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ELISHA RECEIVES THE MANTLE FROM ELIJAH

MISSION WORKSHOP

PASSAGE

Scripture Passage: 2 Kings 2:1-15
Key/Memory Verse: Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” 2 Kings 2:9b

PURPOSE

See Bible Background.

Objectives

Children will:

Locate the story in the Old Testament portion of the Bible.

Tell the story in their own words.

Define prophet, disciple.

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.

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

Memorize 2 Kings 2:9b.

Objectives for Mission Workshop

Explore the meaning behind Elijah's passing the mantle to Elisha.

Explore the work of Heifer International, focusing on their cornerstone of “Passing on the Gift,” which means recipients agree to share the offspring of gift animals with others in need.

Make a “Pass it On” container to remind children to share their own gifts.

The children will:

Hear the story of Elisha and the Heifer Project story.

Discuss what it means to pass on a gift in the context of each story.

Think of a gift they have been given that they can pass on.

PREPARATION

Read Bible Background.

Materials List

• Cardboard or craft foam
  
• Labels
  
• Magazines [Optional]
  
• Markers
  
• Materials on Heifer Project
  
• Paper scraps, 2 colors
  
• Pattern for doorknob hanger
  
• Pens
  
• Scissors
  
• Stickers
  

Advance Preparation Requirements

If you are not familiar with the work of Heifer Project International, familiarize yourself through print material or their website: www.heifer.org. Print materials can be ordered through the web or by calling 1-800-422-0474.

Create a visual display using the pictures from the Heifer materials (or on a computer display). Some of the online video resources that can be downloaded may be useful for older children.

Prepare doorknob hanger sample. Make two pockets on the front of the hanger. Mark one pocket as “To me” and one pocket as “From me.”

PRESENTATION

Open – Introduction

Welcome the children and begin with prayer. Tell the children that today they are in the mission workshop (or whatever you call it). Review or share the Bible story, focusing on the receiving and passing on of gifts and blessings.

Ask a child to write (or you write) the gift that Elisha received from God on one piece of paper (inherited Elijah’s spirit and mantle), and put it in the “To me” pocket of the sample doorknob holder. Ask a different child to write (or you write) what Elisha was able to give because of the gifts he received from God on a piece of paper of a different color (double Elijah’s miracles, double years of ministry), and put it in the “From me” pocket of the sample doorknob holder.

Dig - Main Content

Introduce Heifer Project to the children through the materials they provide. Talk about the way they provide help for people who have very little. Use a story from the website (print out the pictures and enlarge them if you use this option) or a storybook or video to discuss what it means to “Pass on the Gift” through Heifer Project International.

Ask a child to write (or you write) the gifts that a hungry person or family receives from Heifer Project on one piece of paper (an animal, training in caring for it), and put it in the “To me” pocket of the sample doorknob holder. Ask a different child to write (or you write) what that person is then able to give because of the gifts they received on a piece of paper of a different color (another animal, hope), and put it in the “From me” pocket of the sample doorknob holder.

Invite the children to think of gifts that they have received from others. When they get a new toy, is there a toy they already have that they could pass on? When they grow, can they pass on their outgrown clothing to someone in need? Invite children to write (or cut out pictures) gifts they have received on one color of scrap paper, and gifts they can give on the second color. Challenge them to have the same number of “To me” papers as “From me” papers.

Provide materials to each child to make a doorknob hanger that they can use to store the gifts they receive and the gifts they can pass on.

Reflect – Closure

Tell the children to use the hanger as a reminder to look for ways they can bless others each time they leave their room. Invite children to share their “to” and “from” lists. Close with prayer.

SOURCES

www.heifer.org

CONTRIBUTOR: Zola Griffin