Elisha

Temple Workshop
Passing on your Faith

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Review of Elijah’s story as a great prophet of God – I Kings 17 and 18 (Bible Background)

Scripture Reference:
Read II Kings 2:1-22

Leader Preparation:

• Read the scripture ahead of time.
• Gather the materials.

Supplies List:

• Transparent sheet protectors
• Vis a Vis markers or erasable board markers
• Transparency insert showing a body outline or smiling face
• Blank white paper behind
• Paper insert showing a cross or Jesus

Presentation

Opening-Welcome and Lesson Introduction:

Greet the children and introduce yourself.

Open with a prayer.

Dig-Main Content and Reflection:

Discussion Questions:

• When Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of his spirit, what was he saying?
• How did Elijah respond to this request? “You have asked a hard thing.” “If you see me as I am being taken from you…”
• Why this request from Elijah, to stay with him to the end?
• • Elijah did not want to be alone as he left the earth?
  • Companionship?
• Elijah knew that Elisha would be blessed by God if he witnessed this miracle? Did Elijah know what was about to happen?
• Elijah and Elisha both knew that we grow in faith by “staying close” to those whose faith is strong… by watching how they live and observing their ACTS of FAITH!

Faith is the substance of:
Things hoped for, the evidence of
Things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Faith is not perceived by the 5 senses.
Seen Heard Smelled Tasted Touched

We can however SENSE faith in those around us by witnessing their actions and hearing their words. Observing ACTS of FAITH

Certainly Elisha learned many things by observing and following Elijah and growing in his faith through Elijah’s ACTS.

So….
Our faith cannot be seen. It is invisible! Unless we act upon it.

Martin Luther said
“Where there are no good works, there is no faith.
If works and love do not blossom, faith is not genuine faith.
The Gospel has not yet gained a foothold and Christ is not yet rightly known.”

When we grow in faith- our good works are seen by others and Christ shines through us.

• Show the transparent sheet protector to symbolize our “invisible” faith.
• Slide in the paper and transparency to represent a person. (With Jesus slid in behind)
• “Think of this as a person you know to be faithful.
• When you sing the song you have been practicing, Thank You (Ray Boltz). Who comes to mind?
• Is there someone in your life who is “giving to the Lord”, whose ACTS of FAITH are making a difference in your life?
• That person who may be your Elijah? Whom you want to stay with and receive a portion of their spirit?
• Name that person in your heart.
• Tell us about them. How are they “Giving to the Lord”?
• Write on the transparency or draw pictures to represent what these faithful people do to let Christ shine through them.
• Pray
• Worship
• Read the Bible
• Care for others, visit sick or elderly
• ???

• After writing on the transparency, draw out the paper behind the shape of human to reveal a picture of Jesus or the Cross.
• How can He shine through us if we are not transparent,
• If we are not acting on our faith?
• How can we receive his blessings and share a portion of another’s spirit if we are hanging out with people who’s acts are less than faithful?

Closing:

Before you go. Remember the person you have named in your heart. I would like them to get this letter from you. You may wish to take the letter and deliver it in person… or add a note and mail it… or send it anonymously.
You may wish to leave a name with me and I will mail or deliver your thank you note. You may sign it or send it anonymously.
Have the children add what they wish and fold letters place in an envelope and write whom it is for on the outside. Letters can be placed in a basket for the teacher to mail.


Dear Friend,
Our Sunday School at Elim Church in Randall, is doing a study of Elisha
from II Kings 2:1-22.
This week we discussed how our faith is passed on, and how we, like Elisha, want to stay close beside those whose faith, and acts of faith, we admire. Those people who we can see Christ through.
Someone in our class this week has named you as that person in their life. That person for whom this song, by Ray Boltz, was written for and about.

Thank You
I dreamed I went to heaven And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing And someone called your name
We turned and saw a young man And he was smiling as he came
And he said, “Friend, you may not know me now” And then he said, “But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer I asked Jesus in my heart”
“THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD
I AM A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED
THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD
I AM SO GLAD YOU GAVE”
Then another man stood before you And said, “Remember the time
A missionary came to your church And his pictures made you cry?
You didn’t have much money But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave And that’s why I’m here today”
“THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD
I AM A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED
THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD
I AM SO GLAD YOU GAVE”
One by one they came Far as the eye could see
Each life some how Touched by your generosity
Little things that you had done Sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth In heaven now proclaimed
And I know up in heaven You’re not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand And you stood before the Lord
He said, “My child, look around you For great is your reward”
“THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD
I AM A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED
THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD
I AM SO GLAD YOU GAVE”

The Junior Choir will be performing on Sunday,_______________, and we invite you to come hear this message as well.

Thank you,
Elim Sunday School
Randall, Iowa



(To be read before singing “Thank You” to the congregation.)

We have been studying Elisha this rotation from second Kings, chapter 2. Our Sunday school has discussed how our faith is passed on to others. How we want to stay close to those people whose faith is strong, just like Elisha stayed close to Elijah.
The song we are about to sing gives thanks to a Christian “for giving to the Lord.” Please listen as we sing “Thank You,” by Ray Boltz (‘Bolts. The words are printed in your bulletin.

A lesson written by Deb Lunn – for non-profit use only

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.