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God sent the prophet Elijah to tell King Ahab (7th king of Israel) that a terrible drought would come upon Israel because of his disobedience. Ahab’s evil wife, Jezebel, was so angry that she started having prophets of the Lord hunted down and killed. The Lord sent Elijah into hiding by a brook of water. The Lord kept Elijah safe. Twice each day, the Lord had bread and meat delivered to Elijah by unusual means – ravens. When the brook dried up, the Lord sent Elijah to the home of a poor widow. When Elijah stayed at the widow’s home, she miraculously had enough flour and oil to make bread. She never ran out. When the widow’s son died, Elijah raised him from the dead. The Lord took care of Elijah.
Bible verses used in this episode:
1 Kings 17
Outline:
- Elijah prophesied a drought and then went into hiding at God’s command. (1 Kings 17:1-6)
- God provided for Elijah through a widow from Zarephath. (1 Kings 17:7-16)
- Elijah raised the widow’s dead son. (1 Kings 17:17-24)
Tips for teaching children:
- For small children, hide a picture of Elijah and find him.
- Provide flour, oil and water and make bread together.
- Guide older children in reflection using the “God’s Story” reflection page.
Tips for teaching adults:
- Bring to class bread, oil and a burner and ask a couple of people to make flat bread in the classroom while you are having the class. Or you can bring to class some bread to share that you have made out of flour and oil. Recipe
- Ask the class to share any stories about drought that they might have experienced and how they and their community coped.
- There are three sections in our story today. Challenge the class to think of at least one way we can respond to each section in the story. Here are some ideas you can give the class to get them thinking: What are the issues of trust in the story? What can we learn about God’s provision and God’s power?
- Here are some further questions to ask: How does Elijah reveal his trust in God? How does the widow? How does God demonstrate his power over the weather? What does this say about the god, Baal, and his power?
- End the class with a prayer thanking God for his provision and empowering the class members to deepen their trust in God, especially when things look bleak.
Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: God Takes Care of Elijah
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org
