Teach children how Elijah was taken up to heaven and the calling of Elisha with this fun Bible lesson.
Learning Objectives
- Children will learn about Elijah’s final moments and how Elisha was chosen to continue God’s work.
- They will understand that God calls people to serve Him in special ways.
- They will discover that God’s power continues through those He calls.
Introduction: Try this!
Ask the children: “Have you ever had to say goodbye to someone you love? How did it feel?”
Activity Idea: Play a “Passing the Torch” game where children pass a flashlight around while music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the flashlight shares one way they can serve God.
Explain that today’s story is about two special prophets, Elijah and Elisha, and how God’s work continues even when people have to say goodbye.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 2:9b (NIV):
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
Practice it with hand motions for “inherit,” “double portion,” and “spirit” to help children remember it!
Bible Story Summary: Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21; 2 Kings 2)
After Elijah had experienced God’s gentle whisper on Mount Horeb, God gave him a new mission: to anoint Elisha as the next prophet in his place.
Elijah found Elisha working in the fields, plowing with oxen. Elijah approached him and threw his cloak over Elisha, symbolizing that God had chosen him. Elisha immediately understood. He left his oxen, prepared a farewell feast for his family, and followed Elijah as his assistant, ready to serve and learn.
Years later, when Elijah knew it was almost time for him to leave this earth, he and Elisha traveled together. Elijah kept trying to tell Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha refused, he wanted to stay with his teacher until the very end.
As they crossed the Jordan River, Elijah struck the water with his cloak, and the river divided so they could walk across on dry ground. Then Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before he was taken away. Elisha requested a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit, a way of asking to continue Elijah’s mission with even greater strength.
Suddenly, a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated them. Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind while Elisha watched in amazement!
Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen and, when he struck the river with it, the waters parted again. This miracle showed that God’s spirit was now with Elisha, just as it had been with Elijah.
Elisha’s journey as God’s prophet had begun!
Lessons from the Story
- God calls us to serve Him faithfully.
- When we follow God’s calling, He gives us the strength and courage we need.
- God’s work continues through new leaders and generations.
Creative Ways to Teach This Lesson
- Fun and engaging worksheets: Use worksheets that promote learning and independent work.
- Cloak Relay: Children wear a “cloak” (a simple scarf or towel) and race to “pass the cloak” to the next child to symbolize passing God’s mission.
- Chariot of Fire Craft: Create fiery chariots using paper plates, colored tissue paper, and glitter to remember Elijah’s amazing departure.
- Double Portion Blessing: Have children list two special ways they can be a blessing to others, reflecting Elisha’s request for a double portion.
Closing Encouragement
Encourage the children that God still calls people today to do His work. Even when goodbyes are hard, God’s plan continues.
Optional Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for calling us to serve You. Help us to be faithful like Elisha and to trust in Your power. Amen.”
Explore More with Our Resource!
Dive deeper into this amazing Bible story with our Elijah Taken Up to Heaven Bible Lesson !
This printable pack includes fun worksheets, coloring story pages, and interactive activities that will bring Elijah’s dramatic departure and Elisha’s calling to life in your classroom or homeschool. Available in both English and Spanish!
