A Bible Lesson on Kindness and God’s Miracles
Discover how kindness and faith bring blessings in the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman with this Bible lesson and engaging activities!
Learning Objectives
- Children will learn the importance of showing hospitality and kindness.
- They will understand that God blesses acts of faith and generosity.
- They will see how God has the power to perform miracles in our lives.
Introduction
Start with a fun discussion: “Have you ever done something kind for someone just because you wanted to?”
Activity Idea: Create a “Kindness Chain”, each child writes one kind act they can do this week on a strip of paper, then link them together to form a chain. Explain how kindness connects us, just like in today’s story.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 13:2 (NIV):
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Make it memorable by using actions for “hospitality,” “strangers,” and “angels.”
Bible Story Summary (2 Kings 4:8–37)
Elisha traveled often, teaching people about God. In a town called Shunem, a kind and wealthy woman noticed that Elisha often passed by her house. She and her husband decided to build a small, comfortable room on their roof so that Elisha would have a place to rest whenever he visited.
Elisha was so thankful for their generosity that he wanted to bless them in return. His servant, Gehazi, told Elisha that the woman had no children. So Elisha called her and gave her a wonderful promise: “Next year, you will hold a son in your arms.”
The woman could hardly believe it! But sure enough, the next year, she gave birth to a baby boy, just as Elisha had said. The boy grew up happy and strong.
One day, while working in the fields, the boy suddenly became very ill. His mother held him in her arms, but tragically, he passed away. In her deep sadness, the woman rushed to find Elisha.
When Elisha arrived, he prayed earnestly to God. He lay upon the child, and through God’s power, the boy’s life returned! The woman’s sorrow turned into overwhelming joy as she hugged her living son once again.
This beautiful story reminds us of God’s compassion and mighty power, and how He honors acts of kindness and faith.
Lessons from the Story
- Kindness and hospitality are powerful acts that please God.
- God blesses us in ways we may not expect.
- God has the power to bring hope even in the darkest moments.
Creative Ways to Teach This Lesson
- Fun and engaging worksheets: Use worksheets that promote learning and independent work.
- Build a “Prophet’s Room”: Create a small “guest room” corner in class with simple decorations and talk about how we can welcome others.
- Kindness Challenge: Encourage kids to perform a random act of kindness and share about it next week.
- Miracle Story Drama: Act out the story, allowing children to play Elisha, the woman, her husband, and the son.
Closing Encouragement
Encourage the children to remember that God sees their kindness and rewards acts of faith and love.
Optional Prayer:
“Dear God, help us to be kind and welcoming like the Shunammite woman. Thank You for Your wonderful blessings and miracles. Amen.”
Explore More with Our Resource!
Dive deeper into this touching Bible story with our Elisha and the Shunammite Woman Bible Lesson!
This resource includes fun activities, a coloring storybook, and creative worksheets to help children connect with the lesson—available in both English and Spanish!
