In this lesson, children learn that God hears when His people cry out to Him, even when they have not always done what is right. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Use the story, the memory verse, and the activities below to help children remember that God is merciful.
Big Idea
God hears us when we ask for help, and He is kind even when we make mistakes. We can always turn to Him, and He will listen.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 13:4
Jehoahaz begged the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them.
(WEB)
Teach children to cup their hands beside their ears, then fold their hands together as if praying. Say the verse slowly while they listen with their hands, then pray with them. Repeat it three times together so the motion helps them remember.
The Story: 2 Kings 13 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king of Israel named Jehoahaz. He was a bad king. He did not follow God and he led the people of Israel to do wrong things too. Because the people turned away from God, God let their enemies, the Syrians, come and make life very hard for them.
The Syrian army was so strong that Israel had very few soldiers left. The people were scared and sad. Jehoahaz was worried too, so he prayed. He said, “Lord, please help us!” He did not pray perfectly, but he called out to God from his heart.
God heard Jehoahaz. He saw how hard life had become, and He gave Israel a savior. The people were set free from the Syrians and could live safely in their homes again. But even after that, many of the people still did not follow God. God was patient with them anyway.
Later, a king named Joash came to the throne. He also did not follow God perfectly. When the prophet Elisha became very sick and was dying, Joash came to visit him. He cried and said, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He was sad and afraid to lose Elisha, the man who had helped Israel for so many years.
Elisha gave Joash a special job. He told him to take a bow and arrows, and to shoot an arrow out of the window toward the land of Syria. Then he told Joash to strike the ground with arrows. Joash struck the ground only three times, and then he stopped. Elisha was disappointed, because Joash could have won more victories if he had kept going.
After Elisha died, a dead man was thrown into Elisha’s tomb and came back to life when he touched Elisha’s bones. God’s power was still at work. Even though Israel’s kings were not perfect, God remained faithful to His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He did not destroy His people.
Read It Together
2 Kings 13:23
But the LORD was gracious to them, and had compassion on them, and had respect for them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, and he didn’t cast them from his presence as yet.
(WEB)
Explain that God was gracious even when His people were not faithful. Help children see that God keeps His promises even when we make mistakes. Say that God’s love does not depend on how good we are.
2 Kings 13:21
As they were burying a man, behold, they saw a band of raiders; and they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. As soon as the man touched Elisha’s bones, he revived, and stood up on his feet.
(WEB)
Describe how God’s power was still working even after Elisha had died. Let children know that God can do amazing things, and that His power is bigger than anything we can see. Remind them that God is always with His people.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Israel do when they were in trouble, and what did God do for them?
- Why do you think God kept His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob even when the kings did wrong?
- How did Joash feel when Elisha was sick, and why do you think he cried?
- What is one thing you can ask God for help with this week?
- How does it make you feel to know that God is patient and kind even when we make mistakes?
Activity Ideas
Ear and Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace one of their hands and draw a big ear on the paper next to it. Inside the hand, have them write or draw one thing they want to pray about. Let them share their picture with the class or family, and then pray together for those things.
Arrow Toss Game
You will need a cardboard box, a few soft balls or rolled-up socks, and masking tape. Tape a line on the floor and set the box a few steps away from it. Let each child take turns tossing the balls into the box. Count the throws together, and talk about how God hears every prayer, even the small ones, just as He heard Jehoahaz.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pen. Each day this week, have your child write or draw one thing they want to pray about on a strip and put it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together, read the requests aloud, and thank God for listening and caring.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God hears the cries of His people and remains faithful to His covenant, even when leaders and people turn from Him. The kings of Israel were not good examples, yet God showed mercy and kept His promise to the patriarchs. For adults, it is a reminder that God’s grace does not depend on our performance, and that He acts in faithfulness to His own word.
Avoid overstating to children that God always gives us exactly what we ask for, or that wrong choices never have consequences. Keep the focus on God’s character: He listens, He is merciful, and He keeps His promises. Let children understand that God’s answers may look different from what they expect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for listening when we call to You. We are sorry for the times we do not follow You well. Help us remember that You are kind and patient with us, and that You always keep Your promises. Help us to pray to You with our whole hearts every day. Amen.
