The story of Lazarus is a compelling tale filled with valuable lessons and messages. As educators, using this narrative allows us to teach students not only about the events that unfolded, but also about the characters, key themes, and moral implications associated with the story. Here is an overview of the story of Lazarus and suggestions for teaching it to students effectively:
Summary of the Story of Lazarus:
The story of Lazarus can be found in the New Testament, specifically in John 11:1-44. Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus and brother to Mary and Martha, falls terribly ill in his home in Bethany. His sisters send word to Jesus, who is in a nearby town, that their brother’s health has deteriorated.
Instead of rushing back to cure Lazarus right away, Jesus decides to wait two more days before returning to Bethany. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Both Martha and Mary express their sadness and frustration over Jesus’ delayed arrival. They affirm their faith in him but are upset that he hadn’t come before their brother’s death.
Jesus asks for the tomb where Lazarus was laid to be opened. He prays aloud to God, thanking Him for always listening to his prayers. Then, with a loud voice, Jesus calls out to Lazarus: “Lazarus, come out!” To everyone’s amazement, Lazar-ús walks out of the tomb – alive – still wrapped in his burial clothes.
Teaching Approaches for This Story:
1. Discussing Key Themes:
There are pivotal themes that both teachers and students can extract from this story – faith, love, and transformation. Encourage students to explore each theme by asking open-ended questions that promote critical thinking:
– How did faith play a role in keeping hope alive during desperate times?
– How was the love between Mary, Martha, and Lazarus demonstrated throughout the story?
– What transformation did Lazarus undergo, and how did his resurrection impact others?
2. Character Analysis:
Lazarus, Jesus, Mary, and Martha are all central characters in this story. Examine their motivations, actions, and personal growth throughout the narrative. Students can create character profiles using direct quotes from the text to support their understanding of emotional states and relationships.
3. Comparing Different Resurrections:
Engage your students by comparing the story of Lazarus with other biblical stories involving resurrection or miraculous healing. Examples include Jairus’ daughter’s resurrection or Jesus healing the paralytic man. Students can discuss similarities and differences in each story while identifying how these resurrections challenge our ideas about mortality.
4. Creative Writing or Art Assignments:
Allow students to reflect on the story through art or writing projects. They can create a modern adaptation of the story using comics or sketches or write a letter from one character’s perspective about their experiences during Lazarus’ miraculous resurrection.
The story of Lazarus is a powerful narrative that fosters meaningful discussions among students about faith, love, and miraculous transformations. By incorporating multidisciplinary approaches, you can generate engaging conversations and promote deeper understanding of this remarkable biblical story.
