Dear Mom and Dad,

We applaud you for following Proverbs 22:6 by helping your child understand the Bible. Below, you will find some Teaching Tools to guide you in showing your child the truths of God’s Word and in helping your child apply them in his life.

Ages 3 to 6
Even if your children are older than six, we encourage you to lead them through this material before moving on to the content for their age group.

Ages 7 to 10

LEARN ABOUT LAZARUS

In this section, help your child understand why Lazarus was so important in the plan of God. Lazarus' story shows us that people were created with different emotions or feelings. It also shows us that Jesus is compassionate (He cares about us) and that He is powerful (He can do anything).

Teaching Tool #1:
When your child wonders why Lazarus got sick and died, explain that . . . God does not make bad things happen, such as when people get sick or die. But God does allow bad things to happen (He doesn't do anything to stop them) in order to show people how good He is. To make this concept more concrete for your child, use the analogy of a pet. (This analogy uses a dog, but feel free to substitute the name of your household pet to make it more real to your child.)

Lazarus' death is kind of like if you have a pet dog who is sick. Your dog hurts because he is sick. When the dog dies, it might make you sad because he isn't around to play with. Even though you are sad, you can be glad to know that your dog isn't hurting any more. That is something good.

This is what it was like when Lazarus died. Even though Lazarus' friends were sad, God would make something good happen.

Teaching Tool #2:
When your child wonders why Jesus didn't come to help Lazarus right away, explain that . . . Jesus knew that Lazarus' sickness and death was part of God's plan for the future. Use this time to help your child write out part of God's plan for him. Make a chart of things you already know about God's plan (for example, the fact that God allowed your child to be born was a part of His plan). Then, explain that even though you and your child don't know what will happen tomorrow (or in the future), God does. Make a column on the chart for "tomorrow's events." At the end of tomorrow, complete the chart by filling in another piece of God's plan. This will help your child understand that it's okay not to know the future because God knows it.

Teaching Tool #3:
When your child wonders why Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, explain that . . . Jesus wanted the people to know that God is powerful and He can do anything. Let your child know that God can do whatever we ask Him to when we pray. He doesn't always do things like we think He will, but He can. Ask your child if there is anything he would like to ask God to do. Then, pray with your child.

Teaching Tool #4:
Tell your child that it's okay to cry when he is sad; Jesus did. God created us with different emotions or feelings. That is why some things make us happy and other things make us sad. Encourage your child to talk to God about how He feels. Tell your child that God is compassionate and cares about how he feels.

Learning Concepts and Unfamiliar Words

Not only has your child learned a fundamental truth about God’s character (that God is compassionate and powerful), but he has also learned the meanings of the following words: future, emotions, compassionate, powerful, and allow.

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Dear Mom and Dad,

If you have children that are older (ages 7 to 10) and may enjoy learning more about Lazarus, help them understand the following questions. You may want to help your child write his answers in a journal.

HOW TO APPLY WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT LAZARUS

Journal: Have you ever asked Jesus for something that you didn't get?

Journal: The plan God had for Lazarus was to let Him die. That is why God did not allow Jesus to make Lazarus better. God knew that people would believe in Him and see how powerful He was if Lazarus was not just made better but was brought back to life.

Journal: How has God answered your prayers?

Remember Rhyme

Lazarus was a boy

Who was very sick

So Mary and Martha

Said Jesus, "Come quick!"

Jesus did not come

When Mary asked Him to

Jesus had a plan

He knew what He would do.

Lazarus had died

When Jesus got to him

Jesus cried because

Lazarus was His friend.

Jesus hurt when He saw

That everyone was sad

But He knew how quick

People would be glad.

Jesus came to the rock

Where Lazarus lay

Jesus told the people

To push the rock away.

When the rock was gone,

Jesus began to shout

People heard Him say,

"Lazarus, come out!"

Jesus made Lazarus

Come back to life again

People believed in Jesus

Because He helped their friend.

Learning Concepts and Unfamiliar Words

Not only has your child learned a fundamental truth about God’s character (that He is compassionate and powerful), but he has also learned the importance of being honest with God and trusting God's sovereignty. Your child has also had a chance to apply biblical truths to his life and remember the story of Lazarus through Scripture and song.

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