Elijah and the Whirlwind

Elijah continued to be a prophet in Israel during the times of Kings Ahab, Ahaziah and Joram (7th, 8th, and 9th kings of Israel). Elisha became Elijah’s helper. When Elijah’s work as a prophet came to an end, a chariot and horses of fire appeared, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah’s special gifts were passed on to Elisha to continue the work of the prophets. Elijah was one of a handful of people in the bible that went straight to heaven without dying.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 2:1-18

Outline:

1. Elijah’s farewell tour and departure (2 Kings 2:1-12)
2. Elisha takes up Elijah’s ministry (2 Kings 2:1-12)

Tips for teaching children:

• Take the children outside to look at clouds. Find clouds that like things in today’s lesson (horses, chariot, Elijah or Elisha, a coat). Use this opportunity to talk about heaven.
• Teach young children how to draw loops that increase in size to form a whirlwind.
• Use paints or markers to illustrate the story.

Tips for teaching adults:

• This story can be read during the class time.  This can be organized as a dramatic reading, assigning different characters in the story to different readers or one person could read the narrative part, another be the voice of Elijah, another Elisha, and another could be the group of prophets.
• Spend several minutes discussing aspects of this text.  You could help start conversation by choosing some of the following discussion prompts: 
  • Describe the relationship between Elijah and Elisha.  What can we learn from this relationship?  
  • Why do you think the fiery chariot and horses come between Elijah and Elisha just before Elijah was taken up in a storm?  
  • What does the coat of Elijah represent?  
  • When Elisha asks for a ‘double-portion’ of Elijah’s spirit, what is he really asking for?
  • What legacy of faith do you want to leave?  
  • What legacy of faith do you want to leave your children and others?
  • What can you do to pass your faith to others who come after you? What can you do now to make this happen?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Elijah and the Whirlwind

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy 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