sick and died)2. How long did Jesus wait to go to Lazarus? (Two days)3. What did Jesus tell Martha before raising Lazarus? (I am the resurrection and the life)1.