The Raising of Lazarus
Your birthday is a celebration of the day that you were born. It was the day that God gave you life in this world.
Think of what a gift life is. Think of all the things that you enjoy doing.
Today we are going to read the story of a man called Lazarus. He died but Jesus gave him his life back. One day we too will die but we will have a life with Jesus.
Lazarus and his two sisters Martha and Mary all lived in the village of Bethany which was about 2 miles from Jerusalem. They knew Jesus who had visited their home.
One day Lazarus took ill so they sent a message to Jesus. Jesus said to his disciples, "This illness will not end in death but in glory to God. He did not go to Lazarus straight away but stayed where he was for the next 2 days. Then he told his disciples, "Lazarus is dead. We will go to Bethany. What is going to happen there will strengthen your faith."
When they came near to Bethany, Martha came out to meet them while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, "If only you had been here my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that God will give you what you ask."
Jesus said, "Your brother will rise again."
Martha went and told her sister Mary who also came out to meet Jesus. Many friends came with Mary. They had come to Bethany to comfort Mary and tell her how sorry they were.
When Mary saw Jesus she fell at his feet and wept. She said, " O Sir, if only you had been here my brother would not have died."
When Jesus saw Mary and her friends weeping he was very sad. "Where have you buried Lazarus?" he asked.
They took him to a cave. Lazarus had been put inside and a large stone had been rolled across the cave entrance.
Jesus wept.
Then he prayed to God and told them to roll away the stone.
Martha said, "But he has been in the tomb for 4 days. By now there will be a terrible smell."
Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you had faith you would see the glory of God.?"
They rolled away the stone.
Then Jesus raised his voice and shouted ,"Lazarus. Come out."
Lazarus walked out of the tomb. He was wrapped up in grave clothes so Jesus said, "Loose him and let him go."
Many of the people who had seen what happened came to believe in Jesus and they put their faith in him.
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