What Are We Studying This Sunday?

Jesus Raised Lazarus (John 11)

Dear families,

The basic premise of our existence is that we were created to be in a right relationship with God and to glorify His name. Even our most difficult circumstances and life events can be conduits for glorifying God. And yet, in the story of Lazarus’ resurrection, we see the tension that often comes in the life of people who trust Jesus but are also struggling with their present circumstances.

John 11 begins with Jesus hearing that Lazarus is dying. Yet, Jesus stays where He is two more days (John 11:6). The text uses the verb menō—“to remain, to stay, to abide.” It is not the stillness of indifference but the stillness of intention. Jesus is not delayed; He is deliberate. This is the same Greek word that Jesus would use in John 15 to describe what should mark our relationship with Him: “Remain in me” (John 15:5). In both places, the Bible is describing deliberate action.

Some of the deepest struggles in our spiritual lives form around the question, “What do I do when Jesus doesn’t move at the speed of my pain?” Mary and Martha cried out for help. They knew Jesus loved them. They also had witnessed Him heal numerous people, and they knew that if He would get there in time, everything would be okay. But the clock kept ticking, and Lazarus kept slipping away. What they interpreted as Jesus’ absence was preparation for a greater revelation.

Jesus eventually told His disciples exactly why He waited. He said: “It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Jesus knew that a greater story was being written, a resurrection story.

When Jesus finally arrived, Martha ran to Him saying, “Lord, if You had been here…” This statement is similar to the words the disciples would later share on the road to Emmaus when they reflected on Jesus’ crucifixion and said, “We had hoped… “. In both instances, Jesus knew that God would be glorified in a mighty way through resurrection.

This week, point kids to the highs and lows in this story. Remind them that our compassionate God identifies with our pain and went to great lengths to one day make all things right again through His life, death, and resurrection.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 


FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

• Preschool: Jesus showed He is the Messiah who gives eternal life.
• Kids: By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus showed He is the Messiah who gives eternal life.

CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus has power over death. Jesus died and rose again so we can live forever with God.
• Younger Preschool: Jesus raised Lazarus to show He is God’s Son. Jesus died and rose again so we can live forever with God.
• Older Preschool: By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus showed He is the Son of God, who gives eternal life. Jesus died and rose again to take away our sins. When we trust in Him, we will live with God forever.
• Kids: By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus showed He is the Messiah, the Son of God, who gives eternal life. Jesus died and rose again to take away our sins. When we trust in Him, we receive new life and will live with God forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: How can we be saved? We are only saved by trusting in Jesus.
• Older Preschool: How can we be saved? We are only saved by trusting in Jesus.
• Kids: Why do we need to be born again? Because of sin we are spiritually dead, but Jesus came to give us new life.

KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus said, “I am the promise of life forever. Believe in me, and you will live.” John 11:25
• Younger Preschool: Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live. John 11:25 
• Older Preschool: Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” John 11:25
• Kids: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” John 11:25

** Next week: Jesus Healed a Blind Man (John 9)

Upcoming Dates and Events

November, Kingdom Kids Volunteer Appreciation Month
November 1, Kingdom Kids Dress Up Day (no scary costumes)
November 1, Daylight Savings Time Ends (Fall Back 1 hour Saturday night)
November 7, Love Delray
November 14, Crossroads Thanksgiving
December 12, Delray Beach Holiday Parade
December 13, Crossroads Christmas Party
December 20, Kingdom Kids Christmas Party
December 24, Christmas Eve Service at Old School Square
December 27 and January 3, No Kingdom Kids

Kingdom Kids / Crossroads Team