Lifebridge Kids – Unit 13: The People Disobey
Solomon’s sin of idolatry had led to the kingdom splitting in two. Just as the people were divided against each other, they divided against God. They continued to try to worship the one true God along with false gods around them. As a result, God raised up prophets to speak on His behalf and warn the people to worship Him alone.
Lifebridge Kids meets every Sunday during regular Gathering Times – 8:30a, 10a or 11:30a
Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Elisha Served as a Prophet
God gave Elisha the same spirit that was in Elijah so Elisha could carry out his mission as a prophet. Years later, Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. God gives believers the Holy Spirit so they can share the gospel with the world.
One of the most popular events in track & field is the 4 x 100-meter relay. Each team has four runners who each run 100 meters. Runners pass a baton to the next runner—hopefully without dropping it. The fourth and final runner for the team is the anchor. The anchor is typically the fastest and most experienced runner, and it is their job to finish the race for their team!
Just as God had called Elijah to speak His words to the people, God also called a man named Elisha to be His prophet. The work Elijah had started was going to be passed on—like a baton in a relay race—to Elisha. Elisha asked for the same spirit that had powered the work of Elijah, so God gave His Spirit to Elisha to finish his mission. The people saw that Elisha had the same spirit, and they believed Elisha was God’s prophet to share God’s words with them.
Before returning to Heaven, Jesus commanded His followers to carry on with the mission of making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus passed the baton to His followers and told them to continue sharing the message of the gospel. All believers have this mission, and they have the Holy Spirit to help them. The Holy Spirit is God living with us and in us. The Spirit helps us to follow God and to carry on the mission of spreading the good news of Jesus to the world!
God gave Elisha the same spirit that was in Elijah so Elisha could carry out his mission as a prophet. Years later, Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. God gives believers the Holy Spirit so they can share the gospel with the world.
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
1. Elisha told Elijah that he would not leave him. Who has promised to never leave or abandon us?
Remind kids that Jesus promised us He would never leave us and that He would be with us always. Discuss how Elisha was a faithful friend, but that Jesus is a faithful friend forever. Encourage kids to remember Jesus is always with them.
2. How did people see the spirit of the Lord was on Elisha?
Discuss how Elijah performed miracles with God’s power. God’s spirit gave Elijah the ability to perform miraculous signs, like parting the water. Lead kids to understand that when Elisha performed the same miracle of parting the water, the people saw the spirit of God was also on Elisha.
3. How can we see the Holy Spirit in our lives?
Explain that the Holy Spirit comes to live within us when we place faith in Jesus. Discuss how the Holy Spirit helps to make us more like Jesus as we live by His Word. Remind kids of the fruit of the Spirit and how people can see the fruit of the Spirit at work in our lives.
4. How did Elijah follow the Lord, and how can we follow the Lord?
Discuss how Elijah followed the Lord by being obedient to do what God told him to do. We can also do what God tells us by being obedient to His Word. Explain that the Holy Spirit helps us to walk in God’s truth. (Read John 16:13.)
5. How do we know if we have the Holy Spirit living in us?
Remind kids that anyone who trusts in Jesus is given the Holy Spirit. Discuss how we can see the Holy Spirit at work in our lives by how we live. God uses His Spirit to bear good fruit in our lives such as kindness, love, and patience. (Read Gal. 5:22-25.)
6. What role does the Holy Spirit play in a believer’s life?
Discuss how the Holy Spirit plays many roles in a believer’s life. He empowers us to live for the Lord and share the gospel with others. He also helps us remember and understand what the Lord tells us through His Word. Encourage kids to follow the Spirit’s leading in their lives. (Read John 14:26.)
+ Take your family to a local track for a fun run.
+ Time each family member running a lap around the track or practice passing a baton while running.
+ Retell the story of Elijah and Elisha.
+ Remind your kids that Jesus has passed on the mission of making disciples to all His followers, and He has promised the Holy Spirit to help believers complete that mission.
