Lesson 21 - Elijah
And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (2 Kings 2:11)
Elijah and the Ravens
Parent Explanation:
Elijah was a prophet who trusted God to take care of him. Even when there was no food because of the drought, God sent birds to bring Elijah bread and meat every day.
Questions to Ask:
What did the ravens bring to Elijah? (Answer: Bread and meat)
How did God take care of Elijah? (Answer: By sending food through ravens)
Hand Motions:
Bird Flying Gesture: Flap arms like wings to represent the ravens flying.
Eating Gesture: Pretend to eat, showing how Elijah received his food.
Activities:
Nature Snack Time: Use snacks to simulate the food brought by ravens and discuss how God provides for us.
Interactive Question: What are some ways God takes care of us?
The Widow at Zarephath
Parent Explanation:
Elijah asked a kind widow to share her last bit of food with him, promising that God would make sure her flour and oil didn’t run out. She believed and shared, and God kept His promise.
Questions to Ask:
What did the widow share with Elijah? (Answer: Her last meal)
What miracle did God perform? (Answer: He made sure her flour and oil never ran out)
Hand Motions:
Pouring Gesture: Pretend to pour from a jar, showing the oil and flour.
Sharing Hands: Extend hands out as if offering something.
Activities:
Sharing Game: Practice sharing toys or snacks to learn about generosity.
Question: How do you feel when you share with others?
The Contest on Mount Carmel
Parent Explanation:
Elijah wanted to show everyone that God is the only real God. When he prayed, fire came down from heaven and burned up his offering, proving God’s power.
Questions to Ask:
What happened to Elijah’s altar? (Answer: Fire came down and burned it)
What did this show about God? (Answer: That He is powerful and the only true God)
Hand Motions:
Fire Gesture: Clap hands loudly to mimic the sudden appearance of fire.
Praying Hands: Fold hands in prayer to show how Elijah prayed.
Activities:
Fire Safety Lesson: Discuss fire safety in a simple way to connect with the story.
Question: What can we ask God for help with?
Elijah Flees to Horeb
Parent Explanation:
Elijah was scared and ran away to hide. He learned that God wasn’t in loud and scary things, but in a quiet, gentle whisper.
Questions to Ask:
Where did Elijah find God? (Answer: In a gentle whisper)
What does this tell us about God? (Answer: That He is always with us, even in quiet ways)
Hand Motions:
Whisper Gesture: Put finger to lips, then cup hand to ear as if hearing a whisper.
Comforting Hug: Hug yourself, showing how God comforts us.
Activities:
Quiet Time: Have a quiet moment to 'listen' for God, teaching calmness and attentiveness.
Question: What quiet things can we thank God for?
Elijah's Ascension to Heaven
Parent Explanation:
When it was time for Elijah to go to heaven, he didn’t die like most people. Instead, God sent a fiery chariot to take him up to heaven in a whirlwind!
Questions to Ask:
How did Elijah go to heaven? (Answer: In a chariot of fire)
What can we learn from Elijah’s life? (Answer: To be brave and trust in God)
Hand Motions:
Chariot Gesture: Pretend to hold the reins of a chariot, moving swiftly.
Whirlwind Motion: Spin around gently to mimic a whirlwind.
Activities:
Craft Time: Create simple fiery chariots from paper and craft materials.
Favorite Part: What did you like best about Elijah’s story?