Unit 14, Session 1
Dear families,
As Elijah’s time on earth was coming to an end, God appointed Elisha as a new prophet to His people. Elisha asked Elijah if he could inherit a double portion of his spirit. To this Elijah replied, “If you see me being taken from you, you will have it.” Elisha looked on as Elijah was taken up to heaven, and by God’s grace, Elisha received his request.
How did Elisha’s ministry point others to the one true God? Through miracles, God displayed His power through Elisha, confirming that he was a prophet. God also revealed his wisdom and truth by speaking through Elisha.
Through the many miracles Elisha performed, we not only see the power of God over His creation, but also His care and provision for people. From making bad water drinkable to healing Naaman––a commander from an enemy army––Elisha’s miracles pointed people to recognize the one true God. Only the Lord could raise a dead boy to life and miraculously meet the needs of the widow who was in debt. God’s spirit was on Elisha, empowering him to be a light to the people of Israel.
Elijah and Elisha were both special prophets, performing miracles and being messengers of God’s truth. But there is One greater than Elisha and Elijah. Jesus not only performed miracles and taught with authority; He is also the true Light of the world who saves people from sin. Help the children in your care understand that when we follow Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit who empowers us to be more like Jesus and shine like lights in the world, proclaiming to all that He is the one true God.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: Jesus died and came back to life so we can have life with God forever.
- Younger Preschool: Elisha was a man of God who did miracles. Jesus came and performed miracles. Jesus died and came back to life to save sinners so we can have God’s Spirit and life with God forever.
- Older Preschool: Elisha was a man of God who performed miracles. His story makes us think of Jesus—the Son of God—who performed miracles and rescues people from sins so we can have forgiveness and receive God’s Spirit.
- Kids: Elisha spoke the truth of God and performed miracles. Jesus taught with the authority of God and performed miracles as well. Elisha was a prophet, but Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Because we still have hearts that want to sin.
- Older Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have hearts that want to sin.
- Kids: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have a sin nature, but when Jesus returns, He will make us sinless like Him.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: Follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
- Younger Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
- Older Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. You must keep his commands and listen to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
- Kids: You must follow the LORD your God and fear him. You must keep his commands and listen to him; you must worship him and remain faithful to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
** Next week: Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh (Jonah)
Imago Dei Church Kids Ministry 