JESUS RAISES THE WIDOW’S SON

Based on:Luke 7:11-17

PREPARATION: In preparation ahead of time, it is well to read the story out loud, so you can both see the words and hear them spoken. After reading the story, close your eyes and imagine you are looking at the story taking place as you practice retelling the story out loud to check your memory. Then reread the story out loud to note where you made mistakes and try again. Repeat this process until you can tell the story smoothly and accurately. You may use your own words and cut down on the number of names, but stick exactly to the content of the Bible story.

INTRODUCTION: Bible storying is a powerful way to present Biblical truths to both adults and children.Teach this story after Jesus heals the centurion’s son.

STORY:

  • Tell the story ofJesus raises the widow’s son, from Luke 7:11-17.
  • Have the children act out the story, or do a puppet show or mime.
  • Does anyone want to retell the story?

DISCUSSION: Use some of these questions or add your own. Adjust them to the age of the children.

Observation questions: (What happened?)

  • Who died?
  • What did Jesus tell his mother?
  • What did Jesus say when he touched the coffin?
  • Then what happened?
  • What did the people say when they saw this?
  • Who else heard about this?

Understanding questions:(Why?)

  • What was Jesus thinking or feeling when he saw the widow?
  • What does it mean, “His heart went out to her”?
  • Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead. What does that tell you about Jesus?
  • Why did the people praise God?
  • What did the people think about Jesus? According to them, who was Jesus?

Application questions:(How does this relate to me?)

  • Jesus had compassion on the widow and her son. Does he also care about you and your family?
  • Jesus brought the dead man back to life. What power does Jesus have over death?
  • What hope does that give you? Can Jesus also give you new life, or life after death?
  • The people praised God when they saw this. What do you praise God for?
  • The news about Jesus spread. Have you told other people about Jesus?

Memory verse and coloring page: Luke 7:14-15. You can use a memory verse games to learn this.

Practice:

  • Divide into pairs to practice telling this story.
  • During the week, tell your family, friends and neighbors the story ofJesus raises the widow’s son.

Used in: Children’s CHE/Spiritual/Bible Storying/New Testament

Coloring pages are from Calvary Chapel and are available from

JESUS RAISES THE WIDOW’S SON

Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

(Luke 7:14-15 NIV)