Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

John 11:1-3, 20, 28-36

Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of John. John was one of the friends and helpers of Jesus. And the word “Gospel” means “good news!”

Our true story is about two of Jesus’ friends named Mary and Martha. Mary and Martha were sisters, and they were very sad because their brother, Lazarus, was sick, and he died. 


Jesus knew that His friend Lazarus had died . . . so Jesus and His disciples went to where Mary and Martha lived. When Jesus got to Mary and Martha, they were very sad. Mary and Martha cried.


What do you think Jesus did when He saw Mary and Martha crying? Do you think Jesus told them to stop being sad? No. Do you think Jesus told them to stop crying? No. 


Jesus was a good friend to Mary and Martha, and Jesus cried too. Jesus was sad with Mary and Martha because that’s what good friends do, and Jesus is always a good friend.


Do you think Jesus will be a good friend to you when you feel sad? Yes! Jesus cares about you. Jesus is a good friend when you feel sad. Make a sad face.


Jesus is a good friend when you feel happy. Show me your happy face.


Jesus is a good friend when you feel excited. Show me how excited you can be.


Jesus is a good friend when you feel afraid. Make an afraid face.


Jesus is always a good friend. So, when anyone asks you, “Who is always a good friend?” You can tell them, “Jesus is always a good friend!”



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Take-Home Material



Bible Verse: A friend loves you all the time. —Proverbs 17:17, NCV

Text Truth: Jesus is a good friend when I am sad.



Family Devotional

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.
—John 11:32-35

In our Bible Story, Jesus went to see His friends Mary and Martha because He knew they were sad. What did Jesus do when He saw Mary and Martha crying? Did He tell them to stop being sad? No, Jesus was a good friend and was sad with them. Jesus is always a good friend. So, when anyone asks you, “Who is always a good friend?” You can tell them, “Jesus is always a good friend!”

A friend loves you all the time. —Proverbs 17:17, NCV

With your family, take a piece of paper and write a list of things that make you sad. It’s not fun to think about what makes us sad, but it’s good to remember that Jesus is a good friend when we’re sad. Have each member of your family write down something that makes them sad. And make sure they write down their name next to the thing that makes them sad.

Pray with your family. Allow any family members to pray if they wish. In your own words, say, “Dear God, sometimes we feel sad when things like (read the list your family made) happen. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our friend when we’re sad. Knowing that Jesus loves (say each family member’s name) all the time is the best feeling! We love You, God! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

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Some story illustrations are in the Public Domain.

All story illustrations are the property of their respective owners.
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