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A prophet died, leaving debts his widow and two sons could not pay. The creditor decided to take the two sons as slaves to pay the debt. When the widow begged for Elisha’s help, the Lord miraculously provided them with enough oil to sell and pay off the debt.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 4:1-7

Outline:

1. The desperate widow of a prophet approaches Elisha. (2 Kings 4:1)
2. Elisha directs a miracle that multiplies oil and saves the widow’s sons. (2 Kings 4:2-7)

Tips for teaching children:

• Ask the children to think about how they would have felt if they had been the sons in this story.
• Provide olives and olive oil so the children can touch, smell and even taste them.
• Draw pictures of jars in various shapes and sizes.
• Provide jars and water so younger children can reenact the pouring of oil into jars. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Read the story aloud from three or four different translations.
• Bring a small jar of olive oil to the classroom and bring various kinds of olives for the class to enjoy tasting.  
• Divide the class into groups of three or four and challenge them to write down all the different ways the ancient world utilised oil from the olive tree.  Asking Google or AI is encouraged.  After a short period of time, ask each group to share what they came up with.  Compare each group's answers.  Did any group come up with a use that no other group did?
• Discuss the following:
  • God uses what we have to bless – even if it's just one jar of olive oil.  How has God used you or what you have to bless others?  
  • God protects and provides for the vulnerable.  Why is God so concerned for those who are vulnerable, such as widows, children and the poor?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Elisha and the Widow’s Oil

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org