Crystal Bowman - Jesus Raises Lazarus

Jesus Raises LazarusStory by Crystal Bowman
Pictures by Valerie Sokolova Anyone who believes in me will live,
even if he dies. John 11: 25 Every child learns to read in a different way and at his or her own speed. You can help your young reader improve and become more confident by encouraging his or her own interests and abilities. You can also guide your childs spiritual development by reading stories with biblical values and Bible stories, like I Can Read! books published by Zonderkidz. From books your child reads with you to the first books he or she reads alone, there are I Can Read! books for every stage of reading:

	SHARED READING Basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with your emergent reader.
	BEGINNING READING Short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children eager to read on their own.
	READING WITH HELP Engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play for developing readers.
	READING ALONE Complex plots, challenging vocabulary, and high-interest topics for the independent reader.
	ADVANCED READING Short paragraphs, chapters, and exciting themes for the perfect bridge to chapter books.

I Can Read! books have introduced children to the joy of reading since 1957. Featuring award-winning authors and illustrators and a fabulous cast of beloved characters, I Can Read! books set the standard for beginning readers.

A lifetime of discovery begins with the magical words I Can Read!
Visit www.icanread.com for information on enriching your childs reading experience.
Visit www.zonderkidz.com for more Zonderkidz I Can Read! titles.

A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his two sisters. Their names were Mary and Martha. They were all friends of Jesus. Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to make their brother better. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he did not go to see him right away. Jesus waited for two whole days. Jesus waited for two whole days.

Then he said to his helpers, Lets go to Bethany to see Lazarus. Jesus helpers did not want to go. The people will try to hurt you, they said to Jesus. But Jesus said to his helpers, If we go while it is light, we will be safe. Our friend Lazarus is just sleeping. I will wake him up, said Jesus.

Jesus helpers hoped that Lazarus was having a good nights sleep. He must be getting better, they said. But Jesus knew that Lazarus had died. When Jesus got to Bethany the people were sad. Lazarus has been in his grave for four days, they told Jesus.
Martha ran to meet Jesus. Jesus said to Martha, Your brother will be alive again. Jesus said to Martha, Your brother will be alive again.

Everyone who believes in me will live forever. Do you believe this, Martha? Yes, said Martha. I know you are the Son of God. Mary was very sad. Martha went to her sister. Jesus is here, Martha said.

He wants to see you. So Mary went to see Jesus. If you had been here, she said, my brother would not have died. Jesus was sad when he saw Mary and Martha crying. Where is he? asked Jesus.
In his grave, they said. Jesus went to the grave where they had put Lazarus. Jesus went to the grave where they had put Lazarus.

It was a cave with a big stone in front of it. Move the stone away, said Jesus. It will be smelly, said Martha. He has been dead for four days.