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 In addition to these publicly available lessons and ideas about Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2, you'll also want to check out The Elijah and Elisha Super Set of lessons. It teaches three major Elijah & Elisha stories in one super series. Written by our Writing Team for Supporting Members with an extra level of details and creativity. Set lesson summaries and Bible background are open to all.  The following Sunday School lessons and ideas are organized by teaching medium: arts and crafts, video, drama, puppets, software, cooking (foods), games, music, and more. Glean what you need, share what you can. 

Elisha Receives the Mantle From Elijah

Overview of all workshops in this Rotation:

  • Art: Discuss the passing of faith. Make decorations for this year’s Vacation Bible Camp. (An outreach effort to pass on our faith!)
  • Computer: Use Elijah & Jonah CD. **Used Neil MacQueen's computer lesson on this site link.
  • Drama: Use dramatic exercises to explore the ideas of leading/following and passing the mantle. Re-enact key aspects of the story. **Used Ruth Wilcox's lesson  https://www.rotation.org/topic/...4#565106356484521724
  • Games: Play a Cranium® type of game. Focus on the meaning behind the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha.
  • Cooking: Make sugar cookies to use as Elijah’s chariot wheel. Then, with food items, tell the story.
  • Video: Watch portions of the animated video Elisha from Nest Entertainment.


Note: These workshops were written for 1st through 6th graders though not all grades visit all workshops.

Scripture Reference:

2 Kings 2:1-15

Key Verse:

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 2 Kings 2:9b (NIV)

Rotation Objectives--at the end of the Rotation, participants will be able to:

  • Locate the story in the Old Testament of the Bible (3rd grade and up).
  • Define the words prophet and disciple.
  • Discuss the relationship between Elijah and Elisha – teacher/disciple.
  • Explore the meaning of Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit.
  • Explore the meaning behind Elijah's passing the mantle to Elisha.
  • Discuss ways they pick up mantles of faith from others and pass their faith on to others.


Story Background:

See the Bible background lesson material written by Jaymie Derden for Rotation.org here.




Lessons written by Carol Hulbert, as noted, from: First United Methodist Church
Ann Arbor, MI

Copyright 2007 First United Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI.
Permission to copy materials granted for non-commercial use provided credit is given and all cited references remain with this material

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

Last edited by Luanne Payne
Original Post

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Elisha Receives The Mantle From Elijah

Art Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:
Discuss the passing on of faith. Using a variety of paint or markers, decorate miniature 3-D paper hot air balloons for this year’s Vacation Bible Camp. (An outreach effort to pass on our faith!) Note: For VBS, which we call VBC – Vacation Bible Camp, we are using Cokesbury’s Lift Off. Substitute your decorating needs for this lesson to work in your situation. Or perhaps make decorations that are then given away.

For scripture and objectives, see above.


Leader Preparation:

  • Read the scripture for this lesson.
  • Read and reflect on the overview material provided for this lesson.
  • Prepare an opening and/or closing prayer in case you need one.
  • Gather the materials

Supplies List:

  • Easel with appropriate marker
  • A medical jacket (lab coat)
  • Purple Adventure Bibles; one marked with tabs (Law, History, etc.)
  • Bible tab writing kit: tabs, fine-line Sharpie pen
  • Bookmarks and pens
  • Balloon kits (paper miniature hot air balloons made of paper)
  • Paint – acrylic, Paint brushes
  • Various types of markers – get markers, paint markers
  • Paper towel
  • Table covers
  • Clothesline

Before Start of Class:

  • Spread the table covers over the tables.
  • Write the key Bible verse on the easel. Also write the following: “Elijah” “Elisha”
    “Prophet = messenger of God”
  • Make sure you know how to find Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River on the “Land of the Twelve Tribes” map in the back of The Adventure Bible.


Presentation

Opening- Welcome and Lesson Introduction:
Greet your students warmly, welcoming them to the Art Workshop. Introduce yourself and any other adults. Pass around a basket to collect any offering.
[Note: The Shepherd will be taking care of attendance while you are starting your lesson.]

Ask for any prayer requests. Ask if anyone would like to lead the group in prayer. Be prepared to say a prayer yourself, working in prayer requests. Use the Lord’s Prayer as the ending. A suggestion: “Dear God, Thank you for bringing us all here today. Thank you for teaching us about trusting you. Help us to learn about sharing our faith. Help us to learn that this is the way our faith can grow. (End with the Lord’s Prayer) Amen.”

Put on the medical jacket.
Ask: If I wore this type of jacket what sort of job would you say that I have?
Say: You would probably say that I worked in a medical field.
Ask: What if I wore a mantle, what would my job be? [In later weeks of the rotation the kids may know the answer – a prophet.]
Who knows what a mantle is?
Say: It’s not the same as a mantel that goes around a fireplace. The two words are spelled differently and mean something different. The kind of mantle we are talking about is a loose, sleeveless cloak. This mantle was the official garment of a prophet.
Ask: What is a prophet? (a messenger of God)
Say: Just as we can today, in the Old Testament times you could tell what some people did for a living by the kind of clothes or covering they wore. Our story today tells us about a special mantle worn by some pretty special people. Let’s take a look at our story and find out more.

Dig-Main Content and Reflection:
Say: There are two main characters in our story. They are both prophets. The two prophets we are going to learn about are named Elijah [pronounced: ee-LAI-juh] and Elisha [pronounced: ee-LAI-shuh]. Their names sound very familiar. [Refer to the easel.] Elisha was Elijah’s disciple.
Ask: What is a disciple?
Say: A disciple is one who follows and learns from a teacher; someone who tries to act as his or her teacher does. Jesus had disciples, people who followed his ways, who tried to act as he did. We too are Jesus’ disciples aren’t we?

Say: Because their names sound so similar it helps to remember that Elijah came before Elisha.
Teach the way to remember which prophet came first –just like in the alphabet, j (in EliJah) comes before s (in EliSha). [Refer to the easel.]

Ask: Where in the Bible would we read a story that Jesus learned when he was your age?
(in the Old Testament)
Why is the Bible divided into two testaments? (New Testament was written after Jesus was on earth; the Old Testament is the Bible that Jesus learned when he was a child)

Say: Besides being divided into two testaments, the 66 books in the Bible are further divided into collections.
Ask: Who knows what the first collection is called in the Old Testament? (Law, includes first 5 books)
Say: The second collection in the OT, that includes the book where our story is found, is part of a collection of Bible books called “History”. These books tell of the interaction of God with people in history. These stories happened thousands of years ago. If you have your own Bible today, be sure you receive a tab for the “History” section of your Bible. [Show the classroom Bible with tabs. Have the Shepherd do tabs for students who bring their Bible using the classroom Bible with tabs as an example.]

Distribute bookmarks and pens. Tell students that they can make notes about this passage on the back of the bookmarks. They may wish to write down that a prophet is a messenger of God. [Refer to the easel.]

Say: Now God had told Elijah to pick Elisha as his disciple. So Elijah went and found Elisha at home plowing his fields. In a dramatic, symbolic gesture Elijah threw his mantle over Elisha. Remember that a mantle was the symbol of a prophet. By putting the mantle on Elisha, Elijah was saying – YOU are now a prophet.
Ask: How do you suppose that felt to Elisha?

Distribute Bibles.

Say: Our story is found in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Second Kings.

Have them find the story in 2 Kings, chapter 2, verse 1. [Suggest using table of contents]

If this is a week early in the Rotation, read the scripture together (verses 1-15 following the plan below). Towards the end of the Rotation, ask the students if they can tell you the story. Have them check their Bibles for accuracy while you fill in info from the material below.

Reading plan:

  • Have someone read verses 1- 2. [In this reading Gilgal is pronounced GIL-gal.]
  • Have someone else read verses 3-4.
  • Have someone read verses 5-6.

Say: Place your bookmark at 2 Kings, chapter 2 and let’s turn to the maps in the back of this Bible.

Turn to the “Land of the Twelve Tribes” map. Point out the locations mentioned: Gilgal, Bethel, (Ask: Then where did they go?) Jericho, and the Jordan River.

Ask: People kept telling Elisha that Elijah would be taken from him…the company of prophets at Bethel, the company of prophets at Jericho… And Elisha kept saying, “don’t speak of it.” What was up with that?
Say: Elisha sounds like an ordinary person doesn’t he. We all don’t like talking about events we aren’t looking forward to.

Ask: What about Elijah telling Elisha to “stay here.” What do you think that is about?
Say: Elisha sure was devoted to Elijah; he didn’t want to leave him.

  • Have someone read verses 7-8.
  • Have someone read verse 9.

Ask: Who can recall the inheritance customs of the time? [from learning about Jacob & Esau]
Say: In those days, before a father died, he would pass his property on to his sons. Everyone would get an equal share, except the first-born son. That son would get twice as much as anyone else. Even though Elisha was not Elijah’s born son, he was like a son to him. He was asking for a first-born son’s blessing, and for Elijah to give him his most valuable possession, the quality of his spirit.

  • Have someone read verse 10.
  • Have someone read verses 11-12.

Say: Tearing your clothes was a sign of mourning.

  • Have someone read verse 13.

Say: Here they have used the word “cloak” for the word “mantle.”
Ask: What do you suppose it means that Elisha is picking up Elijah’s mantle?
Say: When Elisha picked that mantle up, not only would people now identify him as a prophet, he was agreeing that he was taking over where Elijah left off. That was a BIG job! Elijah was considered the greatest prophet in Old Testament times.

  • Have someone read verses 14-15.

Say: Let’s start on our art project and while we work we can discuss more of the story.

Introduce and explain the art project:
Show the hot air balloons.
Say: This year the theme for Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) is “Lift Off.” Our task is to embellish these hot air balloons to use as decorations during Vacation Bible Camp. When VBC is over, then you may take your balloon home.

Show them the materials they may use to decorate their balloons. Encourage them to use symbols that are appropriate! Have them write their name somewhere on the balloon. When the balloons are finished they may be hung up to dry on the clothesline strung in the room.

Discussion (while the kids are working):
[Discuss as much as you have time for.]

Say: Listen to this promo from the VBC material: “Your high-flying adventure is about to begin as you prepare to give your children a sky view of God’s power and Jesus’ love at this year’s LIFTOFF! Soaring to new heights with God.”
Ask: What would you say is the reason why our church does a VBC?
Say: VBC is a way of reaching out to the community, a way of teaching others about Jesus’ love. Your helping with the decorations is a way of sharing your faith in Jesus.
Ask: What are other ways that you share your faith with others?
How do we learn about faith from others that are around us?

Say: Elisha spent about 10 years with Elijah before Elijah was taken up to heaven.
Ask: What do you suppose Elisha learned all those years when he was Elijah’s disciple?
Do you suppose that he learned about having faith in God?
Do you suppose he learned from just watching Elijah?

Say: It turns out that our identity as individuals and as a community of faith, is woven together from those who come before us. Just as Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle, we can say that others pass on their mantle of faith to us.
Ask: Who is passing on the mantle of faith to us?

Say: Elijah’s mantle was probably made of animal hair. A mantle was the official garment of a prophet. It was also a symbol of sacrifice and commitment.
Ask: What are our “mantles” today?
What rituals and physical signs do we use as rites of passage?
What could we use to symbolize and remember these events?
Say: Elijah asked Elisha, “what I may do for you, before I am taken from you?”
Ask: How would you answer a question like that – what would you need to carry on the faith?
Say: Elisha wanted his inheritance – a double portion of it in fact.
Ask: What is our inheritance?
Do we want it? Or do we see it as a burden to avoid?

Closing:
Have everyone repeat the key verse:
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 2 Kings 2:9b

Say: Elisha asked for and received a double share of Elijah’s spirit. He picked up Elijah’s mantle and carried on the faith and belief in God that he had learned from Elijah. This week, look for ways you can pick up the mantle of faith from the people around you.


Resources:


A lesson written by Carol Hulbert for First United Methodist Church
Ann Arbor, MI 


Copyright 2006 First United Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI. 
Permission to copy materials granted for non-commercial use provided credit is given and all cited references remain with this material.

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

Last edited by Luanne Payne

Computer Workshop

Elisha Receives The Mantle From Elijah

We used the lesson written by Neil MacQueen located under computer workshop lessons here.




Drama Workshop

Elisha Receives The Mantle From Elijah

We used the lesson written by Ruth Wilcox located under drama workshop lessons here.





--Carol

Last edited by Luanne Payne

Elisha Receives The Mantle From Elijah

Video Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Watch about six minutes of the animated video Elisha from Nest Entertainment (and meanwhile, teach critical viewing). Participate in an exercise involving a hairdryer, cloth mantles, and paper dolls to help remember the story.

For scripture and objectives, see above.


Leader Preparation:

  • Read the scripture for this lesson.
  • Read and reflect on the overview material provided for this lesson.
  • Prepare an opening and/or closing prayer in case you need one.
  • Gather the materials.

Supplies List:

  • Easel with appropriate marker
  • Video: Elisha from Nest Entertainment
  • Video player and screen.
  • Snack items: goldfish crackers, paper cups, napkins, water pitcher
  • Bibles (for 3rd graders)
  • Story Bible for 1st and 2nd grade – The Young Reader’s Bible
  • Elisha Activity Book (also from Nest) from which pages 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 have been copied & made into 5 sequencing cards, and pages 5 & 11 have been enlarged & made into Elijah & Elisha pictures
  • Masking tape
  • “Mantle” cloth cut into strips 3 x 9 inches -1 per student
  • Cellophane or similar crinkly-crunch material - we used waxed paper
  • Hair dryer and extension cord
  • Paper-doll Elijah’s - printed from http://www.daniellesplace.com/  search for Lazarus Doll [Use the puppet with his eyes open. NOTE: You will need to join Danielle's Place to access this page. Do so, it is worth it.]
  • Markers
  • Small amount of water and cookie sheet.

Before the start of class:

  • On the whiteboard make a “Things to watch for” list. Include these items: Elijah and Elisha. Next to each of these, put up the Elijah and Elisha pictures with masking tape.
  • 2. Make sure you know how to use the TV/DVD player.
  • Cue the video to the beginning: at the “Family Entertainment presents” logo.
  • Roughly cut out the Elijah paper dolls. Set them aside.
  • Plug in the hair dryer using the extension cord. Do a test run of an Elijah cutout and mantle cloth flying up in the hair-dryer/blower whirlwind.


LESSON PLAN

Opening:

Greet your students warmly, welcoming them to the Video Workshop. Introduce yourself and any other adults. Pass around a basket to collect any offering.
[Note: The Shepherd will be taking care of attendance while you are starting your lesson.]

Ask: Who is an important person in your life?
What is special about that person?
Say: It’s important for us to have people in our lives to encourage us, but most important – is to have people in our lives that share their faith with us.
Ask: What are some ways people can share their faith? (allow a few answers)
Say: Today we will talk more about sharing our faith. But let’s have prayer time first.

Ask for any prayer requests. Ask if anyone would like to lead the group in prayer. Be prepared to say a prayer yourself, working in prayer requests. Use the Lord’s Prayer as the ending. A suggestion: “Dear God, Thank you for bringing us all here today. Thank you for teaching us about trusting you. Help us to learn about sharing our faith and our trust. (End with the Lord’s Prayer) Amen.”

Dig:

Say: There are two main characters in our story. They are both prophets.
Ask: What is a prophet? (a messenger of God)

Refer to the whiteboard and the “Things to watch for” list…
Say: The two prophets we are going to learn about are named Elijah (pronounced: ee-LAI-juh) and Elisha (pronounced: ee-LAI-shuh). Their names sound very close. We are going to watch a video about these two prophets. We are going to watch how Elijah passes his faith on to Elisha. First let’s review our story.

Ask: This story took place many years before Jesus was born. Where do you suppose would we find this book in the Bible? (in the Old Testament)
Say: Our story is found in a book of the Bible called Second Kings.

For 3rd grade and up:
Distribute Bibles. [Note: Bibles used are NRSV in this workshop.]

Have everyone find 2 Kings, chapter 2, verses 1-15.
[3rd graders will need more time to find the story. Have the Shepherd help you to check that everyone has found the story. They may use the table of contents to find 2 Kings. Make sure they understand the difference between chapter numbers and verse numbers.]

Ask: What heading is at the top of this chapter? (have a student read it)
What does the word “ascends” mean? (goes up)
Say: These headings give us a clue as to what our Bible story is about. This story is about Elijah going up into heaven. Before he ascends to heaven he passes on his faith to Elisha.
Ask: What does the next heading in this chapter say? (ask a student to read it)
What does “succeeds” mean? (comes after)
Say: After Elijah goes to heaven Elisha takes Elijah’s place in the task of being the main, number one, greatest prophet. I am going to use this story Bible to tell you our story.

For all students:
Read pages 176 and 177 in The Young Reader’s Bible. Show the pictures as you read.

Ask: What is another word we could use for helper? (word looking for: disciple)
Say: A disciple is one who follows and learns from a teacher, and who tries to act as their teacher does. Elisha was Elijah’s disciple.

Ask: Do you see this coat that Elijah put around Elisha?
What is another name for Elijah’s coat? [On the 1st week the kids won’t know this.]
Say: This coat is also called a mantle. It’s not the same as a mantel that goes around a fireplace. The two words are spelled differently and mean something different. The kind of mantle we are talking about is a loose, sleeveless coat. The story said, “As a sign Elijah put his coat” or his mantle “around Elisha.” A mantle is the clothing that a prophet wore. By putting the mantle on Elisha, Elijah was saying – YOU are now a prophet.

Say: Let’s watch the first part of our video. Now I want you to listen carefully for what is missing from this video story – what is missing from the Bible story that I just told you – and for what is added to this video story – what the producers of this video have added to the story.

Show the Video:
Have the Shepherd help distribute the snack.

START the video at the designated place (at the “Family Entertainment presents” logo).
VIEW 1 minute and 20 seconds of video…
PAUSE after Elijah says, “Come, there is much to do.”

Ask: How do you suppose Elisha recognizes Elijah? (allow all answers, perhaps he had met him before, perhaps because of his mantle)
Say: The producers of this video have added parts that are not in the Bible.
Ask: What was added to this story? (visit by the father; Elijah saying he was going to be taken up into heaven)
What do you think of the idea that they have added to the story? (allow all answers)
Now, what was missing from this video? (Elijah throwing his cloak over Elisha)
[Note: If the students have totally missed what was added or what was missing, feel free to REWIND and watch it again. Re-watching the material can only be a good thing.]

Go back to telling the story:
Hold open a Bible to indicate that you are telling the story from the Bible.

Say: Let me tell you some more of our Bible story. Elisha became Elijah’s faithful disciple. That meant Elisha was learning from Elijah about being a disciple. He was watching what Elijah was doing, and how he was handling people and situations. He was learning about trusting God.

Say: Elisha was Elijah’s disciple for about ten years. Then Elijah and Elisha traveled a final journey together. They made three stops in three different places. At each stop, Elijah instructed Elisha to leave. Elisha demonstrated his deep commitment to Elijah by refusing to leave, saying, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will not leave you.”
Say: Now Elijah and Elisha were not alone, a group of other prophets were nearby. No doubt they knew that Elijah would soon be taken up into heaven and they wondered who would succeed Elijah as the greatest prophet in the land.
The entire group came to the Jordan River. Elijah rolled up his mantle and struck the water with it. Immediately the water parted and the two of them crossed over on dry ground!

Say: Let’s watch to see how our video covers this part of the story. Remember to watch for what is added and what is not shown.

Show the Video:
HIT PLAY
VIEW 2 minutes and 5 seconds of video…
PAUSE after the river closes.

Ask: Who was the other group of people at the river? (the other prophets)
What was missing from this part of the video? (the conversations between Elijah & Elisha – the part where Elisha said he wouldn’t leave)
What has been added to this story? (much: Elisha saying I’ll never be able to do what you do; part about removing this mountain; Elijah asking God to show his power)
Why do you suppose those parts were added? (accept all answers)
Say: Perhaps the added parts help us to understand the story. Still, it is good to watch a video closely to see if it is telling the story the way it happened in the Bible.

Go back to telling the story:
Hold open a Bible to indicate that you are telling the story from the Bible. In later weeks of the Rotation, ask the students to tell you what happens next.

Say: When they had crossed the river, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours.”

Show the picture on page 179 of The Young Reader’s Bible.

Say: Suddenly a chariot and horses of fire appeared and carried Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw him taken up to heaven and cried out, “My father! My father!”
Elijah was gone…but his mantle had fallen to the ground. Elisha went and picked it up. Then he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan River.

Show the picture on page 180 of The Young Reader’s Bible.
Say: Elisha struck the water with the mantle saying, “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

Read page 181 and show this picture.

Say: Let’s watch to see how our video covers this part of the story.

Show the Video:
HIT PLAY
VIEW 1 minute and 45 seconds of video…
PAUSE after Elijah goes up to heaven & Elisha bows his head into the mantle.

Ask: What did you think of the chariot of fire?
What do you suppose the chariot of fire looked like? (allow all answers)
Was anything added or taken away from this part of the video? (no)

HIT PLAY
VIEW 40 seconds of video…
STOP the tape when the cottage appears.

Discussion:
Put the sequencing cards on the table, and ask the students to put them in the correct order.

Ask: When the waters were parted did that remind you of another Bible story? (Moses parting the Red Sea)

Ask: How do you suppose the company of prophets knew that Elisha was now the Lord’s prophet? (because Elisha had the Lord’s power – he could separate the Jordan River as Elijah had done before)

Say: Elisha had the Lord’s power.
Ask: Do you suppose that power was in the mantle? That whomever had the mantle would be powerful?
Say: No, the mantle itself wasn’t powerful. Remember that Elisha spent time learning from Elijah. Elijah taught him and passed on his faith.
Ask: What are your thoughts about the faith that have been passed on to you?
Has someone talked to you about Bible stories?
Has someone told you that Jesus loves you?
Ask: How do we learn about faith from those around us?
Elijah asked Elisha, “what I may do for you, before I am taken from you?” How would you answer a question like that – what would you need to carry on the faith?
To whom will we pass on our mantles?
How can you share with younger or older people, YOUR faith?

Re-Create the story scene:

  1. Give each student a small cloth representing their “mantle”. Using markers, have them write the names of three people in the church or their family who teach them about God.
  2. Hand out to each student a paper Elijah. If time allows, let them “dress” him quickly with markers.
  3. Place the cookie sheet on the center table. Have some water in the pitcher nearby. Have the hairdryer plugged in and close at hand.
  4. Give each student a piece of crunch paper or cellophane to make the “fire” sound in the story.
  5. Tell the students that we will re-create the story. You will play Elijah; they will be Elisha. Have everyone walk in a circle around the table, as you retell the story. Assume the role of Elijah and ask your young Elisha’s three times to stay behind. Have them respond as Elisha did: “As surely as the LORD lives, I will not leave you.”
  6. Then stop the action and ask the important question: “What do you want from me before I go?” And have the children respond with Elisha’s words, “I want a double share of your spirit; I want to continue your work.” Respond by saying, “It will be yours if you see me go.”
  7. Then say, “Suddenly, a chariot of fire pulled by a horse on fire came between Elijah and Elisha.” At this point all the students should make the flame noise as loud as they can.
  8. Continue by saying, “And Elijah was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind.” Startup the hairdryer and point it towards the ceiling. One by one have each student release their Elijah cutouts and mantles into the air stream. Have each one shout, “My Father my father.”
  9. After everyone has had a chance to see their Elijah go up in a whirlwind, turn off the hairdryer. Pour a small amount of water on the cookie sheet. Have the students strike the water just like Elisha did saying, “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” [Even a small amount of water will spritz just enough when struck.]

Closing:
Have the students collect their mantle.

Say: Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle and carried on the faith and belief in God that he had learned from Elijah. This week, look for ways you can pick up the mantle of faith from the people whose names you wrote on your mantle.

If you have extra time:
REWIND the video and watch it from the beginning to the stopping point.


Resources:

  • Binder, Amy et al. Elisha Activity Book. Irving, Texas: Nest Entertainment, Inc. 1994.
  • Bruno, Bonnie and Carol Reinsma. The Young Reader’s Bible. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1998.
  • Burton, Julie. Lessons on Elisha Receives the Mantle from Elijah: Cinema idea, 2007.
  • Derden, Jaymie. “Bible Background.” 2007.
  • MacQueen, Neil. "A MANUAL for the "VIDEO ~ A-V" WORKSHOP” https://www.rotation.org/topic...-video--a-v-workshop
  • MacQueen, Neil. "Elijah carried up to heaven Drama/Puppet idea"  https://www.rotation.org/topic/...4#564824880993318704  (activity w/ hair dryer which actually uses a leaf blower which we figured would be too disruptive)

A lesson written by Carol Hulbert for First United Methodist Church
Ann Arbor, MI


Copyright  First United Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI.
Permission to copy materials granted for non-commercial use provided credit is given and all cited references remain with this material

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

Last edited by Neil MacQueen

Elisha Receives The Mantle From Elijah

Cooking Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:
Make sugar cookies to use as Elijah’s chariot wheel. Then, with food items, tell the story.

For scripture and objectives, see above.


Leader Preparation:

  • Read the scripture for this lesson.
  • Read and reflect on the overview material provided for this lesson.
  • Prepare an opening and/or closing prayer in case you need one.
  • Gather the materials

Supplies List:

  • The cooking “cart” with aprons, etc.
  • The Beginner’s Bible (for 2nd grade) – bookmarked to page 218
  • Items in kitchen: cookie sheets, spatulas, hot pads, clean-up supplies
  • Items in storage room across from kitchen: napkins, cups
  • Pre-made sugar cookie dough – enough to make 2 cookies per student
  • Other ingredients: Extra flour; rolling pins, cups to use as cookie cutters, parchment paper, kitchen scissors, (or candied oranges or any other candy that is orange or red and is not too chewy), zipper storage bags, pull-apart licorice ropes, and Fruit-by-the-Foot (one 0.5 oz package for 4 students).

Before Start of Class:

  • Wash the metal tables.
  • Unwrap the Fruit-by-the-Foot (FBTF) but leave the paper backing on. Use scissors to cut each package of FBTF into 4 pieces. Cut one package for every four students. [Make sure that none of the pieces touch each other. If they are stacked, it is almost impossible to take them apart.]
  • If candied oranges were used, cut them into cookie-sized pieces, 2 per student.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Turn on vent fan (switch is to right of refrigerator).
  • For younger students, roll out the cookie dough ahead of time.
  • Items to have with you in the Social Hall: Prepared Fruit-by-the-Foot, licorice ropes, Candy Corn, napkins, and zipper storage bags


Presentation

Opening- Welcome and Lesson Introduction:
Gather everyone around the tables in the Social Hall. Greet your students warmly, welcoming them to the Cooking Workshop. Introduce yourself and any other adults. Pass around a basket to collect any offering. Remind everyone what the M&M project is: collecting money for Henderson Settlement mission.

[Note: The Shepherd will quietly take attendance, etc. while you are starting your lesson.]

Ask: Have you ever had someone help you do your homework?
Have you ever had someone teach you something new?
Say: Today we are going to talk about the experience of learning and teaching and what is called “the taking up of a mantle.”
Ask: Has anyone ever heard that term used, to “take up the mantle?” [Make sure the students don’t confuse a “mantle” with a mantel - the ornamental frame around a fireplace.]

Say: We will talk more about taking up the mantle. Let’s first begin with prayer.

Ask for any prayer requests. Ask if anyone would like to lead the group in prayer. Be prepared to say a prayer yourself, working in prayer requests. A suggestion: “Dear God, We are thankful to be here today to learn about your word. Help us to be open to learning about what it means to take up your mantle. (End with the Lord’s Prayer) Amen.”

Dig-Main Content and Reflection:
Say: There are two main characters in our story. They are both prophets.
Ask: What is a prophet? (a messenger of God)
Say: The two prophets we are going to learn about are named Elijah (pronounced: ee-LAI-juh) and Elisha (pronounced: ee-LAI-shuh). Elisha took up the mantle of Elijah. We can say that Elisha was a disciple of Elijah.
Ask: What is a disciple? (one who follows and learns from a teacher, and who tries to act as their teacher does)

Say: As I said, today we will learn about teaching, and learning – about being a disciple. For now you can all be my disciples as I teach you about making sugar cookies.

Have everyone put on aprons, wash their hands, and gather around the metal table.

Supply lumps of pre-made dough. Have them roll out the dough on the metal table. Use flour to keep things from being too sticky. Students should each cut out 2 cookies using cups as cookie cutters. Have them smush the two cookie shapes slightly together, so that they bake together on the cookie sheet. [The idea is to ultimately end up with two chariot wheels.] Label each child’s creation with pencil writing on the parchment paper. [Can use the excess dough to make cookies to share with coffee time.]

Place the Shepherd in charge of making sure they don’t burn! (Bake for 8-10 minutes.)
Have students wash their hands and return to the tables in the Social Hall.
[Have the Shepherd bring the baked cookies to the tables when they are ready.]

While the cookies are baking…
Say: Elijah was considered the greatest prophet in Israel. Elisha learned a lot from Elijah. He learned about how to be a prophet of God. Elisha was Elijah’s disciple.

Teach the way to remember which prophet came first –just like in the alphabet, j (in EliJah) comes before s (in EliSha).

Say: God had told Elijah to pick Elisha as his disciple. So Elijah went and found Elisha at home plowing his fields. In a dramatic, symbolic gesture Elijah threw his mantle over Elisha.

Ask: There is that word, mantle. What is a mantle anyway?
Say: A mantle is a loose, sleeveless cloak. Because of what happens in our story a mantle has come to represent something more than just a cloak. Let’s see if you can figure out what it has come to mean.

For 3rd grade and up:

Distribute Bibles.
Have everyone find 2 Kings, chapter 2, verses 1-15.
If this is the first week in the Rotation, YOU read the scripture to the students. In later weeks of the Rotation ask the students to tell you the story. Have them check their Bibles for accuracy.

For 2nd graders (who visit later in this Rotation):

Show the pictures on pages 219 – 223 of The Beginner’s Bible. Ask the students to tell you the story.

For all students:

Ask: So what do you suppose that “taking up the mantle” has come to mean?
Say: The taking up the mantle has come to represent a passing on of knowledge, faith and understanding.

If the cookies aren’t yet ready…
Say: The Chariot of Fire comes and takes Elijah. But his mantle is left behind.
Ask: What do you suppose was going through Elisha’s mind as he saw the mantle?
Do you suppose Elisha thought about what a hard job it would be to be the “main-prophet?”
Do you suppose that he was scared?

Say: Elisha's options were to follow in his friend’s footsteps and be faithful to God, or to play it safe and go home.
Ask:

  • What does Elisha decide to do? (to follow in Elijah’s footsteps)
  • What decisions do YOU need to make about being a disciple of Jesus?
  • What do you need to start doing? Stop doing?
  • Who can help you make these decisions?

When the cookies are ready…
Say: So our Bible story is about Elijah passing his mantle to Elisha. Let’s not eat our cookies yet. Let’s use them to practice re-telling our story.

Hand out napkins; Have each child open the napkin and lay it out in front of them.

Ask: So what is a mantle?
Give each student one piece of the Fruit-by-the-foot.
Say: Let’s pretend that this piece of FBTF is a mantle.

Ask: Where we can find the story about Elijah’s mantle in the Bible? (in the Old Testament)
The cookies you cut out were what shape originally? (round)
What letter does the circle represent? 
Say: The “O” shape reminds us the story can be found in the Old Testament.

Have the students place their “mantle” on their napkin and place the combined-cookie over the top of the “mantle.”
Say: Elijah and Elisha had been traveling together and Elijah said, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.”
Ask: What was Elisha’s response? (As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.)
Say: So they both went to Bethel.

Have children place a piece of rope licorice as though they are creating wheel spokes on their cookie “wheels.” [They may create one or both wheels.]

Say: Then Elijah said, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.”
Ask: What was Elisha’s response? (As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.)
Say: So they both went to Jericho.

Have children place another piece of licorice on their cookie, continuing to create spokes.

Say: Then Elijah said, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.”
Ask: What was Elisha’s response? (As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.)
Say: So the two of them walked on.

Have children place a final piece of licorice on their cookie.

Say: Upon reaching the Jordan River, Elijah removed his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water of the Jordan River, and much to Elisha’s surprise, the waters parted. And he thought to himself with wonder how God’s spirit and power was unleashed through that mantle!

Ask: Then what happened? (both crossed the river; Elijah asked for a double portion of spirit)
Say: Suddenly, a chariot of fire, pulled by horses of fire, swept down from the sky, carrying off Elijah before Elisha’s very eyes!

Pass out a few candy corns to each student. Have them place the candy corns in the center of their “wheels.”

Say: Now, if we look at what we’ve created we see Elijah’s chariot wheels with flames leaping from the hubs.

Ask: Now, who normally wears a crown? (a king)
Say: Our chariot wheel could also represent a royal crown. Our story today can be found in the Bible book of Kings. Because we have two wheels, we know our story can be found in Second Kings, Chapter 2. So to find the story in the bible just picture the wheels in your head anytime you want.

Ask: Going back to our story, as Elijah disappeared from view – what drifted from the sky falling gently at Elisha’s feet?

Say: Yes, Elijah mantle and if you all pick up your “chariot wheels,” there it is!

Ask the students to break their cookie in half. Half will be shared with someone else (not someone from class!) Have them place the half to share into a zipper storage bag.
They may eat the other half.

If time remains…
Ask the questions from the “If the cookies aren’t yet ready” section above …
AND/OR…
Ask:

  • Our identity as individuals and as a community of faith is woven together from those who came before us. Who is passing on the mantle of faith to us?
  • How do we learn about faith from those around us?
  • How can you share with younger or older people, YOUR faith?
  • Elijah passed on a physical mantle to Elisha. What are our “mantles” today?
  • What rituals and physical signs do we use as rites of passage? What could we use to symbolize and remember these events?

Closing:
Have everyone repeat the key verse:
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 2 Kings 2:9b

Say: Elisha asked for and received a double share of Elijah’s spirit. He picked up Elijah’s mantle and carried on the faith and belief in God that he had learned from Elijah. This week, look for ways you can pick up the mantle of faith.


Resources:

  • Lesson written by Carol Hulbert. Basic idea for this lesson came from Dianne McLaren-Brighton and from: Payne, Luanne. From a rotation.org posting: “Elijah passes his mantle to Elisha Ideas (not complete lesson plans).” 2007 Link.
  • Derden, Jaymie. “Bible Background.” 2007. 
  • MacQueen, Neil. “Elijah Rotation.” 2001. (some life-application questions)

Sugar Cookie Recipe

Note: This recipe was chosen and slightly edited because it is easy to manipulate – not too sticky or too crumbly. It is heavy dough – good to mix with your hands! The dough for our lesson will be made ahead of time as it rolls better if chilled.

2 cups white sugar
1 cup shortening (NOT butter or margarine)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 cups all-purpose flour

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Parchment Paper needs to be used on the cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes. Note: we used half of this recipe for each class. It made enough cookies for 8-12 kids plus they made some to share with the fellowship time. Another way of passing on…


A lesson written by Carol Hulbert for First United Methodist Church
Ann Arbor, MI 


Copyright 2006 First United Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI. 
Permission to copy materials granted for non-commercial use provided credit is given and all cited references remain with this material 

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

Last edited by Luanne Payne

Elisha Receives The Mantle From Elijah

GAMES WORKSHOP


Summary of Lesson Activities:

Play a game that involves answering questions, singing, acting, drawing, and sculpting – a Cranium® type of game. Focus on the meaning behind the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha. Explore the concept of modern-day picking up of mantles, including the benefits and challenges in doing so.

For scripture and objectives, see above.


LEADER PREPARATION

  • Read the Scripture for this lesson.
  • Read and reflect on the Bible Background provided for this lesson.
  • Gather the materials.

Supplies List

  • Bibles
  • Cardstock, 1 8 ½” x 11” sheet for every 2 students
  • Chalk or marker
  • Chalkboard or whiteboard
  • Copy machine or printer
  • Game Questions
  • Map showing Jericho and the Jordan River
  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Playdoh™
  • Timer or stop watch [Optional]

Before the Start of Class

  • Cut each 8 ½” x 11” sheet of cardstock into six pieces. Create one letter on each card: E, L, I, S, H, and A. Make enough sets of ELISHA cards to have one for every 2 students in the class.
  • Copy or print the game questions for use during the lesson.
  • Write the key verse on the board.


PRESENTATION

Open - Introduction

Greet your students warmly, welcoming them to the Games Workshop. Introduce yourself and any other adults.

Ask: How many of you have ever had someone help you do your homework?

How many of you have ever had someone teach you something new?

Say: Today we are going to talk about the experience of learning and teaching and what is called “the taking up of a mantle.”

Ask: Has anyone ever heard that term used, to “take up the mantle?” Make sure the students don’t confuse a “mantle” with a mantel - an ornamental frame around a fireplace.

Say: We will talk more about taking up the mantle. Let’s first begin with prayer.
Ask for any prayer requests. Ask if anyone would like to lead the group in prayer. Be prepared to say a prayer yourself, working in prayer requests. A suggestion: “Dear God, We are thankful to be here today to learn about your word. Help us to be open to learning about what it means to take up your mantle. Amen.”

Ask: This story took place many years before Jesus was born. Where do you suppose we would we find this story in the Bible? [In the Old Testament]

Say: Our story is found in a book of the Bible called Second Kings. Besides being divided into two testaments, the 66 books in the Bible are further divided into collections. We say that the book of 2 Kings is part of a collection of Bible books called “History.”

If you have time: Review the names of the first five books of the Bible, that they are part of a collection called “Law,” that the next 12 books make up the History section - Joshua through Esther.

Say: We are going to be playing a game today that will help us see how well we know our Bible story. Let’s review our story before we play our game.

Distribute Bibles if needed. Have the children find the story in 2 Kings, chapter 2, verses 1-15.

Say: The characters in our story are two prophets.

Ask: What is a prophet? [A messenger of God]

Say: The two prophets we are going to read about are named Elijah and Elisha. We can say that Elisha was a disciple of Elijah.

Ask: What is a disciple? [One who follows and learns from a teacher, and who tries to act as his or her teacher does.]

Say: Elijah was considered the greatest prophet in Israel. Elisha learned a lot from Elijah. He learned about how to be a prophet of God.

Teach the way to remember which prophet came first -- just like in the alphabet, “j” in EliJah comes before “s” in EliSha.

Say: God had told Elijah to pick Elisha as his disciple. So Elijah went and found Elisha at home plowing his fields. In a dramatic, symbolic gesture Elijah threw his mantle over Elisha.

Ask: There is that word, mantle. What is a mantle?

Say: A mantle is a loose, sleeveless cloak. Because of what happens in our story a mantle has come to represent something more than just a cloak.

Read the Bible story to the students.

[Note: After the second week of the Rotation the students will become more familiar with the story. Have them locate the Scripture in their Bibles. Then ask them to tell you the story. Have them check their Bibles for accuracy.]

Ask: What has the mantle come to represent? [A passing on of knowledge, faith, and understanding]

Dig - Main Content

Play the Game

Divide the class into teams with 2 persons on each team. (Having 3 on a team is OK.)
The team with the member whose birthday is closest to today goes first.

Game Play Rules:

Each team is trying to collect letter cards to spell the name ELISHA.

There are 6 different types of activities. Doing each activity correctly wins the team a letter towards spelling “Elisha.” The first team to spell “Elisha” wins though it is recommended that play continues until all teams have spelled “Elisha” or time almost runs out. Leave time for the closing.

The six different activities are:

E = Energizing Factual Questions
L = Life Application Questions
I = Interesting Drawings
S = Sculpting
H = Have-to-do-it
A = Act it out.

The I and S activities are to be done by one team member while the other team member(s) try to guess what is being depicted. So show these cards (or read them quietly) to one member of the team.

Other game hints:

Bibles are an important tool in this game; encourage use for readers.

When someone draws an “L” type question: explain that there are no right or wrong answers. The workshop leader will determine whether the answer earns a letter.

Use every opportunity during game play to allow discussion that may occur from a particular question/answer.

You may wish to set a time limit on how long the students have to answer the questions.

Closing

Using the key verse written on the white board, have everyone read the key verse. Then ask a student to erase one word. Then have everyone read the verse filling in the missing word. Have the students take turns erasing words each time reading the verse aloud as a group. You may consider that each time you read the verse you say it in a different way – whispering, while standing on one foot, slowly, quickly, and so forth.

Say: Elisha received a double share of Elijah’s spirit. He picked up Elijah’s mantle and carried on the faith and belief in God that he had learned from Elijah. This week, look for ways you can pick up the mantle of faith.


ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS

Adaptations - Younger Children

Leave out looking up the passage in the Bible.

For the Energizing Questions offer multiple-choice responses. For example, the question: How did Elijah part the water? Offer (a) He stretched out his staff over the water. (b) He hit the water with his cloak or mantle. (c) He threw a stone in the water.

A children’s Bible with this story is The Beginner’s Bible. Brentwood, TN: Mission City Press, 1989. Pages 218-223.


Resources

Derden, Jaymie. “Rotation.org Writing Team: Bible Background.” 2006.

MacQueen, Neil. “Elijah Rotation.” 2001.  (some life-application questions)


 

GAME QUESTIONS

The E’s – Energizing Factual Questions -- Allow use of Bibles to help answer these questions.

In what book of the Bible is our story found? [2 Kings]

When Elijah met Elisha, what was Elisha doing? [Plowing, 1 Kings 19:19]

Name one of the towns that Elijah and Elisha were near? [Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho]

What river did Elijah and Elisha cross together? [Jordan River, 2 Kings 2:7-8]

How did Elijah part the water? [He used his cloak or mantle, 2 Kings 2:8]

When Elijah asked Elisha what he requested, what was it Elisha asked for? [A double share of your spirit, 2 Kings 2:9]

How would Elisha know his request was granted? [He would see Elijah taken from him, 2 Kings 2:10]

How was Elijah taken away? [By a whirlwind, 2 Kings 2:11]

What did Elisha do when he saw the chariots of fire and Elijah taken up to heaven? [He called out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And then he tore his clothes in two pieces. 2 Kings 2:12 Elisha’s exclamation likely means that he had seen the vision and thus he was assured of his request. Tearing his clothes would be a traditional expression of mourning.]

The L’s – Life Application Questions -- There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Use material from the Bible Background to help you discuss these questions with the students.

Do you suppose Elisha was greedy to ask for “a double share of your spirit?”

Our identity as individuals and as a community of faith is woven together from those who came before us. Who is passing on the mantle of faith and discipleship to us?

Elijah laid the foundation for Elisha’s ministry, just as those who go before us provide a foundation for our learning. How do we learn about faith from those around us?

The Chariot of Fire comes taking Elijah. But his mantle is left behind. Elisha's options were to follow in his friend's footsteps and be faithful to God, or to play it safe and go home. He chose to follow. What decisions do you need to make about being a disciple of Jesus? [And if you don't sense a decision now, how can you prepare yourself for the “day of decision” – your “Jordan river crossing” that will surely come?]

Who around you in your daily life needs you to be their hero? How can you show or share with younger or older people, your faith?

Elijah asked Elisha, “what may I do for you, before I am taken from you?” How would you answer a question like that – what would you need to carry on the faith?

Elijah passed on a physical mantle to Elisha. What are our “mantles” today? What rituals and physical signs do we use as rites of passage? What could we use to symbolize and remember these events?

God has provided us with spiritual leaders who share their loving presence. What are the advantages of carrying this mantel forward (or is it a burden)?

The I’s – Interesting Drawings -- One team member draws while other team member tries to guess what is being drawn. Stick figures are ok.

Quickly draw: Elijah wearing his mantle

Quickly draw: Elijah and Elisha walking together

Quickly draw: Elijah separating the waters of the Jordan [Hint: Elisha would be there too]

Quickly draw: Elijah and Elisha crossing the Jordan River

Quickly draw: a chariot of fire

Quickly draw: Elisha separating the water of the Jordan River

Quickly draw: Elisha tearing his clothes into two pieces

Quickly draw: The company of prophets bowing down to Elisha

The S’s – Sculpting -- One team member sculpts while other team member tries to guess what is being sculpted.

Sculpt: Elijah and Elisha walking together

Sculpt: The company of prophets

Sculpt: Elijah wearing his mantle

Sculpt: the parted Jordan River

Sculpt: Elijah and Elisha crossing the Jordan River

Sculpt: a chariot

Sculpt: a fiery horse

Sculpt: Elisha holding Elijah’s mantle on the banks of the Jordan River

The H’s – Have-to-do-it

Find Jericho on the map.

Find the Jordan River on the map.

Sing the key verse using whatever tune you’d like.

Do the key verse in a rap.

TRUE OR FALSE: Three times Elijah asked Elisha to stay where he was. Each time Elisha said he would stay. [False, each time Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” Elisha was surely devoted to Elijah!]

TRUE OR FALSE: The company of prophets had been watching Elijah and Elisha at a distance. They saw Elijah taken up into heaven. [False, in fact they searched for Elijah]

Team members say the memory verse together.

We all need to keep on learning new things from others around us. Teach an adult in the room a new dance step.

The A’s – Act it out

Act out Elijah and Elisha walking to Jericho and what they said to one another. [2 Kings 2:4]

Pretend that one of you is the company of prophets. Act out what they say to Elisha and what he says back. [2 Kings 2:5]

Act out Elijah striking the water with his mantle. Then be Elijah and Elisha crossing the river.

Act out Elisha asking Elijah for a double share of his spirit. [Use the key verse in your acting.]

Act out Elijah’s response to Elisha’s request for a double share of his spirit. [2 Kings 2:10]

Act out Elisha watching the chariots of fire and his response. [2 Kings 2:12]

Act out Elisha going back across the Jordan River. [2 Kings 2:14]

Elijah was taken into heaven in a whirlwind. Make the sound of what that whirlwind could have sounded like.



A lesson written by Carol Hulbert for First United Methodist Church

Ann Arbor, MI

Copyright 2006 First United Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI.
Permission to copy materials granted for non-commercial use provided credit is given and all cited references remain with this material

Last edited by Luanne Payne

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