This lesson teaches children that the LORD alone is the true God, and that he hears and answers the prayers of his people. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
There is only one true God, and he is strong enough to answer when we pray to him. We do not need to be afraid of anyone else who claims to be God.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 18:21
Elijah came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you waver between the two sides? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people didn’t say a word.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and point to the sky on the word “God” and sit down on the word “follow.” Ask them to do it together three times until the verse feels familiar in their bodies.
The Story: 1 Kings 18 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Ahab who ruled the land of Israel. He did not love the LORD. He worshiped a false god named Baal, and the whole land was dry because there had been no rain for a long time. God sent a prophet named Elijah to go and speak to the king.
Elijah found Ahab and said, “Gather all the people of Israel on Mount Carmel, along with the prophets of Baal.” Ahab did as Elijah asked. Everyone came together on the mountain to see what would happen.
Elijah stood in front of the people and asked them a question. “How long will you keep changing your mind about who to follow? If the LORD is God, follow him!” The people were quiet. They did not know what to say. So Elijah made a plan.
Elijah said, “Let the prophets of Baal pick a bull, cut it up, and put it on the wood. Then they will call on their god to send fire. I will do the same and call on the LORD. The god who answers with fire is the true God.” The people agreed that this was a good plan.
The prophets of Baal called out to their god all morning long. They shouted, they danced, and they even cut themselves. But nothing happened. There was no voice and no fire. Then Elijah poured water all over his altar and prayed a short, simple prayer to the LORD. Right away, fire fell from heaven and burned up everything, even the water. All the people fell on their faces and shouted, “The LORD, he is God!”
That same day, God sent rain to the dry land, just as he had promised. The drought was over because the LORD had answered his servant Elijah.
Read It Together
1 Kings 18:24
You call on the name of your god, and I will call on the LORD’s name. The God who answers by fire, let him be God.” All the people answered, “What you say is good.”
(WEB)
Point out that Elijah asked the people to watch which god would answer with fire. Explain that a true God answers his people, while a false god cannot hear or answer anyone.
1 Kings 18:36-37
36 At the time of the evening offering, Elijah the prophet came near, and said, “The LORD, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Hear me, the LORD, hear me, that this people may know that you, the LORD, are God, and that you have turned their heart back again.”
(WEB)
Show children that Elijah’s prayer was short and simple. He asked God to make himself known to the people so their hearts would turn back to him.
1 Kings 18:39
When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces. They said, “The LORD, he is God! The LORD, he is God!”
(WEB)
Ask children to notice how the people reacted when they saw God’s power. Point out that they fell down and worshiped the LORD and confessed that he is God.
Talk About It
- What did the people on Mount Carmel have to choose between that day?
- How do you think the prophets of Baal felt when nothing happened to their altar?
- What did Elijah do to show that his God was real and not pretend?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to see his fire fall from heaven?
- What is one way we can show that the LORD is the only God in our lives?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Altar Drawing
Give each child a paper plate, crayons, and a pencil. Have them draw an altar with wood and stones on the plate, then color a bright orange fire rising from it. As they draw, talk about how Elijah built his altar with twelve stones. Let children take their plate home to remind them that God answers prayer.
Fire From Heaven Relay
Set up two cones or chairs at one end of the room and a line of children at the other end. Have the children pass a small beanbag from one to another, running and passing it to the cone or chair. Each team tries to bring the beanbag to the finish line before the other team. Afterward, explain that only the LORD could send fire from heaven, and no other god could do it.
Rain Jar at Home
Gather a clear glass jar, water, and a few cotton balls. Help your child fill the jar with water and squeeze a cotton ball into the top to make a cloud. Talk about how God sent rain after Elijah prayed. Encourage your child to pray to God every day, the way Elijah did.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that the LORD is the one true God who alone is able to answer prayer and send fire and rain. Elijah stands alone against a whole crowd of false prophets, and yet God proves himself faithful. The chapter also shows that God calls his people to stop wavering and choose to follow him.
Be careful not to make the story about a magic trick or make children afraid of fire or of God’s power. Keep the focus on God’s love and faithfulness, and remind children that the LORD cares about his people and answers when they call on him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank you that you are the only true God. We are glad that you hear us when we pray and that you answer us. Help us to follow you every day and to never be afraid of anyone else. Thank you for your love and your faithfulness. Amen.
