Toilet Paper Lazarus Game
The Toilet Paper Lazarus Game helps bring the Bible to life in a playful way. Youth often remember stories better when they get to move around and laugh. This game takes a story from Scripture and makes it real and fun. Kids will enjoy the challenge while also learning about Jesus and His miracles.
Games like this one can help young people connect with each other. They build teamwork, friendship, and trust. Wrapping someone in toilet paper might sound silly, but it opens the door to deeper conversations. It also helps the group feel more relaxed and ready to learn.
After the fun part, the group talks about the Gospel story. These reflection questions help youth think about faith, grief, and hope. They consider what it means to trust Jesus, even when life is hard. These ideas stay with them because the game gave them a reason to care.
This game works well for youth groups, retreats, or Bible classes. It can fit in a lesson about miracles, faith, or friendship with Jesus. Most of all, it invites laughter and learning together. When kids are having fun, they are also more open to hearing the good news.
Unwrap the Story of New Life
This game connects well with the Gospel story in John 11. Lazarus was dead and buried. But Jesus called him out of the tomb. He came out still wrapped in burial cloths. The toilet paper in the game helps young people picture that moment in a silly but helpful way.
The game also shows what it means to trust Jesus. Mary and Martha were sad, but they still believed in Him. Youth can talk about how they might feel when life is hard. Just like in the story, Jesus brings hope. He reminds us that even when things seem lost, He can bring new life.
This activity fits well with Lenten themes. It points to the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. It shows how Jesus has power over death. These are big ideas, but the game makes them easier to understand. Youth can laugh and learn at the same time.
It also helps young people see that Scripture is not boring. It is full of action, surprise, and meaning. By acting out the story, they get pulled in. It becomes real. And that helps them grow in faith.
Toilet Paper Lazarus Game Instructions
Materials Needed:
- Several rolls of toilet paper (2–4 per team)
- A Bible or printed copy of John 11:1-45
- A timer or stopwatch
- Space for teams to move around safely
- Optional: prizes or small treats for fun
Setup Instructions:
- Read the story of the raising of Lazarus from John 11:1-45 aloud to the group.
- Divide your group into teams of about 4–6 players each.
- Choose one person from each team to be “Lazarus.”
- Give each team a few rolls of toilet paper.
- Make sure there is space for the game where no one will trip or fall.
Game Play Instructions:
- Set a timer for 3–5 minutes.
- When the timer starts, each team wraps their “Lazarus” in toilet paper. Try to cover as much of them as possible.
- When time is up, stop wrapping. A leader or judge decides which team did the best job.
- Next, have a race to unwrap “Lazarus.” Teams unwrap their Lazarus as fast as they can.
- First team to finish wins the unwrapping challenge.
Extra Notes:
- Remind everyone to be gentle while wrapping and unwrapping.
- Do not wrap around the face, head, or neck.
- You can add a rule where “Lazarus” must stay still during wrapping, or make it funny by having them spin slowly.
- You can play music during the wrapping time to make it more exciting.
- For a cleaner game, use cheap white crepe paper instead of toilet paper.
Reflection
Life Comes from Jesus
Have you ever felt stuck or like something in your life was just over? That’s what happened to Lazarus. He died and was in the tomb for four days. People gave up. But Jesus didn’t. He showed up and called him back to life.
This game is a silly way to remember something very real. Jesus brings new life. The toilet paper makes us laugh, but it also helps us imagine what it was like when Lazarus came out of that tomb, still wrapped up like a mummy.
Sometimes we feel wrapped up too. Not in toilet paper, but in stress, fear, shame, or sadness. It can feel like we’re stuck and can’t move forward. But Jesus calls us out of that. Just like Lazarus, He tells us to get up and live again.
Jesus didn’t show up right away in the story. But He came. And He cared. He even cried. That tells us something important. He doesn’t ignore our pain. He enters into it with us.
This game is a chance to laugh and remember that faith can be fun. But it’s also a way to see the power of Jesus clearly. He brings life. Even in dark places. Even when things feel hopeless.
So the next time you’re feeling stuck, think about Lazarus. And remember that Jesus is still calling people to new life. That includes you.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for calling us out of darkness. When we feel stuck or sad, help us remember that you bring life and hope. Help us listen to your voice and trust your love. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What does the story of Lazarus show us about Jesus?
- Have you ever felt like you were “wrapped up” in something hard?
- Why do you think Jesus waited before coming to help?
- What does it mean to hear Jesus calling you to new life?
Resources
Click here to view and print a copy of the Toilet Paper Lazarus game instructions
Click here to view and print a copy of the Life Comes from Jesus reflection
More Youth Ministry Games
If you enjoyed the Toilet Paper Lazarus game, be sure to check out more fun ideas on our youth ministry games page. Games help bring Scripture to life and keep your group engaged. They also give teens a chance to laugh and connect while learning about faith.
Our youth ministry games page has lots of easy-to-use ideas for your next gathering. Whether you’re planning a lesson, retreat, or just need an icebreaker, you’ll find something that fits. Visit the page to explore more games like the Toilet Paper Lazarus game and keep your youth group energized and excited to learn.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
Unbound and Alive
Looking for a fun way to illustrate the story of Lazarus for your youth group or classroom? This vivid image is now available for download!
Use it in bulletins, newsletters, or lesson plans to highlight themes of new life and faith in Jesus. Perfect for Lent or any session on the raising of Lazarus.
Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork (without watermarks) free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
If you would like this image to be made available as a specific product (card, poster, mug, etc.) or as an extra high resolution image for personal use just post a comment about what you want and we will create a link to our online store for you.
Questions and Answers for the Toilet Paper Lazarus Game
What age group is the Toilet Paper Lazarus game best for?
The Toilet Paper Lazarus game works best for middle school and high school youth. Younger kids can play too, but they may need more help from leaders.
How many players do we need for the Toilet Paper Lazarus game?
You need at least six people to make two small teams. It works better with larger groups so you can have more teams and more fun.
How much toilet paper should we bring?
Plan on 2 to 4 rolls of toilet paper for each team. If you have extra, bring it along just in case.
Is the Toilet Paper Lazarus game messy?
It can be a little messy, but cleanup is easy. Be sure to pick up all the paper after the game. You can also use crepe paper if you want less mess.
Can we play the Toilet Paper Lazarus game outside?
Yes, it works well outside on a nice day. Just make sure it’s not too windy or the paper will blow away.
Is the Toilet Paper Lazarus game safe?
Yes, but remind everyone to be gentle and not wrap faces or necks. Make sure the play area is clear so no one trips.
Wrapped Up in the Fun
Laughter and learning can go hand in hand. This game proves that Scripture doesn’t have to be boring. Wrapping a teammate in toilet paper may seem silly, but it helps bring a powerful story to life. Teens will remember the moment when Lazarus was called out of the tomb, still wrapped up, just like in the game.
The game helps youth think about being stuck and then being set free. It’s a good way to talk about new life, forgiveness, and trust in Jesus. Those deep ideas stick better when paired with something active and fun.
It also opens the door to good conversation. After the wrapping and unwrapping, the group can sit down and talk. That’s where the real impact happens. The laughter fades, but the lesson stays.
Use this activity during Lent, in lessons about miracles, or when teaching about Jesus’ power over death. It’s a great way to break the ice and open hearts.
Your Turn
Try this game at your next youth ministry gathering. It’s easy to set up, and your group will have a blast. It’s a fun way to connect with the Gospel of John and talk about faith in action.
Have you already played the Toilet Paper Lazarus game? Tell us how it went! Share your tips, rule changes, or funny moments in the comments. We’d love to hear how your group made the game your own.
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