Elijah & ElishaZeal

Elijah & ElishaProphets of God

In this unit we will take a look at the lives of the prophets Elijah and Elisha and how they zealously followed the Lord. These men faced heavy opposition to their ministries, yet stood boldly before authorities and rebuked them for turning away to other gods. They were also zealously committed to caring for others and to discipling God’s people. In addition, we will look at the prophet Jeremiah and see how God used him to warn Judah and its kings to repent or face the coming judgment of the Lord. Lastly, we'll explore how Jesus revealed the false zeal of the religious leaders and taught that true zeal begins in our hearts.

OVERVIEWIn this unit we look at what true passion for God and his truth looks like. Elijah, Elisha, and Jeremiah are each examples of zeal in their own way. This unit will dive deeper into each of their lives and the ways that they responded to God's leadership even when it was hard. We'll also look at Jesus, who is the perfect example of zeal. When the truth of God was being distorted, Jesus was bold in his response: “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in” (Matthew 23:13-14).

Elijah came boldly on the scene during the reign of King Ahab, demonstrating enthusiastic devotion to the Lord and disdain for the idolatry of Israel. God used Elijah to perform many miraculous wonders, all of which pointed the nation of Israel back to him. As Elijah’s work on earth came to an end, his disciple and co-laborer, Elisha, followed his example in performing mighty wonders in the name of the Lord. Jesus provides us with the ultimate example of zeal for his Father and for God's people. He challenged the religious leaders and turned over tables in the temple, all in defense of the truth. Zeal is often viewed as overly intense or overboard, but true zeal comes with confidence in what you believe and a desire to share that belief with those around you.

ZEAL

1. Intense enthusiasm when working for a cause

2. Enthusiastic devotion3. Fervor 4. Passionate diligence

KEY VERSE1 Kings 18:36-37

WITNESSGeorge Whitefield

THEMEZeal

LOOKING AHEADStart preparing for the next unit on Humility (beginning December 10) by reading Isobel Kuhn’s book, By Searching.

George WhitefieldEvangelistic Preacher

George Whitefield (pronounced "Whit-field") was a student at Pembroke College in Oxford, where he came under the influence of Jonathan and Charles Wesley. While there, he encountered the power of God’s grace after realizing that he couln't earn his salvation. He decided to become a missionary, first to London and then to the American colonies. During the Great Awakening he called people to forsake empty religious traditions and turn back to a personal relationship with God. Whitefield became a radically effective and unconventional preacher. In order make the gospel more accessible, he preached outside in fields and on country roads. His non-traditional emphasis was ill-received by many and he faced criticism and opposition from clergy and governing authorities. However, his zeal for the Lord sustained him and allowed him to preach at least 18,000 times to an estimated 10 million hearers.

OVERVIEWGeorge Whitefield had zeal reminiscent of many Old Testament prophets. In this unit we will see that Elijah, Elisha, and Whitefield shared a holy discontent that led them to confront hard hearts and proclaim the truth about God. While Elijah zealously challenged the prophets of Baal, Whitefield’s zeal drove him to preach to a church characterized by apathy and hypocrisy. Each of these men faced heavy opposition to their ministries and stood boldly before the authorities of their time. They spent their lives proclaiming that hope is found in God alone and not the idols, wealth, or worldly success. Like Elijah and Elisha, George Whitefield firmly upheld the word of the Lord with a fervent zeal, regardless of the personal cost.

NOTABLE QUOTE

“It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that

neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher.”

LIFESPAN1714-1770

SERVED INAmerican Colonies

& England

THEMEZeal

BACKGROUND TO TODAY’S LESSON

In the time of Elijah, Israel was in a downward spiral of moral decay. All of Israel’s kings since Jeroboam, the son of Solomon, had done evil in the sight of the Lord. King Ahab was one of the worst. “Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16:33b). Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, who had great influence in the kingdom, worshiped the Canaanite god, Baal. God sent Elijah to stand before Ahab and declare, “there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word” (1 Kings 17:1b).

WEEK 1 | OCTOBER 29 | ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL

Elijah

KEY CONCEPTZealous followers of God do not stand by while the name of God is dishonored.

TODAY’S LESSON

The Israelites were God’s chosen people and the nation of his promise. He would not stand by and watch his people become further divided in their allegiance. He brought three and a half years of drought to Israel to get their attention before sending Elijah to speak to Ahab again. This time their interaction was a little more heated. Elijah challenged the king to gather the people along with the 450 prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel for a challenge between the God of Israel and the god of the Canaanites. Although the prophets of Baal shouted and cried out to their god, nothing happened. Elijah boldly stood for God, who responded in dramatic fashion to demonstrate that, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God” (1 Kings 18:39b).

PROGRAMMING NOTES

Elijah’s zeal for the Lord is evident throughout this story. Elijah was confident in his knowledge that there was only one true God, the God of the Israelites. Elijah's life was focused on bringing God glory. We often expend alot of time and effort on our own reputations and, at times, we are even willing to look foolish in order to set the record straight when someone else has a wrong view of us. In the story today, we see that Elijah was not willing to stand by while the name of God was being dishonored. He put his own comfort and safety on the line in order to bring God glory.

For the younger kids, show them that Elijah boldly told those who were lying about God to stop. Elijah's zeal motivated him to stand for God's glory.

SCRIPTURE

»» 1 Kings 18:17-46 – Elijah stands before Ahab»» 1 Kings 17:1-7 – Elijah declares a drought»» Deuteronomy 5:8-10 – The Lord your God is a jealous

God»» Joshua 24:14-28 – Joshua, like Elijah, makes it clear that

we can only serve one God»» 1 Kings 19:1-8 – Retaliation for Elijah’s zeal

WEEK 1 | OCTOBER 29 | ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL

George Whitefield

RESOURCES

Whitefield Born AgainMap of American Colonies in 1765

Map of Elijah’s TravelsOxford University

Old Church from Whitefield's WorldThe Church Before the Great Awakening

George Whitefield PhotographPembroke College, Oxford

KEY CONNECTIONAs in the days of Elijah, the church of the 1700s had begun to grow apathetic and fall away from

God. Like Elijah, George Whitefield was raised up to zealously test his culture and call the people of God back to their Savior. When Whitefield encountered the presence of the Holy Spirit, he could

no longer stand by and allow the true power of God to be forgotten.

CONVERSION

Similar to Elijah's day, God’s people in the 1700s had fallen away from true worship. Many congregations depended more on religious instruction from clergy than on guidance from a personal savior. While at Pembroke College, Whitefield joined a group led by the Wesley brothers. Whitefield did not yet know the Lord personally, but submitted his body to extreme fasting that eventually led to seven weeks of illness. Tormented by his imperfection, his spirit craved the presence of God. Remembering Christ’s cry of thirst from the cross, Whitefield fell down on his bed and cried the same. Whitefield later said of that moment, “I found and felt in myself that I was delivered from the burden that had so heavily oppressed me! The spirit of mourning was taken from me, and I knew what it was truly to rejoice in God my Savior.” This began a work of God that called thousands back to an intimate and personal faith.

FOR THE WORKERS

Both George Whitefield and Elijah addressed the reality that it's possible to be present in the community of faith, but not personally in the presence of God. Whitefield came to a personal understanding of this difference when he was baptized by the Spirit. The excerpt “Whitefield Born Again” describes his transformative experience. Share your experience of coming to Christ with your team this week.

RESOURCES IN ACTION

Use the resources to encourage kids to think about attending church in Whitefield’s day. Use the pictures to help them imagine what it would have been like for Whitefield to stand up for God while surrounded by old churches and rigid traditions in a culture that was wandering.

BACKGROUND TO TODAY’S LESSON

Last week we saw that Elijah obeyed God’s commands even when it meant facing an evil king and queen. After God’s display of power at Mount Carmel, Elijah had the prophets of Baal executed. When Jezebel heard of what Elijah had done, she threatened to kill him. Fearing the queen’s words, Elijah fled for forty days and forty nights. It was at Horeb that the Lord commanded Elijah to go back, and on his way, he anointed Elisha to be his servant. We will look at how God used Elijah to call out Ahab and Jezebel’s sin. Elijah obeyed God despite the potential consequences.

WEEK 2 | NOVEMBER 5 | ELIJAH PROPHESIES AHAB’S DEATH

Elijah

KEY CONCEPTZealous followers of God speak the truth boldy.

TODAY’S LESSON

Today’s lesson focuses on the story of Naboth’s Vineyard, a portion of land that Ahab desired to own. He asked Naboth if he could buy the vineyard, but Naboth declined because of the Lord’s command forbidding it (1 Kings 21:3, Leviticus 25:23). Upset that he couldn’t have the vineyard, Ahab went home angry and upset. His wife, Queen Jezebel, saw that her husband was unhappy and she arranged to have Naboth killed. After his death, Ahab quickly claimed the vineyard as his own. God sent Elijah with a message that both Ahab and Jezebel would pay for the life of Naboth with their own lives. Upon hearing this news, King Ahab did something unexpected—humbled himself before the Lord and repented.

PROGRAMMING NOTES

Elijah was willing to be used by God to speak truth to those who had sinned. There were very few people who would have stood up to Ahab and Jezebel and told them that what they were doing was wrong, but Elijah’s zeal for God’s law was not so easily quenched. Though he had previously been afraid, Elijah obeyed and told Ahab everything that God had commanded him. This week we want the kids to see that at some point, our zeal for God will lead us into some uncomfortable situations. Elijah's desire to honor God helped him overcome his fear and speak boldly to Ahab and Jezebel. His example challenges us to have this same courage and trust in God in our own lives.

For the younger kids, focus God's desire for us to tell others the truth. When we focus on God, we won’t be afraid to tell others about how good God is as we call them to follow him.

SCRIPTURE

»» 1 Kings 21:1-16 – Ahab wants a vineyard and Jezebel plots to get it for him

»» 1 Kings 21:17-29 – Elijah speaks the Lord’s judgment upon Ahab and Jezebel

»» Revelation 3:19-20 – God disciplines those he loves; be zealous and repent

»» 1 Peter 5:6 – God exalts those who humble themselves before him

WEEK 2 | NOVEMBER 5 | ELIJAH PROPHESIES AHAB’S DEATH

George Whitefield

RESOURCES

Account of Whitefield’s First SermonPublic Speaking Activities

George Whitefield's Biography - John PiperThe Art of His Preaching Style

Chapel Tower in LondonMap of London Streets in 1736

KEY CONNECTIONElijah was called by God to speak hard truth to King Ahab and he zealously obeyed.

Whitefield was also called to speak truth, but the responsibility of preaching was intimidating to him. Nevertheless, he aligned his life with God’s will and diligently preached the gospel

to the people England and eventually to the colonies in America. To this day, few men have preached with as much zeal as George Whitefield.

THE YOUNG PREACHER

Shortly after his conversion, George Whitefield was ordained as an Anglican minister and he received his holy orders at the age of twenty-one. Uncomfortable in an official position, Whitefield needed encouragement from his friends and his bishop to press into ministry. His first sermon in London was in front of a forgiving crowd, but nervousness still plagued him. Initially his message was halting and awkward, but the Spirit of God strengthened him and the audience responded in silent awe and conviction. Soon afterward, Whitefield was invited to preach at the chapel in the Tower of London. The chapel was a much more intimidating setting, but Whitefield trusted God to provide him with the words and the authority he needed. This was only the beginning. God blessed the young preacher and gave him many more opportunities to preach the gospel.

FOR THE WORKERS

Check out John Piper’s biography of George Whitefield. Whitefield was committed to preaching the truth even when it was difficult or uncomfortable. This week, think about the boldness of those who first shared Christ with you. Who are the unbelievers in your life that need to be impacted by your boldness?

RESOURCES IN ACTION

Show the kids the Chapel Tower where Whitefield preached one of his first sermons. Use the resources to remind kids of the uneasy feeling of speaking in front of other people. Encourage them to consider what it is like to speak truth even when it may make people angry.

BACKGROUND TO TODAY’S LESSON

This week, we are taking a short break from Elijah and Elisha to talk about the prophet Jeremiah. When he was called by God, the kingdom of Israel had already been carried off into captivity by the Assyrians. The nation of Judah had fallen away from the Lord and had begun to follow other gods. Jeremiah was called to boldly proclaim God’s coming judgment upon the people and the need to repent. He was God’s mouthpiece and, with God’s promise of protection, he boldly confronted kings, prophets, and the people of Judah (Jeremiah 1:8-9).

WEEK 3 | NOVEMBER 12 | THE ZEALOUS, WEEPING PROPHET

Elijah

KEY CONCEPTZeal for God’s truth should never be compromised.

TODAY’S LESSON

In today’s lesson, we will look at Jeremiah’s boldness in bringing God’s messages to Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. Many prophets were telling the king that God would save Israel and send the Babylonians back where they had come from (Jeremiah 27:9-10,14). Jeremiah knew that these prophets were not from God and were only trying to gain the king’s favor. Though he knew it would be unpopular to anger the king, he told Zedekiah about God’s plan to fight against Judah and send them into captivity. Zedekiah responded by ordering Jeremiah to be beaten and thrown into prison. Throughout his life, Jeremiah continued to zealously speak God’s truth, even at great personal risk.

PROGRAMMING NOTES

This week, we will look at how Jeremiah’s zeal for God’s truth compelled him to faithfully speak God’s words, even when all the other prophets claimed he was lying. When we come up against similar circumstances, it may be tempting to alter God’s words so that they don’t seem as harsh or offensive. In these moments, it is essential that we stop and make sure that the only person we are trying to please is God. Jeremiah never compromised because he was not looking for approval from his peers or those in authority, instead he was looking solely to God.

For the younger kids, help them see that God's people stand for what is right in God’s eyes. Like Jeremiah, we should defend the truth regardless of the consequences. God will stand with us as he did with Jeremiah.

SCRIPTURE

»» Jeremiah 21 – Jeremiah's prophecy of Judah’s captivity and Jerusalem’s destruction

»» Jeremiah 37 – Jeremiah preaches against Judah and is beaten and imprisoned

»» Jeremiah 38 – Jeremiah speaks for God and is cast into a miry cistern

»» Jeremiah 10 – Jeremiah challenges Israel to “learn not the way of the nations”

WEEK 3 | NOVEMBER 12 | THE ZEALOUS, WEEPING PROPHET

George Whitefield

RESOURCES

Why Was He Acting?Challenges in Ministry

Whitefield’s Use of MediaHistory of Printing in the 18th Century

Rare Newspapers Picture

KEY CONNECTIONJeremiah's and Whitefield’s zeal led to opposition from the people around them.

Jeremiah’s struggle came at the hand of the king of Judah, while George Whitefield faced resistance from fellow ministers and critics. It was not easy, but each man maintained his zeal

and persevered in what God was calling him to do.

REJECTED BY RELIGIOUS LEADERS

When George Whitefield began preaching in England, other ministers welcomed him and church attendance quickly grew. However, after Whitefield had preached for a time in both England and the Colonies, other clergy members felt like their authority was being threatened and they kicked Whitefield out of the church. Despite rejection from the church, Whitefield preached the word of God powerfully to large audiences that would gather in farm fields and other open spaces. As the crowds continued to grow, so did the criticism and opposition. On several different occasions, Whitefield and his followers were brutally mobbed and beaten for their faith. Whitefield also received three letters with death threats. Even in the midst of these conflicts, he grew in boldness and continued preaching every day.

FOR THE WORKERS

George Whitefield once said, “the more I am opposed, the more joy I feel.” He counted it a privilege to experience suffering as he spent his life zealously preaching the gospel. Consider the article “Why Was He Acting?” and reflect on the times you have been called to press on in the midst of questioning. Did you maintain joy and zeal? How did your reaction reveal the true motives of your heart?

RESOURCES IN ACTION

In the face of hostility, Whitefield continued to preach. Rather than be silenced, he began to advertise his evangelistic trips using new printing technology. The “Challenges in Ministry” article highlights some things that others did to oppose his ministry. Encourage the kids to consider how they would respond in similar situations.

BACKGROUND TO TODAY’S LESSON

In the last few weeks, we have looked at the lives of Jeremiah and Elijah and how their zeal for the Lord caused conflict with the leaders of their day. Jesus had a similar encounter with the religious leaders in charge of the temple. Today’s lesson begins just after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The religious leaders became increasingly concerned with Jesus’ rising influence and sought to turn the people against him. They carefully crafted questions to trap him in his words, but Jesus skillfully answered them in ways that revealed what was really in their hearts.

WEEK 4 | NOVEMBER 19 | ZEAL FROM THE HEART

Elijah

KEY CONCEPTZeal for the Lord begins in our hearts.

TODAY’S LESSON

Jesus boldly called out the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. On the surface, they appeared to be examples of zeal to God's people. They wore special leather boxes (phylacteries) that contained God’s words and spent a lot of time debating the meaning of the scriptures. Jesus was not fooled. He said, “They preach, but do not practice” (Matthew 23:3b). They were good at maintaining an outward appearance of zeal for the Lord but they didn't know God or care for his people. Instead of using their position and authority to help the people draw near to God, they used their position of influence for their own benefit. Jesus' life and ministry stood in stark contrast to the "religion" of the scribes and Pharisees of his day.

PROGRAMMING NOTES

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day placed great emphasis on appearances. Jesus made it clear this this was not what his Father valued. Though our practices are different from those of the scribes and Pharisees, we are also tempted to outwardly conform our lives to God's law, while inwardly living for what we truly desire. Jesus had no patience for people who took pride in outward religious appearances that were disconnected from a personal realtionship with God. It's important to serve God and obey the word, but we must always remember that God is most concerned with our hearts.

For the younger kids, encourage them that Jesus is not primarily concerned with how our lives look on the outside. God looks at what is on the inside and he calls each of us to love the Father and walk in communion with him.

SCRIPTURE

»» Matthew 23:1-36; Luke 20:45-47 – Woe to the religious leaders

»» 2 Timothy 3:5 – Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power

»» Luke 6:43-45 – Each tree is known by its own fruit»» Matthew 21:12-13 – Jesus cleanses the temple »» 1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks on the heart.”

WEEK 4 | NOVEMBER 19 | ZEAL FROM THE HEART

George Whitefield

RESOURCES

Not Acting in the Theatrical SenseSermons by Whitefield

Sermon Transcripts18th Century Theater

The Art of His Preaching StyleWhitefield Preaching in England, June of 1750

KEY CONNECTIONLike Jesus, Whitefield’s methods went against the norm and were offensive to the religious leaders of his day. His presentation of the gospel flowed from a heart that knew the power

of God. George Whitefield refused to conform to the traditions and expectations of religious institutions that lacked sincere zeal for God.

WHITEFIELD’S DISCIPLINEAND STYLE OF MINISTRY

George Whitefield maintained a grueling schedule. He was usually up by 4:00 AM to spend an hour or two with the Lord before beginning to preach around 6:00 AM. As an outpouring of his experience with the Lord, Whitefield passionately preached to crowds, exhorting them to deal with God in a way that was personal and intimate. Whitefield’s style of preaching embodied his passion. He would often take on the role of biblical characters, displaying emotions and adding an experimental twist to his preaching. Regardless of the criticisms of his radical preaching style, Whitefield continued to preach the gospel in a way that reached people.

FOR THE WORKERS

Take some time to reflect on the article “Not Acting in the Theatrical Sense.” Whitefield may have had unconventional methods of communicating the gospel, but his preaching came from a genuine and sincere love for God. How does your relationship with God fuel your outreach to others?

RESOURCES IN ACTION

Use the resources this week to expose kids to Whitefield’s compelling pleas for repentance. Help them to see how Whitefield's zeal was was reflected in the ways that he communicated the gospel.

BACKGROUND TO TODAY’S LESSON

When the Lord spoke to Elijah on Mount Horeb, God told him to anoint Elisha to take his place as prophet. Elisha learned from Elijah and “assisted him” (1 Kings 19:21b). Although we do not hear much of Elisha prior to Elijah’s departure, it is clear that he was learning, observing, and gaining life experience alongside Elijah. As the end of his life drew near, Elijah asked Elisha to stay back and allow him to complete his journey alone. Elisha wouldn't hear of it and insisted on staying with his friend and mentor to the end.

WEEK 5 | NOVEMBER 26 | CHRIST’S COMMISSION: GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES

Elijah

KEY CONCEPTZealous followers of God make disciples.

TODAY’S LESSON

Today we will be looking at the discipleship relationship between Elijah and Elisha. Their relationship was very close and Elisha carried on Elijah's ministry after Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind. Elisha learned from Elijah, but also went on to serve the Lord in a distinctly different way. Elisha's ministry was more public in nature and he was know for performing miracles and helping others. We want the kids to see that Elijah successfully discipled Elisha to carry on the work of the ministry after Elijah was gone. Elisha's ministry was unique, but he followed Elijah's example and ministered in the strength of the Lord.

PROGRAMMING NOTES

In today's lesson we want to link the discipleship relationship between Elijah and Elisha to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. We want the kids to see how Elijah's relationship with Elisha was a foreshadowing of Christ's relationship with his disciples. At the end of his life, Jesus challenged his disciples to reach others with the gospel and mature them as disciples. Once we've received Christ and become his disciple, we are called to disciple others and prepare them to carry on the work of ministry.

For the younger kids, focus on what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Encourage them that once we come to know Christ, he calls us to teach others what we've learned and help them grow in maturity.

SCRIPTURE

»» 1 Kings 19:16 – The Lord tells Elijah to anoint Elisha to take his place

»» 1 Kings 19:19-21 – The call of Elisha»» 2 Kings 2:1-22 – Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind

and Elisha carries on his ministry»» Matthew 28: 16-20 – The disciples are commissioned

and sent out by Jesus to make disciples »» John 15:8 – God is glorified as we bear fruit and so

prove to be his disciples»» Romans 10:14-15 – "How are they to hear without

someone preaching?"

WEEK 5 | NOVEMBER 26 | CHRIST’S COMMISSION: GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES

George Whitefield

Sept. 1740

Oct. 1740

Sept. 1740

Jan. 1740

Early Nov. 1739

April 1740July 1740

May 1740

Christmas 1740

Nov. 1740

Nov.1740

Dec. 1739

Jan.

1741

sails

to En

gland

Oct. 1739 sails

from England

YorkSept. 1740

NewportSept. 1740

Boston

New Haven

New YorkNov. 1740

PhiladelphiaMay 1740

Annapolis

Charleston

Savannah

TrentonNov. 1740

ElizabethNov. 1740

NorthamptonOct. 1740

visit Jonathan Edwards

HartfordSpringfield

April 1740

LakeHuron

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

ATLANTICOCEAN

Cape HenlopenOct. 1739

Georgia

Delaware

Connecticut

New York

NewHampshire

Maine

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

MarylandVirginia

North Carolina

SouthCarolina

Pennsylvania

NewJersey

Note: This map shows the highlights of Whitefield’s 1739–1741 trip.

Source: Data from Brett E. Carroll, Routledge Historical Atlas ofReligion in America (New York: Routledge, 2000), p. 37.

Whitefield’s land routes

Whitefield’s sea routes

150 km0

150 miles0

N

© Infobase Publishing

George Whitefield's Tour of America, 1739–1741

RESOURCES

Whitefield Biography - John PiperEvangelism and Discipleship18th Century Transportation

Jewish DisciplesThe Key Places of Elijah and Elisha

Map of Whitefield’s JourneysWhitefield Preaching in 1743

KEY CONNECTIONElijah’s zeal and work ethic continued after his time on earth was done because he had

discipled Elisha. Unlike Elijah, Whitefield neglected to bring others along with him on his journey and missed the opportunity to train up disciples of Christ.

A LACK OF DISCIPLESHIP

George Whitefield was zealous to make Christ known among common people. As a traveling preacher during the Great Awakening, he would preach 40-50 hours a week to thousands of people in one place, and then quickly move on to another. While this zeal and desire to make Christ known were admirable, he missed a crucial part of the Great Commission. Whitefield neglected to mentor and disciple others. He led thousands to Christ, but we don't have any record of deep, meaningful relationships in his life. At the end of his life, Whitefield acknowledged this as he compared his life to that of his contemporary, John Wesley. He said, “My brother Wesley acted wisely. The souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in class, and thus preserved the fruits of his labor. This I neglected, and my people are a rope of sand.”

FOR THE WORKERS

Read the article entitled “Evangelism and Discipleship." Whitefield's ministry emphasized evangelism to the detriment of discipleship. Which of these do you tend to emphasize in your life? Ask for God's help to do both well.

RESOURCES IN ACTION

Use the resources this week to show kids how extensively Whitefield traveled and help them imagine what it would have been like. Help them gain a sense of the scope and impact of Whitefield's ministry in the earlier part of the program and then talk during small groups about the ways that his ministry differed from Elijah. Both men were used by God in powerful ways, but Elijah's commitment to discipleship ensured that his ministry continued.

BACKGROUND TO TODAY’S LESSON

Last week we learned that Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). The transition of spiritual leadership to Elisha was seamless because of their close discipleship relationship. Elisha’s ministry, however, was distinctly different. Elisha functioned more as a shepherd to the nation and he performed several miracles for God's people. Elisha cleansed the water at Jericho (2 Kings 2:22), multiplied the widow’s oil (2 Kings 4:1-7), and healed the son of the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8-36).

WEEK 6 | DECEMBER 3 | ELISHA AND THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN

Elisha

KEY CONCEPTZeal for the Lord results in compassion for those in need.

TODAY’S LESSON

As we conclude this unit, we will focus on the interactions between Elisha and a wealthy woman from the town of Shunem. Each time Elisha passed through this area, he made sure to stop at her house. She perceived that Elisha was a man of God, and she had her husband build a room for Elisha to stay in when he came through. Because of her generosity, the woman was blessed by God with a son. Several years later, when her son fell ill and died in her arms, she called Elisha to come. Initially Elisha sent Gehazi, his servant, to attempt to heal the boy, but this didn't work. When Elisha arrived, he went in to the child and raised him from the dead by the power of God.

PROGRAMMING NOTES

Though different than Elijah, Elisha’s fervency in serving the Lord was evident throughout his ministry. In his interactions with the Shunammite woman, we see that Elisha’s zeal for God overflowed into compassion for those in need. Unlike his servant, who didn't seem to feel the woman’s pain, Elisha felt compelled to help. We often equate zeal for the Lord with speaking truth to others, but Elisha's example reminds us that zeal can also bring about healing. This was often true in Jesus' life, as well.

For the younger kids, teach them that loving and serving God zealously is not just about telling others what is right or wrong. Zeal for the Lord should also motivate us to care for people who need our help.

SCRIPTURE

»» 2 Kings 4:8-17 – Elisha asks God to give the Shunammite woman a son

»» 2 Kings 4:18-37 – The boy dies; God uses Elisha to raise him from the dead

»» Matthew 6:31-33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God...and all these things will be added to you.”

»» Mark 5:34 – Jesus heals the woman with a bleeding illness because of her faith

»» 1 Timothy 4:10 – “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

WEEK 6 | DECEMBER 3 | ELISHA AND THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN

George Whitefield

RESOURCES

Sowing the Seeds of EqualityHistory and Current State of Bethesda

Foundations of Bethesda1700s Map of Georgia

Ardent Evangelism of SlavesBethesda Orphan Home Picture

KEY CONNECTIONElisha’s zeal for the Lord resulted in the healing of the Shunammite woman's son.

Similarly, Whitefield’s life-altering experience with the Lord drove him to push beyond cultural expectations and assist those who were often disregarded by his society.

WHITEFIELD PREACHES TO SLAVES

When George Whitefield came to Christ, he gained a zeal for the Lord that disregarded cultural norms and church traditions. Whitefield would eventually work to reach orphans and slaves, both groups of people who were generaly overlooked by society. At the age of 25, Whitefield laid out a vision, raised funds, and superintended the creation of an orphan house in Savannah, Georgia. Whitefield provided ongoing support for the orphanage throughout his preaching ministry and the fruit of that work remains today. Whitefield also preached to slaves, affirming their value in the eyes of the Lord. This work led to some of the first African-American converts in the United States. Whitefield’s zeal for the Lord inspired him to preach the message of salvation to everyone, regardless of their social standing.

FOR THE WORKERS

Using the excerpt “Sowing the Seeds of Equality” as a reference, think about the places you live and work and the expectations and unwritten rules that you follow. Are these expectations helpful to your life and ministry? Consider the ways that Christ is calling you to reach out to those around you who may be overlooked.

RESOURCES IN ACTION

Use the Bethesda resources to get a glimpse of Whitefield’s vision for beginning the orphanage and see where it stands today. Allow the details about the layout of the orphanage, the fundraising, and the class schedule to inspire ideas for the program this week. The “Evangelism of Slaves” article illustrates another way Whitefield ministered to the least reached and shows how radical it was for him to preach to slaves.