Can you imagine what Mary, Martha, and all the others were thinking when Jesus went to the tomb of Lazarus and said, “Remove the stone”? Lazarus had been dead four days, and by this time the body was starting to smell. Everyone thought Jesus had come too late to help, but Jesus has power over sin and death. When Jesus called Lazarus’ name, Lazarus was raised to life and came walking out of the tomb still wrapped in the grave clothes! 

This miracle shows us that Jesus has power over death. Soon after raising Lazarus from the grave, Jesus miraculously rose from the dead and left His own tomb. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate example of His power! 

The Bible says that the wages of sin is death. Sin separates us from God, and apart from Him we are spiritually dead. Just like Lazarus in the tomb, we are hopeless and cannot save ourselves. But God loved us so much that He sent Jesus—the One who has power over sin and death! He offers forgiveness for sinners and eternal life for those who are dead. According to Ephesians 2:5, anyone who believes in Jesus is “made alive” in Christ! 

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 sins and rose from the dead. He gives eternal life to those who trust in Him. 

Pray: Thank You, God, for loving us even when we are dead in our sins. Thank You for sending Jesus to defeat sin and death so that we can have life eternally by trusting in Him. We love You because You have shown so much love to us! Amen.  

For Fun 

Take turns wrapping family members in bathroom tissue or bed sheets to resemble Lazarus in the tomb. Use a stopwatch to see how quickly each person can unravel the “grave clothes” from his or her body.  

To Serve 

Visit a cemetery to place flowers or volunteer to help clean the grounds. Discuss how death is a consequence of sin, but those who trust in Jesus do not have to fear death because Jesus has power over it!