8. Elijah and Elisha
KID EXPLANATION
Elijah wasn't afraid to stand up to bad kings and queens like King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who weren't doing what God wanted. Once, he even had a big contest with other people who believed in different gods to show that God was the most powerful. He also had some cool adventures, like when he was hiding from Queen Jezebel, and God sent ravens to bring him food! Elijah wasn't just brave; he was also kind and helped teach another hero named Elisha. And when it was time for him to go to heaven, he didn't even need a rocket—God sent a special chariot just for him!
ELIJAH STORIES
Ravens and Widow: In 1 Kings 17:5-8, Elijah foretells a drought to King Ahab and hides by a brook. Ravens brought him bread and meat to eat.
Challenging Baal: In 1 Kings 18:25, 38, Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He challenges them to a contest to see whose God will send fire to consume an offering. Elijah used a bull for his offering, and God responded by consuming it with fire from heaven.
God Speaks to Elijah: After fleeing from Queen Jezebel's threat, Elijah journeys to Mount Horeb (Sinai) in 1 Kings 19:8, 11-12. An angel provides him food that sustains him for forty days. God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper, not in the strong wind, earthquake, or fire.
Swing Low! Sweet Chariot!: In 2 Kings 2:8-12, Elijah is accompanied by his successor Elisha. They cross the Jordan River, and as Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind with a chariot of fire and horses of fire, Elisha watches on.
ELISHA STORIES
Naaman's Healing: Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-19a
Naaman, a commander with leprosy, learns about Elisha from a young Israelite girl serving his wife.
Naaman visits Elisha seeking a cure but is initially disappointed when Elisha doesn't greet him personally.
Instead, Elisha instructs Naaman to dip seven times in the Jordan River.
Despite his skepticism, Naaman follows the instructions and is miraculously healed, acknowledging the God of Israel as the one true God.
The Blind Army: Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-23
The King of Aram sends his army to attack Israel, prompting Elisha to seek God's help.
God blinds the entire enemy army, and Elisha leads them to the King of Israel.
Rather than seeking revenge, Elisha urges mercy, and the king spares the blinded soldiers, demonstrating compassion and forgiveness.
Differences Between Elijah and Elisha
Elijah was a wilderness prophet, while Elisha was a city dweller.
While both performed miracles, Elisha is recorded to have performed more miracles than Elijah in the Bible.
Elijah was known for his boldness and fiery spirit, often confronting kings and prophets. Elisha, on the other hand, was characterized by his compassion and willingness to serve others.
Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, while Elisha died a natural death.
Elijah's New Testament Appearance
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36
During the Transfiguration, Jesus appears with Elijah and Moses, showcasing the importance of Elijah in Jewish history.
Once, Jesus went up a mountain with three friends to pray. While praying, Jesus suddenly looked different, with shining bright clothes. Two important people from long ago, Moses and Elijah, appeared and talked with Jesus. Jesus' friends were amazed and wanted to build tents for them. Then, a bright cloud covered them, and God's voice said Jesus was His Son. Jesus comforted his friends, and when they looked up, only Jesus was there. It was a special moment showing how much God loves Jesus.
Definition of Transfiguration
Transfiguration" means a big change or transformation in appearance. It's like when you see a butterfly come out of a cocoon; it changes from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. In the Bible, the Transfiguration story is about when Jesus went up a mountain with his friends, and something incredible happened. He started to shine really bright, and his clothes became dazzling white. It was a magical moment showing how special Jesus was.