SCRIPTURE: JOHN 11
CHRIST CONNECTION: Jesus has power over death. Jesus died and rose again so we can live forever with God.
 KEY PASSAGE PHRASE:  Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live” (From John 11:25)

GOSPEL GEMS:

• Mary and Martha sent Jesus a message that said, “Our brother, Lazarus, is very sick.”
• Two days later, Jesus went to the town where Lazarus lived. But Lazarus had died.
• Jesus went to the tomb. He prayed and said, “Lazarus, come out!” He was alive! Everyone was amazed.

TEACHING STYLE:
Play, exploration, repetition and consistency help build a safe and fun environment for our Toddlers to learn about God's love. Consistency helps our littles know what to expect when they enter the classroom, they look for their favorite toys, know that they will always have time to play, sing songs, do a craft, go for a walk, and hear stories. Focusing on foundational Bible stories using visual and experiential learning to show that God is creator, loving, and sent Jesus. Gospel and Bible story vocabulary are introduced. Repetition through language and song help plant seeds in their little hearts. 

Directions:
There are several little people figures that are wrapped in foil. Have the kids unwrap the people.  They are wrapped easily enough that the kids should be able to do this independently.

Say:
It was fun unwrapping the people! When Lazarus came out of the tomb, he was still wrapped in cloths and had to be unwrapped. Lazarus had been dead, but Jesus made him alive! When we trust in Him, we will live with God forever.

Directions:
Lay out the happy and sad big cards and have the kids take turns drawing a small emotions card and placing it either under the happy or sad cards.

Say:
Mary and Martha were very sad that their brother Lazarus had died. Jesus came and said “Lazarus come out!”, Lazarus had been dead, but Jesus made him alive! When we trust in Him, we will live with God forever.

Directions:
Give each child a craft printout and a strip of both happy face and sad face stickers. Guide the kids to first put the sad face stickers on the side of the page (on the flap and under the flap) where Lazarus was sick and died. Then guide them to put the happy face stickers on the other side of the page.

Say:
Mary and Martha were very sad that their brother Lazarus had died. Jesus came and said “Lazarus come out!”, Lazarus had been dead, but Jesus made him alive! When we trust in Him, we will live with God forever.

Directions:
Explain to the kids that the dolls name is Lazarus. When Lazarus died he was buried in a tomb and place him under one of the buckets.  Then explain that when Jesus came, He shouted “Lazarus come out!” and Lazarus was alive again and have the kids take turns lifting up the bucket and finding Lazarus.

Say:
What did Jesus say? (then everyone together) “Lazarus come out!”. After the child comes up and finds Lazarus, say “Lazarus was dead but Jesus made him alive!”