In this lesson, children learn that God takes care of His people even when things seem impossible, using the story of Elijah, a widow, and her son. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always takes care of the people who trust Him, even when they have very little food or very big problems. He keeps His promises every single day.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 17:14
For the LORD, the God of Israel says, ‘The jar of meal will not run out, and the jar of oil will not fail, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth.’”
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, like they are holding a jar. Then slowly lift their hands high above their heads while saying the verse together, showing that God’s care keeps going and going.
The Story: 1 Kings 17 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a man named Elijah who spoke for God. One day he told the wicked king Ahab that there would be no rain in the land for a long time. God then told Elijah to go and hide by a little brook called Cherith. Every morning and evening, ravens brought him bread and meat to eat, and he drank water from the brook.
After a while, the brook dried up because there was no rain. God said, “Go to Zarephath, to a widow who will take care of you.” When Elijah reached the town gate, he saw a poor widow gathering sticks. He asked her for a little water and a bit of bread.
The widow told him she had only a small handful of flour and a little oil left. She was getting ready to make one last meal for herself and her son, and then they would have nothing more. But Elijah told her, “Don’t be afraid. First make a little cake for me, and then make some for you and your son. God says your jar of flour will not run out and your jar of oil will not run dry.”
The widow trusted God’s word and did what Elijah asked. Every day there was enough flour and oil for them to eat, just as God had promised. Later, the widow’s son became very sick and stopped breathing. Elijah carried the boy to his room, prayed to God, and stretched out over the child three times. God heard the prayer, and the boy came back to life.
Elijah brought the boy down to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!” The widow said, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that what the LORD says is true.”
Read It Together
1 Kings 17:4
You shall drink from the brook. I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”
(WEB)
Point out that God planned for Elijah to be fed by birds. Ask children to notice that God used even the ravens to take care of His servant. Remind them that God can use any creature or person to help His people.
1 Kings 17:15-16
15 She went and did according to the saying of Elijah; and she, and he, and her house, ate many days. 16 The jar of meal didn’t run out, and the jar of oil did not fail, according to the LORD’s word, which he spoke by Elijah.
(WEB)
Show children that the jar of flour and oil did not run out, because God kept His promise day after day. Explain that the widow had enough food every single day of the famine, which shows God’s faithful provision.
1 Kings 17:22
The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
(WEB)
Explain that God heard Elijah’s prayer and brought the boy back to life. Tell children that God hears our prayers too, and He has the power to do amazing things. Remind them that only God can give life.
Talk About It
- What did God use to feed Elijah when he was hiding by the brook?
- How do you think the widow felt when she had only a little flour and oil left?
- What did the widow do when Elijah asked her to share her food first?
- What happened to the jar of flour and the jar of oil during the time of hunger?
- How can we show God that we trust Him to take care of us?
Activity Ideas
Jar of Blessings Craft
You will need a clean empty jar, paper, markers, and small paper circles. Have children decorate the jar and write or draw one way God takes care of them on each circle. Let them drop the circles into the jar one at a time, reminding them that God’s blessings never run out, just like the widow’s jar of flour.
Ravens and Bread Game
You will need a small bowl, some pretend bread pieces made from paper or small balls, and open space to play. Have one child be Elijah and others be ravens who fly around and drop bread into the bowl. Players can take turns being the widow and say “God always provides.” Keep the game lively but focused on how God cares for His people.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a pencil or crayons. Write “God keeps His promises” on one side of each card and have children draw a picture of food or a jar on the other side. Encourage them to keep the card at home, on a bedside table or in a bag, and show it to a family member during the week while talking about how God cares for us every day.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is faithful to provide for His people in times of need, and that He is sovereign over nature, death, and life itself. For adults, the story also points to the power of trusting God’s word even when circumstances look hopeless, and it foreshadows the greater provision and life that God gives through Jesus.
When teaching children, avoid implying that God always rescues people from every hardship or that faith guarantees a particular outcome. Keep the focus on God’s character as the one who cares, hears prayer, and keeps His promises in His own way and time.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking care of us every day, just like You cared for Elijah and the widow. Help us to trust You even when we feel like we do not have enough. Thank You that You hear our prayers and keep Your promises. Amen.
