This lesson teaches children that God takes care of his people and keeps his promises, even when a faithful helper has to say goodbye. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is faithful. He was with Elijah, and he stayed with Elisha after Elijah was gone, just as he promised.
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)
Hold both hands up high, then slowly bring them down and fold them on your heart as you say the verse together. Do it three times, getting a little slower each time, so the words sink in.
The Story: 2 Kings 2 for Kids
Elijah was a prophet of God, and his helper was a young man named Elisha. One day God was ready to take Elijah up to heaven. Elijah and Elisha walked together from place to place, and everywhere they went, Elijah asked Elisha to stay behind.
Each time, Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, I will not leave you.” He stayed close to Elijah all the way to the Jordan River. Other prophets along the way told Elisha that God would soon take Elijah away, and Elisha quietly said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.”
At the river, Elijah rolled up his cloak and struck the water. The water split apart, and the two of them walked across on dry ground. Then Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before he was taken away. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.
Suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cried out, “My father, my father!” He tore his clothes in grief. Then he picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen down.
Elisha went back to the Jordan and struck the water with Elijah’s cloak. He asked, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” The water split again, and Elisha walked across. The other prophets saw this and said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.”
Later, Elisha healed a bad spring of water in the city of Jericho by throwing salt into it. God made the water good to drink. The people learned that God was with Elisha just as he had been with Elijah.
Read It Together
2 Kings 2:11
As they continued on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
(WEB)
Point out that God used a chariot of fire and a whirlwind to take Elijah home. Ask children to notice that nothing was too big for God, and that Elijah did not have to be afraid.
2 Kings 2:14
He took Elijah’s mantle that fell from him, and struck the waters, and said, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” When he also had struck the waters, they were divided apart, and Elisha went over.
(WEB)
Show how Elisha took the cloak that fell from Elijah and asked, “Where is the LORD?” Explain that Elisha wanted to know that God was still with him, and God answered him.
2 Kings 2:21-22
21 He went out to the spring of the waters, and threw salt into it, and said, “The LORD says, ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or barren wasteland.’” 22 So the waters were healed to this day, according to Elisha’s word which he spoke.
(WEB)
Point out that God healed the water through Elisha’s obedience. Remind children that God can make bad things good, and that people who trust him can help bring that good news to others.
Talk About It
- What did Elisha promise Elijah again and again, and why do you think he kept that promise?
- How do you think Elisha felt when Elijah went up to heaven, and what helped him keep going?
- Why did Elisha ask God where he was before he crossed the river again?
- What did the other prophets see that made them say God’s spirit was with Elisha?
- How can you show that God is with you when someone you love has to leave?
Activity Ideas
Cloak and River Craft
Give each child a piece of blue paper for the river and a strip of brown or red paper for the cloak. Glue the cloak on the river so it looks like it is being lifted, and draw a few horses and a chariot in the sky above. Talk about how God was with Elijah and Elisha as they crossed the water.
Follow the Leader Across the River
Lay two long ropes or strings on the floor about a stride apart to make a river. Have one child lead while the others follow, stepping carefully across the “river” and stopping to say, “God is with me.” Switch leaders so every child gets a turn to be Elijah or Elisha.
Salt Water Reminder at Home
Give each child a small cup, a little salt, and a bit of water. Let them stir the salt in and watch it dissolve. Explain that Elisha used salt to show God could make things new, and ask the child to pray that God would make their day or their family’s day good, too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows God’s faithfulness across a transition of leadership. Elijah’s departure is marked by miraculous signs, and Elisha’s request for a double portion points to his desire to carry on the prophetic ministry. The healing of the water at Jericho shows that God’s power continues through his chosen servant.
Avoid overstating the story to children by turning the cloak or the salt into magic. Keep the focus on God’s character and his faithfulness, not on objects having power of their own. Also handle the bears passage gently and briefly if your group is young, emphasizing that it shows God’s seriousness about his name rather than dwelling on violence.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you were with Elijah and you stayed with Elisha too. Help us trust that you are with us, even when people we love have to go away. Make us brave like Elisha and ready to help others. Amen.
