Leader Guide
Video Leader Guide
Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.
Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.
Welcome (1 minute)
Hello, everyone and welcome back! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Lazarus.” Our lesson is about waiting. Have you ever waited for something or someone important?
Is it easy to be patient while you are waiting? No, it can be hard to wait!
One thing that we don’t need to wait for is a Savior. Jesus died on the cross for us so that we can be free from sin and shame. Through Him, our sins are forgiven and we can have new life—right now! Let’s not wait any longer to worship Jesus now as we sing, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
Play Video: (Song) What a Friend We Have in Jesus (2.5 minutes)
Preview the song so you can help the children sing along with the music.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)
Last time, we learned about the importance of spending time with Jesus. One way to do that is to worship Him, as we just did. What is another way to spend time with Jesus? In prayer, reading God’s Word.
Our SuperTruth today is: “I will wait upon the Lord.” What do you think it means to wait upon the Lord? To wait for Him to answer or move, to trust and have hope in Him.
Yes, when we wait upon the Lord, we show God that we trust Him to answer how and when He chooses.
In the Superbook adventure last time, what kind of record was Chris trying so hard to break? The world record for pogo stick bounces.
What happened to keep him from breaking the record? Joy called and needed his help.
For those who weren’t here last time, we’ll watch a short version of the video now. If you have already seen it, watch closely to see what Mary does when Jesus returns to Bethany.
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (11 minutes)
Condensed Bible Story
Superbook takes Joy, Chris and Gizmo to meet Jesus, who is told that his friend Lazarus is sick. Jesus delays visiting, and when He arrives, Lazarus has died. Jesus gives Lazarus an even greater miracle than healing—by raising him from the dead.
Discussion (2 minutes)
After hearing that Lazarus was sick, how many days did Jesus wait before He started on the journey to see him?
Two days.
Were you surprised that Jesus did not immediately go to Lazarus? Please explain. Yes, He loved Lazarus and his family. He could have prevented his death. Mary and Martha needed Him.
Jesus did not rush to help Lazarus. By waiting, Jesus accomplished far more for God’s glory. We will discuss why in our teaching today.
Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)
In the Bible Background video, we’ll learn more about Jesus, our Good Shepherd, the Son of God! We’ll also find out more about Jerusalem and the town of Bethany where the story takes place. When Gizmo asks a question, wait for him to give some possible answers, then call out the one you think is right!
Play Video 5: Bible Background (9 minutes)
Bible Background
Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 2
SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)
Psalm 27:14:
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
It is hard to wait, yet sometimes we must wait patiently for God to answer our prayers. By being patient, we demonstrate our faith in Him. We show that we trust Him to answer our prayers in His perfect timing, and that He will do what is best for us.
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If younger children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.
Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, it is never easy to wait for an answer. However, as we learned with Lazarus, a delayed answer may bring more glory to You! Help us to patiently wait on You and trust that Your timing is always perfect. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In Small Group today, you will play a really fun game. Are you ready to play—or would you rather wait?
Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.