Lazarus Bible Lesson for Preteens | John 11:1–44

John 11:1–44

Trueway Word Bible lesson for preteens (ages 8–13)

About This Preteen Bible Lesson

This free printable Bible lesson helps preteens explore John 11:1–44, where Lazarus becomes sick, Jesus waits before travelling to Bethany, and Mary and Martha face grief, disappointment, and confusion. Through this Bible account, children discover that Jesus is never late, welcomes honest questions, weeps with hurting people, and has authority over death.

Using the Trueway Word W.O.R.D. Bible study method, preteens will Walk into God’s Word, Observe what the Bible says, Reflect on what it means, and Discover how to live it out. Designed for Sunday school, homeschool, family devotions, and church groups, this preteen Bible lesson helps children build a biblical worldview centred on God’s trustworthy timing, Christ’s compassion, honest prayer, resurrection hope, and the truth that real life is found in Jesus.

The Big Question

Does God really care?

Yes. The Bible shows that God sees suffering, hears people who cry out, and cares deeply about both large and small needs.

Jesus did not remain distant from human pain. He entered it, wept with grieving friends, suffered, died, and rose again. The cross shows God’s love, and the resurrection shows that pain, evil, grief, and death will not have the final word.

What Kids Will Learn

• God’s timing is not always the same as ours.
• Jesus is never late or out of control.
• Children can bring disappointment and questions honestly to God.
• Jesus understands grief and weeps with hurting people.
• Faith does not require pretending that everything is fine.
• Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
• Death does not have the final word for those who trust Jesus.

Why This Lesson Matters

Preteens often face seasons of waiting, disappointment, unanswered questions, loss, or situations they cannot understand. They may wonder whether God notices, cares, or is doing anything at all.

This Bible passage gives children permission to bring their pain honestly to Jesus. Mary and Martha spoke openly, and Jesus did not reject them. He wept with them and then revealed His power. The lesson helps preteens see that Christian hope is not based on ignoring sadness, but on trusting the compassionate Saviour who entered suffering and defeated death.

What’s Included

• Printable booklet and single-sided versions
• Bible reading and W.O.R.D. study pages
• Reflection activities such as the Waiting Room, “If Only” thoughts, and Heart News
• Big Question apologetics page
• Find-the-differences and memory verse activities
• Weekly actions, prayer, and notes page

Perfect For

• Sunday school
• Homeschool and family devotions
• Midweek Bible clubs
• Church small groups
• Preteen discipleship lessons

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