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A wealthy woman had an extra room built onto her house and furnished it comfortably for Elisha. Elisha and his servant used the room whenever they passed through the area of Shunem. In thanks for her help in preaching the word of God, Elisha told the woman that she would give birth to a son even though her husband was very old. She did give birth to a son, but after a few years, he died. The woman placed the boy’s body in Elisha’s special room and then went to find Elisha. Elisha came and raised her son from the dead.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 4:8-37

Outline:

1. An important woman shows hospitality to Elisha. (2 Kings 4:8-10)
2. The woman and her husband have a baby boy. (2 Kings 4:11-17)
3. The son becomes sick and dies. (2 Kings 4:18-21)
4. The woman fetches Elisha to save her son. (2 Kings 4:22-37)

Tips for teaching children:

• Discuss how we can bless those we know who preach and teach. Perhaps make cards or prepare cookies for the preacher in your church.
• Craft: Use a box (like a shoe box) to make a bible times house. Create a room on the roof like the woman did for Elisha.
• The boy in the story sneezed. For fun, take turns sneezing and choose who has the funniest sneeze. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Read this story dramatically with different class members reading the parts of the different characters in the story. Choose someone to be the narrator, one to read each of the characters in the story.
• Although hospitality is not the main point of the story, it is an obvious component of it.  
  • In what ways did this woman demonstrate hospitality?  
  • Why is hospitality so important?  
  • How does it demonstrate the character of God?
• One of the primary characters in this story is the woman.  Spend some time describing her. 
  • What does this story tell us about this woman? Especially note verses 25-30.  
  • What are some of the qualities of this woman that are worthy of imitating?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Elisha Raises a Boy from the Dead

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

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