2026-11-08 Jesus Brings Joy to Unhappy Sinners

Introduction

In this lesson, children will learn that Jesus ishas kindpower over death and brings lasting joy to undeservingHis sinners.people. Through the story of theJesus womanraising caught in sinLazarus (John 8:1-11)11:1–43), children will see that Jesus is both powerful and compassionate: He has authority over death, and He cares when people are sad. Through the teachersstory of Jesus entering Jerusalem (Luke 19:28–40), children will see people responding to Jesus’ mighty works with joyful praise.

Lazarus was brought back to life, but he would die again. His resurrection was a sign pointing to something greater: Jesus came to defeat sin and death through His own death and resurrection, so that everyone who trusts in Him may have eternal life. Christian joy does not mean that we never feel sad—Jesus Himself wept. Our lasting joy rests in Jesus, our Savior, and the eternal life He gives.

Teachers: Keep both Bible stories clear and brief. For younger children, explain that Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days, and that Jesus called him out of the Lawtomb. wereDo quicknot toimply spotthat someoneChristians else'sare sinalways happy or that faith removes sadness. Emphasize that Jesus cares for people in sorrow and eager to punish her, but slow to look at their own darkened hearts. Everyone isgives a sinner,hope andstronger everyonethan deserves God's punishment. Only Jesus had a perfect heart, so only Jesus had the right to throw the first stone. But instead of condemning her, Jesus chose to show her kindness, forgave her, and told her to stop sinning. Jesus' kindness does not pretend sin is okay. He can forgive sinners because He would take their punishment Himself on the cross. God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.death.

Teachers: For young children, do not describe what sin the woman committed. Say only that she did "something very, very wrong" that God's Law said deserved death. Also arrange beforehand with another adult (or an older, good-natured child) to "snatch" a treat during the introduction, and make sure the treat you use is safe for any children with food allergies.

Main Ideas:

• Everyone Is
  a

  Sinner:
  •  AllJesus peopleDisplays have sinned and deserve God'God’s punishment,Greatness: whichJesus’ isworks death.show Not just "bad" people. All of us.
  • We See Other People's Sin Fast: It is easy to notice someone else's sin and want them punished, and forget our own darkened hearts.
  • Jesus Has the Right to Judge: Jesus is perfect.that He is the onlySon oneof withoutGod.
  sin,

  so
  • Jesus Has Power over Death: Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, showing His authority even over death.
  • Jesus Cares for the Sad: Jesus wept with Lazarus’ sisters and friends; He is thecompassionate.
  only

  one
  who
  has

  the
  • Jesus rightGives Lasting Joy: Lazarus would die again, but Jesus came to punishgive sinners.His people eternal life.
  • JesusWe ChoosesRespond towith BePraise: Kind: InsteadBecause of punishing,who Jesus is eagerand what He has done, we praise and worship Him.

  Lesson Overview

  Lesson Title	Jesus Brings Joy to forgiveUnhappy undeservingSinners sinners.
  Key Attribute of God	Powerful and compassionate
  Main Idea	Jesus has power over death and gives His kindnesspeople leadseverlasting usjoy; therefore, we respond to turnHim awaywith praise and worship.
  Memory Verse	Psalm 92:4 (ESV): “For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”
  Bible Passages	John 11:1–43; Luke 19:28–40; John 12:17–18
  Age Group	Suggested for ages 4–6; adjust language and participation for your class.
  Bible Story	10 minutes: Introduction (1) • Storytelling (5) • Wrap-up & Discussion (4)
  Craft & Game	10 minutes: Craft (5) • Game (5)

  Teacher Introduction — Original Text

  The following is the original Teacher Introduction from sin.Jesus, What a Savior!, Lesson 29, page 193. The wording is preserved.

  Imagine the joy Lazarus’ sisters and friends felt as they saw him brought back to life. Lazarus had been dead for days and was buried in the tomb—and then Jesus spoke His all-powerful words, “Lazarus, come out.” The great enemy of all people—death—had a Master. But this life wouldn’t last. Lazarus would die again. Something more had to be done to defeat death forever, and secure lasting joy. Although it was not fully understood at the time, Jesus had come to save His people from eternal death and condemnation in order that they might experience the greatest joy of all: eternal life with God.

  The promise of eternal life with God has an irrepressible response: praise and worship of Jesus! In his book Desiring God, John Piper summarizes worship in the following manner:

  Worship is a way of gladly reflecting back to God the radiance of his worth. This cannot be done by mere acts of duty. It can be done only when spontaneous affections arise in the heart.

  Pray that Jesus would speak life into the hearts of those who are in your classroom, bringing new life and happiness to many.

  John Piper, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Sisters, Ore.: Multnomah Books, 1996), 83.

  Preparation

  Props & Materials

  • Bible; Lazarus illustration (29A); Jesus Enters Jerusalem illustration (29B), if available.
  • Small paper bag and two or three party noisemakers.
  • Story props: pieces of fabric to represent cloaks and palm branches (real or paper).
  • Craft: one sheet of paper per child, divided into two boxes; crayons or markers.
  • Game: familiar worship-song melodies; optional small musical instruments, streamers, or palm branches.

  Before Class

  • Put the noisemakers inside the paper bag.
  • Prepare the two illustrations and simple story props.
  • Prepare one two-box drawing sheet for each child.
  • Choose two or three familiar worship songs for the guessing game.

Praise and Worship (15 mins)

Parents: The parent and child scheduled for this week will lead us in singing on Sunday. Please take time to practice the songs together at home, helping your child feel confident and joyful as they prepare to lead.

Prayer and Offering (5 mins)

Parents: Please encourage your children to bring an offering to church. You may help your child prepare by setting aside a coin for them to bring on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to teach them about giving to God with a thankful heart and trusting Him to provide.

What is Offering?

Offering is when we give something to God to show our love and thankfulness. In church, we often give money as an offering, but we can also give our time, talents, and kindness to God and others.

Why Do We Make an Offering?

To Thank God – Everything we have comes from God! Giving back is a way to say, “Thank You, God!”
To Trust God – When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
To Help Others – Offerings help the church teach about Jesus, help people in need, and share God’s love.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7,
"God loves a cheerful giver!" That means God is happy when we give with a joyful heart!

Prayer for Offering

Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. We want to give back to You with joyful hearts. Please use our offering to help others and share Your love. Help us to always trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Review Verse from Last Week

Luke 19:10

[Jesus said,] "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Bible Story (10 min)

Introduction (21 min)

PropsPurpose: Needed:

Help

children
• A cookie jar or candy dish with a treat for every child (allergy-safe)
• Shiny Heart and two Darkened Hearts from past lessons (with tape)
• The "Death" sign from Lesson 5 (or a simple signdiscover that saysreal DEATH)
joy
• Theoften Tenshows Commandmentsitself visual from Lesson 10/11
• A few real, smooth stones (fist-sized is enough for children to feel the weight)
• Arranged beforehand: an adult or good-natured older child who will sneak up and "snatch" a treat at your signal
• Optional: a second adult to play Jesus, wearing the Shiny Heart

 outwardly.

(ShowTeacher: the treat jar.)

Teacher: "Look what I have! A special treat for everyone. But here's the rule: NOBODY gets a treat until after the lesson. Can everyone say, 'After the lesson'?"

(Set the jar on a table beside or behind you.)

Teacher: "Do you remember our hearts?" (Hold up the Shinypaper Heart.bag.) "What“Good doesmorning, everyone! I have something special inside this shinybag. heartBut mean?"first, I want you to make a promise. Can everyone try to keep a very serious, sad face? No smiling or laughing. Ready?”

Teacher: (WaitInvite two or three children to the front. Give each child a noisemaker and keep one for kidsyourself.) “Now let's use these! Make some joyful noise!”

Teacher: (Join in enthusiastically, then turn to answer:the class.) “Oh! Some of you are smiling and laughing! What happened? Didn't you promise to look sad?”

Teacher: (Take a heartfew thatresponses.) loves“When Godsomething most,makes us really happy, it is hard to hide our joy. We smile, laugh, clap, shout, or sing. Today we will hear about something amazing Jesus did—and how people responded to Him.”

Story Telling (5 min)

Part 1: Jesus Raises Lazarus from the wayDead God(John made11:1–43) us.)— about 3 min

Teacher:Props / Visuals: Lazarus illustration (Hold up29A); a Darkenedpiece Heart.)of "Andcloth thisto darkrepresent one?"the tomb entrance; optional fabric for the sisters’ clothing.

TeacherTeacher: Key:(Show Athe sinfulLazarus heart.picture.) After“This Adamis Lazarus. He was a good friend of Jesus. He had two sisters, Mary and EveMartha. sinned,One everyoneday isLazarus bornbecame very sick, so his sisters sent a message to Jesus and asked Him to come.”

Teacher: “But Jesus did not come right away. Lazarus died, and his sisters and friends were very sad. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Can you show me a sad face?”

Teacher: “When Jesus saw the people crying, He wept too. Jesus cared about their sadness. He had compassion for them. Then Jesus went to the tomb and told the people to take away the stone.”

Teacher: “Jesus prayed to His Father and called out with a darkenedloud heart.

voice:

‘Lazarus, come out!’” (TapeRead aJohn Darkened11:43.) Heart“And ontoLazarus yourcame own chest.)

Teacher: "The Bible says, 'All have sinned and fall shortout of the glorytomb ofalive!”

God.'

Teacher: That(Invite meanschildren meto too.show Andsurprised faces.) “What an amazing miracle! Jesus has power even over death. He showed everyone how great and powerful God is.”

Part 2: Jesus Enters Jerusalem (Luke 19:28–40; John 12:17–18) — about 2 min

Props / Visuals: Jesus Enters Jerusalem illustration (29B); cloaks or fabric; palm branches.

Teacher: (Show the BibleJerusalem says,picture.) 'The“Later, wagesJesus ofentered sinJerusalem isriding death.' God says the right punishment for sin is death." (Hold up the Death sign.)

Interaction: "Point to your own heart. Who hason a sinfulyoung heart?donkey. Everyone point to yourself: 'Me!'"

Teacher: "But sometimes we forget about our OWN heart. We only see the bad things OTHERSome people do.had Like,seen 'LookJesus whatraise [name] did! He was mean to his little brother! I hope he gets in BIG trouble!'"

(Give the signal. The snack snatcher sneaks up very obviously and grabs a treatLazarus from the jar.)dead. Others had heard what He had done. They were excited to see Jesus.”

Teacher: "HEY!(Invite Whatchildren areto youlay doing,fabric [name]?! Everyone, did I say we could have a treat now?"

Interaction: "Shake your head: 'Nooo! Afteron the lesson!'"

floor

Teacher:as "Wecloaks caughtand [name]wave RIGHTpalm branches.) “The people praised Jesus and shouted, ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the middlename of doingthe somethingLord!’” wrong!(Luke Hmm. Do you think [name] should get in trouble? Thumbs up or down?"19:38.)

(LetTeacher: “The people could not keep their joy to themselves. They praised Jesus because of the childrenwonderful respond.things Mostthey willhad be eager for a punishment. Have the snatcher put the treat backseen and sitheard. down.Jesus Don'tdeserves giveour apraise punishment yet.)too!”

Teacher: "Wow, lots of thumbs up! When we catch someone doing wrong, we are VERY quick to want them punished, aren't we? The Bible has a true story about some people who caught someone doing something very, very wrong. Let's see what Jesus did."

Story Telling: Jesus Is Kind to Undeserving Sinners (8 min)

Props / Visuals Suggested:

• Ten Commandments visual
• Stones
• Death sign
• Two Darkened Hearts (one on the teacher, one for the "woman") and the Shiny Heart (for "Jesus")
• A girl or woman volunteer to play the woman; optionally an adult to play Jesus

 

Part 1: Caught! (2 mins)

(Open the Bible to John 8. Invite a girl or woman volunteer to the front and give her a Darkened Heart to hold over her heart. If you have an adult playing Jesus, have them sit at the front wearing the Shiny Heart.)

Teacher: "One morning, Jesus was sitting in God's big house, the temple, teaching people about God. Suddenly, some teachers of God's Law came stomping in. They were dragging a woman with them."

Interaction: "Everyone, stomp your feet like the angry teachers! Stomp, stomp, stomp!"

Teacher: "They pushed her into the middle of everybody and said, 'Teacher! We caught this woman doing something very, very wrong. We caught her RIGHT in the act!'"

(Hold up the Ten Commandments.)

Teacher: "They were right. She HAD broken God's Law. Her heart was dark with sin." (Point to the woman's Darkened Heart.)

Interaction: "Everyone point to the dark heart."

 

Part 2: Stones in Their Hands (2 mins)

(Pass one or two stones around so children can feel them. Keep a helper close so no stone gets thrown.)

Teacher: "The teachers said, 'God's Law says someone who does what she did should be punished by throwing stones at her until she dies.'" (Hold up the Death sign.) "Feel this stone. Is it soft or hard?"

Interaction: "Tap your fist on your knee: hard as a stone!"

Teacher: "Imagine lots of angry people all around you holding stones, and nowhere to run. How do you think the woman felt?"

Interaction: "Show me a scared face." (Wait.)

Teacher: "The teachers were not really trying to help. They wanted to trick Jesus. They asked, 'So, Jesus, what do YOU say?' And they waited, holding their stones."

 

Part 3: Who Has a Perfect Heart? (2 mins)

Teacher: "Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with His finger. The teachers kept asking and asking. Then Jesus stood up and said something that made everyone go quiet. He said: 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.'"

Interaction: "Everyone, finger on your lips: shhhh."

Teacher: "Jesus meant, 'Only a person with a perfect heart, a person who has NEVER sinned, can throw the first stone.' Hmm. Did the teachers have perfect hearts?"

(Point to the Darkened Heart taped on yourself.)

Teacher: "No! They were so busy looking at HER sin that they forgot to look at their OWN hearts. And then, one by one, starting with the oldest, they dropped their stones and walked away."

Interaction: "Pretend to hold a stone. Now drop it. Thunk! Everyone tiptoe in place, walking away."

Teacher: "Soon it was just Jesus and the woman. Everyone is a sinner. Everyone deserves God's punishment." (Death sign.) "Only ONE person there had a perfect heart."

(Point to the Shiny Heart.)

Interaction: "Who? Everyone shout: 'JESUS!'"

 

Part 4: Jesus Chose Kindness (2 mins)

Teacher: "Jesus was the ONLY one who had the right to throw a stone. Did Jesus pick up a stone?"

Interaction: "Shake your head: 'No!'"

Teacher: "Jesus looked at her and asked, 'Where are they? Has no one condemned you?' That means, 'Is there anyone left to punish you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.'"

Interaction: "Open both hands wide, like letting something go free."

Teacher: "Jesus forgave her! She didn't deserve it. She couldn't earn it. Jesus was KIND to an undeserving sinner. But He didn't say, 'Sin is no big deal.' He said, 'Go, and sin no more.' Jesus hates sin. He loves sinners."

Teacher: "How could Jesus forgive her? Because one day soon, Jesus was going to the cross to take the punishment for sin HIMSELF. The stones she deserved... the death she deserved... Jesus would take it for those who trust in Him."

(Remove the Darkened Heart from the woman volunteer and give her the Red Heart. Thank her and let her sit down.)

Interaction: "Say with me: 'Jesus is kind to sinners like me!'"

 

Review with Actions

Teacher: "Let's remember it with actions!"

• Teacher: "Everyone is a sinner." (Point to yourself: "Me!")
• Teacher: "The angry teachers caught the woman." (Stomp, stomp.)
• Teacher: "They wanted to throw stones." (Fist up, like holding a stone.)
• Teacher: "Only Jesus has a perfect heart." (Draw a heart in the air.)
• Teacher: "The teachers dropped their stones." ("Thunk!" and tiptoe away.)
• Teacher: "Jesus chose to be kind and forgive." (Open hands wide.)
• Teacher: "Go and sin no more." (Turn around and march the other way.)

Teacher: "Now faster!"

• "Sinner!" (Point to self.)
• "Caught!" (Stomp.)
• "Stones!" (Fist.)
• "Perfect!" (Heart.)
• "Drop!" (Thunk.)
• "Forgiven!" (Open hands.)
• "Turn around!" (March.)

Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)

 

(Gather the children closeclose. Use the questions below selectively so there is time for reflection.)the central teaching.

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Teacher:

Discussion Questions:

Teacher: "

“Let's thinkremember our two stories. Who was Lazarus? What happened to him? What did Jesus do? (Pause for answers.) Jesus brought Lazarus back to life. What does this show us about whatJesus? weHe learnedhas today."power even over death.”

Question:Teacher: "“When [name]Jesus snatchedentered the treat,Jerusalem, how did youthe feel?people Didrespond? you(Pause.) wantThey thempraised toHim. getThey inhad trouble?"seen and heard about His wonderful works, and they were full of joy.”

TeacherTeacher: Key:“But Most of us did! We are quick to want other people punished when they do wrong, especially when we catch them in the act. The teachers of the Law felt the same way about the woman.

Question: "Have YOU ever been caught doing something wrong? Did you hope the personLazarus would punisheventually you,die oragain, bejust kindlike toeveryone you?"

Teacher Key: Let a few children share. When we are the one caught, we want kindness, not punishment. We all need Jesus' kindness, because we are all sinners.

Question: "Why did the teachers drop their stones and walk away?"

Teacher Key: Because none of them had a perfect heart. They were sinners too. Everyone is a sinner and deserves God's punishment.

Question: "Who was the only one who had the right to throw a stone? What did He do instead?"

Teacher Key: Jesus, because He never sinned. Butelse. Jesus chose to be kind. He did not condemn her. He forgave her.

Question: "Some people think, 'It's okaycame to do badsomething things,greater becausethan bringing Lazarus back to life for a time. Jesus iscame kindto andsave He'llHis forgive me.' Is that true?"

Teacher Key: No! Sin is never okay. Jesus told the woman, "Go, andpeople from now on sin no more." When we see how kind Jesus is, it should make us sorry for our sin and wantdeath. toHe love and obey Him, not keep sinning.

Question: "Jesus was kind to us. How should we treat others when they do something wrong to us?"

Teacher Key: Be kind and forgiving, just like Jesus forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).

Teacher: "This week, tell your mom or dad about something you need Jesus to forgive you for. Then pray together and ask Jesus for His kindness and forgiveness."

Closing Thought & Prayer

 

Teacher: "Everyone is a sinner. Everyone deserves to be punished. Jesus is the only one with a perfect heart, the only one who has the right to judge us. But Jesus didn't come to throw stones. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. What a Savior!"

(Fold hands and bow heads.)

Prayer: "Dear Jesus, we are sinners. We are quick to see other people's sin and slow to see our own. Thank You that You are perfect, and that You are kind to sinners who don't deserve it. Thank You for taking the punishmentdied on the cross forand allrose again, so that everyone who trusttrusts in You.Him Pleasemay forgivehave us.eternal Helplife.”

us

Teacher: turn“Does awayfollowing fromJesus mean we will never feel sad? No. Jesus Himself wept with people who were sad. But Jesus cares for us, and the eternal life He gives is the foundation of a joy that lasts.”

Discussion Questions & Teacher Helps

Question: When Lazarus died, how did Mary, Martha, and their friends feel?

Teacher key: They were very sad. Jesus saw their sadness and wept too. He cares about people who are hurting.

Question: What did Jesus do at the tomb?

Teacher key: He called, “Lazarus, come out,” and Lazarus came out alive. Jesus has power over death.

Question: Why did Jesus raise Lazarus?

Teacher key: Jesus displayed the greatness of God and showed His authority. Keep the answer connected to John 11 and the lesson’s main idea.

Question: How did the people respond when Jesus entered Jerusalem?

Teacher key: They praised and welcomed Him as King because of the mighty works they had seen and heard.

Question: Would Lazarus live forever because Jesus raised him that day?

Teacher key: No. Lazarus would die again. Jesus came to defeat sin and lovedeath Youthrough most.His Helpown us be kinddeath and forgivingresurrection and to others,give justeternal likelife You.to InHis Jesus' name, Amen."people.

Question:

How can we show our joy in Jesus?

Teacher key: We can sing, pray, thank Him, tell others what He has done, and worship Him with thankful hearts.

Review with Actions

Memorizing Verse: JohnPsalm 3:17

92:4

“For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” (ESV)

JohnExplain 3:17

briefly:

For“Glad” means happy. “Your work” and “the works of your hands” remind us of the wonderful things God didhas notdone. sendWe hisrespond Sonby intosinging for joy.

"into

Verse phrase	Hand motion
“For you, O LORD”	Point both hands upward.
“have made me glad”	Place hands over your heart, then smile.
“by your work”	Extend both hands as if showing something wonderful.
“at the worldworks to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Hand Gestures: "For God did not send his Son": Point up to heaven, then shakeof your fingerhands” "no."	the world": Make a big circle with both arms (a globe). "to condemn the world,": Hold up aboth fisthands likeand alook stone,at them.
“I sing for joy.”	Pretend to sing, then openraise yourhands handin praise.

Teacher: “Let's say the verse together, phrase by phrase, and let it drop. "Thunk!"

"but in order thatdo the world":actions. MakeNow let's say the bigwhole circleverse again.

together.

"mightI bewill saved": Hug yourself tight.

"through him.": Point up to Jesus.

Teacher Tip: Explain two words first. World meansdo the peopleactions inwhile you say the world.words.”

Condemn

Teacher meanstip: toFor judgeyounger andchildren, punishteach someone for their sin. This is a longthe verse for ages 4-6, so learn it in two halves:parts: "God“For didyou, notO sendLORD, Hishave Sonmade tome condemnglad by your work” and “at the world"works (dropof theyour stone)hands andI "butsing thatfor thejoy.” worldRepeat mighteach bepart savedseveral throughtimes Him"before (hug).joining Say the halves as call-and-response: teacher says the first half, children answer with the second.them.

Craft & Game (10 mins)

Game:

Craft: "EarnMy Joy in Jesus (5 min)

Purpose: Children remember one wonderful work of Jesus and identify a way to respond with praise.

Materials: One sheet of paper per child divided into two boxes; crayons or markers.

Teacher: “We are going to make a picture called ‘My Joy in Jesus.’ Look at your paper. It has two boxes. In the Treat"first box, draw one wonderful thing Jesus has done. You could draw Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb. In the second box, draw yourself praising Jesus. You might be singing, praying, or thanking Him.”

AdaptedTeacher: (Walk around and talk with children.) “What wonderful thing did Jesus do? What does this show us about Him? How could you praise Jesus?”

Teacher: “As you finish, remember our Bible verse: ‘At the works of your hands I sing for joy.’ We respond to Jesus’ wonderful works with thankful praise.”

Teacher note: This adapts the original curriculum’s Lesson 29 workbook coloring activity and Psalm 92:4 drawing activity. If time is short, children may draw one picture and explain the other orally.

Game: Name That Worship Tune (5 min)

Purpose: Help children connect joyful singing with praise to Jesus.

Materials: Familiar worship-song melodies; optional small musical instruments, streamers, or palm branches.

Teacher: “Now let's play ‘Name That Worship Tune!’ I will hum a familiar worship song. Listen carefully and try to guess its name.”

Teacher: “We will take turns. If your team guesses correctly, everyone on that team may stand up, sing the song, and play an instrument or wave a streamer.”

Teacher: (Hum or play a short melody. Let children guess. Give each team a turn and keep the pace lively.)

Teacher: “Great job! Why do we sing songs to Jesus? (Pause.) We sing because Jesus is wonderful. He is our Savior. He has power over death and gives eternal life to His people. Our singing is one way we praise Him.”

Closing Thought & Prayer

Teacher: “Jesus is powerful and compassionate. He cares when we are sad, and He has power even over death. Lazarus came back to life, but Jesus came to do something greater: through His death and resurrection, He gives eternal life to everyone who trusts in Him. That is why our joy in Jesus can last forever. Let us praise Him with thankful hearts!”

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being powerful and wonderful. Thank You for raising Lazarus from the sourcedead lesson'sand optionalshowing game.us Thethat You have power over death. Thank You for caring for people who are sad. Thank You for dying and rising again to save Your people and give eternal life. Help us to trust You, find our joy in You, and praise You with thankful hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take-Home Connection

Ask children tryto show their two-box picture to "earn"a theparent treator caregiver and explain:

“Jesus did something wonderful: He raised Lazarus from the lessondead. Jesus has power over death and gives His people everlasting joy. I can praise Him by winningsinging, athanking gameHim, and telling others what He has done.”

Family question: “What is one thing Jesus has done that ismakes impossibleus thankful and joyful?” Invite the family to win. After everyone triespray and fails,thank theJesus teacher gives them the treat anyway: a picture of Jesus' undeserved kindness.together.

⏰ Time: 5 minutes

👧 Age Group: 4-6 years

🧩 Lesson Connection: Shows that we cannot earn God's kindness. Jesus gives forgiveness to sinners who do not deserve it.

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🪜 Setup & Materials Needed:

• The treat jar from the lesson (allergy-safe treats)
• A light ball or a beanbag
• A timer or phone stopwatch

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🎲 How to Play:

Step 1: Hold up the treat jar. "Remember, the treat comes after the lesson. But first, you have to EARN it!"

Step 2: Give an impossible challenge, for example: balance the ball on the tip of your nose for ten seconds, or run to the wall and back in one second.

Step 3: Let every child try. Cheer them on. When they fail, the group says together: "Can't do it!"

Step 4: Ask: "Did anyone earn the treat? Does anyone deserve it?" (No.)

Step 5: Give every child a treat anyway, including the "snatcher" from the lesson. Say: "You didn't earn this. I'm giving it to you because I want to be kind. That's a little picture of Jesus. We can't earn forgiveness. Jesus is kind to sinners who don't deserve it." Save the treats for snack time if needed.

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Craft: Dropped Stones at the Cross

Adapted from the source lesson's classroom display. Each child writes their name on a paper stone and glues it to a cross, as a reminder that Jesus took the punishment we deserved so He could forgive us.

Materials: Brown, gray, or black construction paper (pre-drawn stone shapes for little hands), child-safe scissors, glue sticks, markers or crayons, one large poster board cross (for a group display) or a small paper cross for each child (to take home), John 3:17 printed on a small strip.

The Activity:

• Step 1: Children cut out one or two paper stones. Help younger children with the cutting.
• Step 2: Each child writes (or the teacher helps write) their name on a stone. "My name is on this stone because I am a sinner. I deserve God's punishment."
• Step 3: Glue the stone onto the cross. "But Jesus took the punishment on the cross for all who trust in Him."
• Step 4: Glue the John 3:17 strip in the center of the cross.
• Take Home: Children tell their family: "Everyone is a sinner, but Jesus is kind to undeserving sinners. He didn't come to condemn, He came to save." This week, tell your parents about something you need Jesus' forgiveness for, and pray together.

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Response Song

Closing Prayer & Snack Time (10 mins)

"Dear Jesus, thank You that You are perfect, and You are kind. Thank You that You did not come to condemn us, but to save us. We don't deserve Your kindness, and we can't earn it. Thank You for forgiving sinners who trust in You. Help us to turn from our sin and to be kind to others, just like You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Now, let us thank You for the snack we’re about to enjoy.
We fold our hands.
We bow our heads.
We thank You, God,
for this daily bread.
Amen.

Free Time & Children Pickup (15 mins)