PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN KIDS & FAMILIES date
3.4
I can’t stop … If I stop I have to think about it. Inspire (for parents) One by one, the family gathered, each one grieving. Each one in shock and disbelief that our mother had just unexpectedly passed away. As we sat together trying to console each other and comfort our father who had lost his wife of 44 years, we became increasingly aware of my six-year-old son. He was running from room to room with a balsa-wood airplane, making the noises that six-year-old boys do when emulating flying planes. After about 30 minutes of airplane noises, my brother became very irritated, grabbed my son, and said, “Stop! Do you know what has happened?” My son looked right at him and answered, “I can’t stop … If I stop I have to think about it.” Death is not something we have to be afraid to think about; it is not something we can’t discuss with our children. Jesus has conquered death, and those who know and love Him will live forever. We don’t have to “keep busy” to avoid the thought of death and dying. We can have peace. Peace because we have the assurance that someday we will be reunited with loved ones who chose to make
Jesus their Lord and Savior. And for my son, that was great news because that was most definitely his grandmother. At her funeral a few days later, my son sat smiling as we celebrated her life. He heard stories of what people thought his grandma might be doing in heaven, stories that even made him giggle a bit. He was thrilled to know he would see her again someday. He was at peace because he realized, even at six years old, that Jesus gives life. by Debbie Guinn
rted Getting 11S:1t–4a5
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Equip (for parents) Equip is additional background information that will help as you introduce this passage of Scripture to your children this week. Jesus’ entire ministry was life-giving. When He and the disciples arrived at their friends’ home, Lazarus had already been dead four days. Jesus saw the pain of those who mourned and “was deeply moved in spirit and troubled” (John 11:33). The Greek word for “deeply moved” is embrimaomai. This word describes anger, resentment, and outrage. The Lord of all creation resented death. He was outraged with the pain and separation that ensued. And Jesus wept (v. 35). Once He arrived at the tomb and the stone was removed, Jesus looked up to the heavens and thanked God for hearing Him. “I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me” (v. 42). Jesus shouted into the cave, “Lazarus! Come out!” The dead man arose. Lazarus was alive! Jesus had received word of Lazarus’ extreme illness and purposely delayed His return to Bethany. He proclaimed that Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death, but would be used instead for “God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (v. 4). When Jesus told His disciples of Lazarus’ death He said, “For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe” (v. 15). Those who were witnesses to this miracle were given the hope of redemption, and many came to faith that day. Raising Lazarus was a precursor to Jesus’ own resurrection. Jesus demonstrated His power over death. He is the resurrection and the life. Through Him, death has no sting. God promises us we will never perish. We will never disappear.
REMEMBER VERSE
The Lord causes his miracles to be remembered. He is kind and tender. Psalm 111:4 (NIrV)
Support (for parents & kids) Death and dying are difficult concepts for young children, but they are also a very real part of their lives. One night this week, begin a conversation about dying with your children. Discuss their fears and ask them if they know what happens when a person dies. Talk with them about anyone close to them who has passed away. Tell them you’re going to read a true story about Jesus and what happened when one of His friends died. Then read together the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11:1–44. Explain to your children that Jesus gives life and because of that, we can live with Him forever. Ask them if they have any further questions or concerns and help address them. Then pray together. Rejoice that because of what Jesus did on the cross, He proved His power over death, and we don’t have to worry or be afraid. Remind your children that what they just heard was a part of The Big God Story, and they’ll learn more in church this week about how Jesus gives life.
© 2012 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.