Big Idea: God can do miracles.
Bible Basis: 1 Kings 18
Key Verse: “With people (point to self with thumbs), this is impossible (make big “X” with arms). But with God (point up), all things are possible (two thumbs up).” Matthew 19:26 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS:
What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?
What miracles did God do in this Bible lesson?
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.
+ That's Impossible
- Supplies: None
- Directions: Have the children try to perform each of the challenges below. After attempting each one, lead the kids in shouting, “That’s impossible!"
- Actions: Jump and touch the moon; Clap loud enough for China to hear; Stomp and cause an earthquake; Flap your arms and fly; Spin around faster than a tornado; Push the wall down with your hands
- Say: For people, those things are all impossible. But for God, nothing is impossible. He can do anything. Today we’re going to hear a story about something incredible God did. We’re going to learn that God can do miracles.
- Question: What do you think a miracle is?
+ Miracle or Not (Application Activity)
- Supplies: None
- Say: In today’s true Bible story, God made fire come down from the sky. It was a miracle—something amazing only God can do. Let’s play a game that helps us think about whether something is a miracle from God or not.
- Directions: One at a time, read each item on the list below to the children. If it’s a miracle, the children should jump to their feet and shout, “God can do miracles!” If it’s not a miracle, they should stay seated and remain quiet as a mouse.
- Items: Turning a walking stick into a snake. (Miracle—Ex. 7:8–10); Turning a river of water into blood. (Miracle—Ex. 7:20–25); Coloring a picture without EVER coloring outside the lines (Not a miracle); Making a donkey talk. (Miracle—Numbers 22:21–35); Lifting a BIG watermelon over your head. (Not a miracle); Making it dark for three days. (Miracle—Ex. 10:21–23); Drinking a full cup of juice without spilling any. (Not a miracle); Flying in a rocket ship to the moon. (Not a miracle); Dividing the Red Sea into two. (Miracle—Ex. 14:21–23); Making Jesus come back to life. (Miracle—Matt. 28:5–6)
- Question: God can do anything. What do you think He can do for you?
+ Mixed-Up Miracles (Application Activity)
- Supplies: “Mixed-Up Miracle” cards
- Directions: There are two sets of cards: verb cards and noun cards. Spread the verb cards in one pile and the noun cards in another pile. Allow the children to take turns drawing one card from each pile. Read aloud the verb and then the noun. The combination will (most likely) create a mixed-up miracle. (Example: Healed bread from the sky) Ask the children if that sounds like something God really did. Continue until all of the cards are gone.
- Say: God can do miracles, but those miracles seemed like they were mixed up. Let’s try to match them so they tell us about real miracles that God did.
- Directions: Hold up and read one verb card at a time, then allow the children to decide which noun card goes with it. (See below for the answer key.) After each card is successfully matched, count to three and have the group say, “God can do miracles.”
- Answer Key: Healed (made better) = a sick person; Divided (split) = the Red Sea; Stopped = a roaring lion; Raised (made alive) = Jesus from the dead; Rained down = bread from the sky
+ Bible Balance (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Supplies: Tape (1 roll)
- Today's Bible Verse: “With people (point to self with thumbs), this is impossible (make big “X” with arms). But with God (point up), all things are possible (two thumbs up).” Matthew 19:26 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
- Preparations: Using painters or masking tape, create a tape line on the floor approximately 10 feet long.
- Directions: Practice the verse together several times. When ready, challenge the children to cross the balance beam while saying the verse and without stepping off. For each additional round have the children cross the balance beam using a different method from the list below.
- Methods of Movement: Giant steps; Tiny steps; Backwards; Hop on two feet; Sideways; Bear crawl; Tippy-toes; Hop on one foot; Crab walk
+ Uh Oh Topher! (Bible Story Review Activity)
- Supplies: “Uh Oh Topher” story review page (1 per group), Topher the Gopher character cards (1 per child)
- Say: I’m going to read you today’s Bible story again, but there’s a little problem. Topher the Gopher got into the story and chewed up some of the words, then he replaced them with the wrong words. Listen carefully to see if you can hear the wrong words. If you hear something that is wrong, hold up your “Topher the Gopher” card, then say, “Uh Oh, Topher. That’s not right!” Then you can tell me what really happened in the story.
- Directions: Use the “Uh Oh Topher” story review page to read today’s story to the children. The page will indicate in bold which words are wrong, followed by the right words. If necessary, help the children remember what really happened in the story.
+ I'm Amazed (Response to God Activity)
- Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for children to draw. Say to the children, “What do you look like when you are amazed? Draw a picture of it.” When finished, ask the children to show their pictures and share why they think God is amazing.
- Say: When the people saw how God sent fire from Heaven, they were amazed. They probably looked a lot like our pictures. We’re going to say a prayer right now and praise God by telling Him why we think He is so amazing.
- Prayer: Begin by asking if any of the children would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, close the prayer by thanking God for doing amazing things for you and the children.
+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)
- Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
- Question: How would you have reacted if you were with Elijah and saw fire come down from the sky?
- Question: God made fire come down from the sky. What else do you think God could do?
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, you are so, so powerful. You can do anything. You made Jesus come back to life. Help me love and follow Jesus. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read the account of Elijah in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.
Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).
Read the account of the Elijah from the Bible in 1 Kings 18 with your child.
Do more of the activities above!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!