Jesus raises Lazarus
[Suitable for age 9 up to 13, with the optional questions suitable for ages 11 to 13 only]
Characters: Jesus, two disciples (Thomas and Andrew); a messenger; Mary and Martha
Scene 1: Over the far side of the Jordan in the desert area
Thomas: Look over there. I wonder who that is running so hard?
Andrew: It can’t be anyone for us. We are miles away from any of our friends here on the far side
of the Jordan.
Thomas: Well it looks like it is someone who wants to speak to Jesus anyway. Let’s go and hear
what news he brings.
Messenger: Jesus! Jesus! I need to speak to you urgently.
Jesus:
What about?
Messenger: Mary and Martha have sent me to get you. Their brother Lazarus, your dear friend, is
really ill. Could you come and heal him?
Jesus:
This illness won’t end in the death of Lazarus, but instead with God’s glory being shown,
and it will lead to God’s Son also receiving glory.
Messenger: What does that mean?
Jesus:
I will come when the time is right.
(The messenger runs away again)
Discussion: What do you think everyone expected Jesus to do?
Scene 2: Over the far side of the Jordan in the desert area
Thomas: Why are we waiting here? The messenger said Lazarus is very ill. Surely Jesus will heal
him. So why have we waited two whole days.
Andrew: I don’t understand either. Perhaps because Jesus thinks it is too dangerous. After all last
time we went to Judea, everyone there wanted to stone him dead.
Jesus:
Let’s go.
Thomas: Where to?
Jesus:
To Lazarus’s place.
Andrew: Do you think that is a good idea? Last time everyone there wanted to stone you.
Jesus:
A day has 12 hours. If you walk in the daytime it’s easy, but if you walk at night you will
fall over.
Andrew: What does that mean?
Jesus:
Lazarus has fallen asleep. It is time for us to go and wake him up.
Andrew: If he is asleep it would be best to let him go on sleeping so that he gets better.
Jesus:
Lazarus is dead. But it is good that this has happened so you will see and believe. Come,
let’s go to him.
Andrew: Come on, we might as well all go and die with him.
Discussion:
Why do you think Jesus waited for days before going to see Lazarus?
Do you think the disciples are expecting Jesus to do anything for Lazarus now he is dead?
What to they expect to happen to Jesus?
Scene 3: In Bethany, Judea
Martha: Jesus, I heard you were coming! If you had been here my brother would not have died.
Even now, I know God will give you everything you ask.
Jesus:
Lazarus will come back to life, Martha.
Martha: I know he will rise again at the end of all time when everyone rises from the dead.
Jesus:
You don’t have to wait until then. I am here right now. I am the Resurrection and the
Life. Everyone who believes in me will live even if they die, and if they believe in me
they will never die. Do you believe this?
Martha: I know you are the Messiah , the Son of God. I am going to go and get Mary.
(She does that)
Mary: Jesus, if you had been here Lazarus would not have died.
(And then Mary bursts into tears, and Jesus too starts to cry)
Jesus:
Where have you buried him?
Mary:
Come and see.
Jesus:
Roll the stone back
Mary:
But the smell will be horrible. He has been dead for four whole days.
Jesus:
Didn’t I tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God.
Jesus (to Thomas and Andrew): Roll the stone away.
Jesus:
Father God, I know you have made this possible so that the crowd here will see and
believe. Amen. Lazarus, come on out.
And Lazarus came out of the tomb.
Discussion questions:
Why was it so unexpected that Lazarus came out?
How did this show the glory of God?
What impact would this have on the people who wanted to stone Jesus?