ELIJAH IS TRANSLATED. THE MANTEL OF ELIJAH FALLS ON ELISHA
2 Kings CHAPTER 2 Elisha and the prophets know that Elijah is to be translated—Elijah divides the waters of the Jordan and is taken up into heaven in a whirlwind—The mantle of Elijah falls on Elisha, who also divides the waters of the Jordan—Elisha heals the waters of Jericho—Youths are torn by bears for mocking Elisha.
2 Kings CHAPTER 3 Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah join forces against Moab—Elisha promises them water for their animals and victory in the war—The Moabites are defeated.
ELISHA PERFORMS MANY MIRACLES
2 Kings CHAPTER 4 Elisha multiplies the widow’s oil—He promises a son to a Shunammite woman—The child dies and is raised to life by Elisha—He makes the poisonous food harmless—Bread and grain are multiplied for the people to eat.
God can work miracles in my life.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7”
- Ask the children to talk about what a miracle is. If they need help, they could review “Miracle” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
- After helping your children understand what a miracle is, invite the children to write on the board, or on a piece of paper, as many miracles as they can remember from the scriptures. Pictures in the Gospel Art Book or Come, Follow Me can help. Give them time to review 2 Kings 4–5 and add to their list (see 2 Kings 4:1–7, 14–17, 32–35, 38–41, 42–44). What do these miracles teach about Heavenly Father?
Old Testament Stories “Elisha the Prophet”
You and your children could talk about how God has shown His love through miracles.
Talk about how you have seen God’s power in your life. You might include daily miracles such as feelings of peace, the gift of daily life, or help with daily tasks. Invite the children to talk about miracles in their lives, both large and small.
See also New Era March 2019 “Finding Miracles in Everyday Life”
You could also sing together a song such as “God’s Gracious Love” (Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library).
NAAMAN COMES TO ELISHA TO BE HEALED OF LEPROSY
2 Kings CHAPTER 5 Naaman, the Syrian, comes to Elisha to be healed of leprosy—He rejects the prophet’s instruction at first but relents and dips himself in the Jordan seven times; he is healed—Elisha refuses to accept a reward—Gehazi accepts a gift from Naaman and is cursed with leprosy.
I can choose to do what God commands through His prophet.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7”
- Help your children learn the story in 2 Kings 5:1–3, 9–14. Consider using “Elisha Heals Naaman” (in Old Testament Stories, 134–37) or the picture of Naaman in this week’s outline.
Old Testament Stories “Elisha Heals Naaman”
Why didn’t Naaman want to wash in the Jordan River, even though Elisha said that this would heal his disease? How was Naaman blessed when he followed Elisha’s instructions? You might share with each other experiences when you obeyed the Lord, even when you weren’t sure you wanted to.
- Read 2 Kings 5:13 to the children, and explain that Naaman’s servants helped him decide to obey the prophet Elisha. Help the children think of ways they could help their friends or family members listen to and obey the prophet.
Media Library “Naaman and Elisha”
- Invite the children to complete the activity page and share with a family member or friend something they learned from the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1–15.
“Lesson 35: Naaman Is Healed,” Primary 6: Old Testament To strengthen each child’s desire to obey righteous leaders.
ELISHA’S SERVANT IS AFRAID AND IS ALLOWED TO SEE THE LORD’S ARMY
2 Kings CHAPTER 6 Elisha causes an ax to float—He reveals to the king how to conduct a war with Syria—Horses and chariots of fire protect Elisha—The Syrians are smitten with blindness—Benhadad besieges Samaria, and foodstuff sells for a great price.
I am not alone.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7”
The children you teach may sometimes feel like the servant of Elisha—unsure of how to meet the challenges before them. You can use the account in 2 Kings 6:8–17 to teach them to “fear not” because the Lord has not left them alone.
- You and your children could imagine you are surrounded by an army with swords, horses, and chariots. How would you feel? What would you do? Your children could then close their eyes while you read 2 Kings 6:16–17 to them. (See also “Elisha and the Lord’s Army,” in Old Testament Stories, 138–39, or the picture at the end of this outline.) When you get to the words “open his eyes” (verse 17), ask the children to open their eyes. Talk about what the servant saw. Share with your children ways you have felt that the Lord was with you during your challenges, even when it seemed like you were alone.
- Sing together a song about God’s care for us, such as the first verse of “Dearest Children, God Is Near You” (Hymns, no. 96). Replace words in the song with names of the children to emphasize that God is watching over them.
Liahona July 2022 “You Are Never Alone”
Family members might enjoy drawing a picture of the experience of Elisha and his servant described in these verses. How can these verses help us when we feel alone or overwhelmed?
Additional Resources
Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas
The Red Crystal Lesson ideas
