This lesson teaches children that God is always with His people, even when they cannot see Him, and that nothing is too hard for Him. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is always with us and He can do things we cannot. When we are scared, we can trust that God is stronger than anything we face.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 6:16
He answered, “Don’t be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall, then cross their arms over their chests and hold their own shoulders as a hug. Say the words slowly together while they hold the hug, reminding them that God is close and protecting them.
The Story: 2 Kings 6 for Kids
One day, the prophet Elisha and his friends needed a bigger place to live. They went down to the Jordan River to cut down trees for wood. While one man was chopping, his axe head flew off and sank into the water. He was upset because the axe had been borrowed. Elisha took a stick, threw it into the water, and the heavy iron floated up so the man could grab it.
The king of Syria was fighting against Israel. Every time he planned a camp, Elisha warned the king of Israel, and the Israelites stayed safe. The king of Syria got angry and asked his servants, “Who is telling the king of Israel my plans?” One servant said, “It is Elisha, the prophet in Israel. He even knows what you say in your bedroom!”
So the king of Syria sent horses, chariots, and a huge army to surround the city where Elisha was staying. In the morning, Elisha’s servant woke up, looked outside, and saw the enemy army all around. He was frightened and asked, “What shall we do?” Elisha calmly said, “Don’t be afraid. There are more people on our side than on theirs.”
Then Elisha prayed that God would open his servant’s eyes. The servant looked up and saw the mountain filled with horses and chariots of fire, protecting Elisha. God was surrounding them with His own powerful army. Elisha then prayed that God would make the enemy soldiers unable to see clearly, and He did. Elisha led them right into the middle of the city of Samaria.
When the soldiers could see again, the king of Israel asked if he should attack them. Elisha said no and told the king to give them food and water and send them home. So the soldiers went back to their king, and the enemy stopped raiding Israel for a while. God showed His people that He was able to take care of them in a surprising way.
Read It Together
2 Kings 6:17
Elisha prayed, and said, “The LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
(WEB)
Point out that Elisha’s servant could not see God’s army until God opened his eyes. Explain that God’s help is always there, even when we cannot see it yet.
2 Kings 6:20-22
20 When they had come into Samaria, Elisha said, “The LORD, open these men’s eyes, that they may see.” The LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the middle of Samaria. 21 The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, “My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?” 22 He answered, “You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.”
(WEB)
Show the children that Elisha did not take revenge but gave the enemy a feast. Explain that God can teach us to be kind even to people who are unkind to us.
2 Kings 6:33
While he was still talking with them, behold, the messenger came down to him. Then he said, “Behold, this evil is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?”
(WEB)
Explain that this verse shows a king who was very upset and had lost hope. Remind children that when they feel hopeless, they can still talk to God and trust Him.
Talk About It
- What did the servant feel when he saw the enemy army, and what did Elisha tell him?
- What did the servant see after Elisha prayed, and what does that tell us about God?
- Why do you think Elisha gave the enemy soldiers food instead of hurting them?
- What is something that makes you feel afraid, and how can you remember that God is with you?
- How can you show kindness to someone who has been mean to you this week?
Activity Ideas
Chariots of Fire Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a mountain, then add horses and chariots around the top. Have them color the chariots with bright red, orange, and yellow to show the fire. Let them talk about how God protected Elisha as they draw.
Floating Axe Head Game
You will need a small bowl of water, a light object like a cork or a cotton ball, and a paperclip. Let the children try to float the paperclip by setting it gently on the surface of the water. Talk about how God made the heavy axe head float, and how nothing is impossible for Him.
Stick and Stone Reminder
You will need a small smooth stone or a piece of wood and a marker. Have each child write “God is with me” on the stone or wood. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket or on a nightstand so they can remember God’s presence whenever they feel scared.
Teacher Notes
This chapter reminds adults that God sees and protects His people in ways we often cannot perceive. Elisha’s calm trust in God, even with an enemy army outside the city, shows that faith looks like confidence in God’s power rather than panic. The story also shows that God can turn enemies into guests, which points to His mercy as well as His strength.
Avoid suggesting that children will always see visible miracles when they pray or that God will always protect them from danger in the same way. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and His presence, which children can trust even when they cannot see His work.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are always with us, even when we cannot see You. Help us to be brave when we feel scared, and help us to remember that You are stronger than anything we face. Teach us to be kind to others, just as You are kind to us. Amen.
