Children's Liturgy Series: 5th Sunday in Lent (Cycle A)

In today's Gospel we learn about how Jesus was able to bring his good friend Lazarus back to life after being dead in the tomb for 4 days. We learn that Jesus has power over death and that we can remember this story in time where we need hope. We also see this story as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own impending death on the cross. The story gives us hope that Jesus is the resurrection and the life for us all.

Father in Heaven we praise and glorify you. We thank you for bringing us together for this Children's Liturgy lesson. Please bless us and send us the Holy Spirit so we can hear and understand the message you have for us today. Help us to continue to trust and have hope in God through difficult times in our lives and to remember that Jesus is the life and resurrection. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.

One day, Jesus had three good friends named Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. They lived in a town called Bethany. Lazarus got very, very sick, so Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus asking Him to come help.
Jesus loved them very much—but He didn’t hurry right away. After a few days, Lazarus became so sick that he died, and his sisters were very sad. They cried, and many friends came to comfort them.

Several days later, Jesus came to Bethany. When Martha saw Jesus, she said, “Jesus, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus talked kindly to her and reminded her that God’s power is bigger than death. Jesus went to see Mary, and when He saw how sad everyone was, Jesus cried too. This shows us that Jesus understands and shares our sadness and loves us deeply.

Then Jesus went to the place where Lazarus was buried—a cave with a big stone in front. Jesus asked for the stone to be rolled away. He prayed to God and then called out in a loud voice:

“Lazarus, come out!”

And something amazing happened—Lazarus came out alive! He was wrapped in cloths, and Jesus told the people to help unwrap him. Everyone was amazed, and many believed in Jesus after seeing this miracle.
Jesus showed everyone that He has power over life and death, and that God’s love brings hope, even when things seem very sad.

Recall: 
What Happened in the Story?
Who were Jesus’ friends in this story?
Why were Mary and Martha so sad?
What did Jesus do at Lazarus’s tomb?
What happened when Jesus called Lazarus’s name?

Empathize:
How do you think Mary and Martha felt when Lazarus died?
What feelings do you think Jesus had when He saw everyone crying?
Have you ever felt very sad or worried about someone you love?
How does it make you feel knowing Jesus understands our sadness?

Live It Out:
What does this story teach us about how much Jesus loves us?
When you feel sad or scared, how can you talk to God about it?
How can you help a friend who is feeling sad, like Mary and Martha were?
What is one way you can show kindness and hope to someone this week?

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.