Rotation.org Writing Team

ELISHA

CINEMA

PASSAGE

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15
Key/Memory Verse: "Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit." 2 Kings 2:9b [NRSV]

PURPOSE

See Bible Background.

Objectives

Children will:

Locate the story in the Old Testament.

Tell the story in their own words.

Define prophet, disciple, mantle.

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.

Discus ways they learn from parents and teachers and pick up their "mantles."

PREPARATION

Read Bible Background.

Materials List

• Beverages [Optional]
  
• Bibles
  
• Book – “Elisha” activity book from Nest Entertainment
  
• Copy machine
  
• Crayons or markers
  
• Cups or glasses [Optional]
  
• DVD or VHS Player and Monitor
  
• DVD or Video -- "Elisha" from Nest Entertainment
  
• Paper
  
• Popcorn [Optional]
  
• Napkins
  

Advance Preparation

Watch the video before it is shown to the class so you are familiar with it.

From the “Elisha” activity book, photocopy pages 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17. Color these pages, then glue them to card stock and laminate them. These will be sequencing cards. If possible, cut the caption off and attach to the back of the card to make sequencing a little more challenging.

PRESENTATION

Open – Introduction

Open with prayer.

Ask: Who is an important person in your life? Did you have a favorite teacher? What was special about that person? [Keep answers brief.]

Say: It's important for us to have people in our lives to encourage us, but mostly to share their faith. What are some ways people can share their faith?

Dig – Main Content

Have the children look up the story of Elisha in the Bible. Read 2 Kings 2:1-15 together, or take turns. It may be necessary to give a little background on Elijah. The two names are confusing, but they were both men of great faith.

Say: We are going to watch how Elijah passes his faith on to Elisha. You might want to point out specific things to watch for - comparing the video to the Scripture. Watch the first part of the video, and stop it when Elisha parts the water with the mantle and the prophets kneel down.

Reflect – Closure

Put the sequencing cards on the floor or table and ask the children to put them in the correct order. Use the following questions for discussion while they are putting them in order.

Ask:

Who was Elijah?

Who was Elisha?

Why could Elisha see the chariot?

What do you think Elisha was feeling when he saw the chariot?

Why did Elijah give Elisha his mantle?

When Elisha hit the water and it parted, did that remind you of anyone? [Moses parting the Red Sea.]

What did Elisha mean when he asked for a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit?

Receiving Elijah's mantle was a special reminder of his teacher. Have you ever received a special reminder from someone or of someone?

If there is time, view the rest of the video.

Say: "Elisha was trying to teach Gahazi as Elijah had taught him. Did Gahazi understand Elisha's teachings? What happened to him? [He didn't honor God and inherited Naaman's leprosy.] Ask: What are some ways we can honor God?

Close in prayer.

ADAPTATIONS

Adaptation -- Older Children

Use the activity sheets on page 33, 39, or 43 in addition to viewing the video or in place of the sequencing cards.

SOURCES

The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989.

"Elisha" activity book by Amy Binder, Kim Freeberg, Elke Hartleroad, Tony Salerno & Katherine Vawter. Irving, TX: Nest Entertainment, Inc., 1994.

CONTRIBUTOR: Julie Burton