Lazarus, Come Out!

Jesus had three special friends: Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. One day, Lazarus got very, very sick.

Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus: 'Lord, Lazarus is sick! Please come!'

But Jesus waited. Two whole days passed. Then He told His disciples, 'Let's go. Lazarus has fallen asleep—I'm going to wake him up.'

By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for FOUR DAYS.

Martha ran to meet Jesus. 'Lord! If You had been here, my brother wouldn't have died!'

Jesus said, 'Your brother will rise again. I AM the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even if they die. Do you believe this?'

'Yes, Lord,' Martha said. 'I believe You are the Messiah.'

Mary came out too, crying so hard. When Jesus saw everyone weeping, something amazing happened.

Jesus cried too. Two little words in the Bible say so much: 'Jesus wept.'

Jesus cares when we're sad. He cries with us!

They went to the tomb—a cave with a big stone in front. 'Move the stone,' Jesus said.

'But Lord,' Martha said, 'he's been dead four days! It will smell terrible!'

'Didn't I tell you that if you believe, you'll see God's glory?'

They rolled away the stone. Jesus prayed. Then He shouted:

'LAZARUS, COME OUT!'

And Lazarus walked out! Still wrapped in grave cloths, but ALIVE!

'Unwrap him and let him go!' Jesus said.

Jesus has power over death itself. One day, everyone who believes in Him will rise too, just like Lazarus!