This lesson teaches children that the one true God is the only God who can help us, and that He keeps His word. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for the story, a memory verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
There is only one true God, and He always keeps His promises. When we need help, we go to Him, because He is the God who is really there.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Teach children to cup both hands together like a little book, then slowly open them wide as they say the verse. Repeat it three times, speaking slower each time, so the words sink in.
The Story: 2 Kings 1 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named Ahaziah lived in the city of Samaria. One day he fell down through a window in his upstairs room, and he got very sick. He wanted to know if he would get better, so he sent messengers to ask a false god named Baal Zebub, who was worshiped in a town called Ekron.
But God saw what the king was doing. He sent His angel to a prophet named Elijah and told him to go meet the messengers. Elijah was a man who wore a hairy coat and a leather belt. God wanted the messengers to know that there is a true God in Israel, and that the king should not look to anyone else.
When the messengers came back, they told the king what the man had said. The king knew right away who it was. “It’s Elijah!” he said. So he sent a captain with fifty soldiers to bring Elijah down from the hill where he was sitting. The captain shouted, “Man of God, the king says, Come down!”
Elijah answered, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from the sky.” And fire came down and burned up the captain and his fifty men. The king sent a second captain with fifty men, and the same thing happened. Then the king sent a third captain. This captain was wise. He fell on his knees and begged Elijah to spare his life and the lives of his men.
God’s angel told Elijah, “Go down with him. Don’t be afraid.” So Elijah went down to the king. He told the king that because he had asked a false god for help instead of the true God, he would not get better. And just as God had said, the king died.
Read It Together
2 Kings 1:3
But the LORD’s angel said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and tell them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel, that you go to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron?
(WEB)
Point out that God sent His angel to speak to Elijah even though the king had not asked God for help. Ask children to notice that God knows what people are doing, even when they think no one is watching.
2 Kings 1:10
Elijah answered to the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from the sky, and consume you and your fifty!” Then fire came down from the sky, and consumed him and his fifty.
(WEB)
Help children see that Elijah’s words came from God, not from himself. Explain that this verse shows God’s power and that He is serious about being the only God His people should trust.
2 Kings 1:15
The LORD’s angel said to Elijah, “Go down with him. Don’t be afraid of him.” Then he arose, and went down with him to the king.
(WEB)
Show children that God told Elijah not to be afraid, and that he went down with the captain. Point out that God takes care of His servants even in frightening moments.
Talk About It
- Who did the king ask for help when he was sick, and why was that a mistake?
- How do you think Elijah felt when he saw the captains coming up the hill?
- What did the third captain do differently from the first two, and what can we learn from him?
- Where do we go when we are scared or sick, and why is God a good place to go?
- How does knowing that God is the only true God help you trust Him each day?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Elijah Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, brown paper or yarn, and glue. Have each child draw a face on the plate, then glue yarn or brown paper on top for hair and a rough cloak. Add a leather belt made from a strip of brown paper. As children work, talk about how Elijah trusted God even when he was alone.
Fire From the Sky Movement Game
Ask children to stand in a line. Call out “Come down!” and have them crouch slowly. Then call out “Fire from the sky!” and have them jump up and wave their arms like flames. Play a few rounds, then ask, “Who really sends the fire?” Remind them that God is the one who is in control.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw “God is the only true God” on the front and a picture of something they might be worried about on the back. Encourage them to show the card to a parent at bedtime and pray together about that worry.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is not one option among many. The king turned to a false god in a moment of need, and God sent Elijah to remind Israel that He alone is the true God who knows and rules over all things. The chapter also shows God’s mercy toward the third captain, whose humble request was honored.
Avoid overstating the fire to children as a model for how God should always respond to people. Gently explain that Elijah spoke God’s word in a particular moment, and that God is still patient and kind toward those who come to Him humbly.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are the only true God, and that we can always come to You for help. Help us remember that You see everything and that You keep Your promises. When we feel scared or worried, help us trust You like Elijah did. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
