YEA Lesson Library
A Jar and Jug
About This Lesson
Using the story of the widow in Zarephath, this lesson teaches the student that God will provide for his needs.
Scriptures
1 Kings 17:7-16
Psalm 37:25
Proverbs 15:6
Malachi 3:10
Matthew 6:31-32
Romans 9:21
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Philippians 4:19
Hebrews 4:16
Words to Know
JAR - container made of glass or earthenware with a large opening
JUG - container for holding liquids, with a small opening and a handle
MIRACLE - a wonderful thing that only God can do
POOR - having little or no money or means of support
The Lesson
God sent Elijah away from angry King Ahab. A brook gave Elijah water to drink. Birds brought Elijah food to eat. He sat by the brook for many days. But one day the brook was dry because there had been no rain. Elijah had nothing to drink.
The Lord told Elijah to go to the city of Zarephath. A woman there would take care of Elijah and give him food to eat. So Elijah went to Zarephath.
As he went in the gate, Elijah saw a woman picking up some sticks. He was very thirsty. So, Elijah asked her for a drink of water. While she was getting it, Elijah asked her to bring him something to eat, too.
The woman was very poor. She had no food. Her husband was dead. All she had left was a little jug of oil and some flour in a jar. She was picking up sticks to make a fire. She would mix the oil and flour and cook something for her and her son to eat. Then there would be nothing left.
Elijah told the woman not to be afraid. He said, “Make me a little bread first. Then make some for yourself and your son.” Would there be enough flour and oil?
God said that the oil and the flour would not run out. There would always be enough until God again sent rain to the land. God gave them food to eat. This was a miracle!
God was taking care of Elijah by sending him to the woman. He took care of the woman by not letting the oil and flour run out. How does God take care of you?
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Proverbs 15:6
Monday - Matthew 6:31-32
Tuesday - Romans 9:21
Wednesday - Philippians 4:19
Thursday - Psalm 37:25
Friday - Hebrews 4:16
Saturday - Malachi 3:10
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Explain why Elijah was hungry and thirsty.
2. Describe how God provided food for Elijah and the woman.
3. Tell how God takes care of them and gives them food and clothes.
Topics & Themes
Elijah
Flour
God’s Provision
Oil
Widow of Zarephath
Women
Widow of Zarephath
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse charts, stickers, music player and tape or CD, songbook, jug of oil, jar of flour, salt, bowl, spoon, measuring spoons and cup, boiling water
Preparation
Young children, especially girls, love to help in he kitchen. Standing on a stool, they can stir, pour, even crack eggs to help make cookies or cakes. They can roll dough into balls, or cut out cookies. All of these activities are known as manipulation, which is the teacher’s best friend when these little ones have listened for as long as they can. Today’s lesson will allow you to involve the children in helping the widow make “bread” for Elijah.
Before class, use the following recipe to make “E-Bread” for a tasty snack.
1 1⁄2 cups warm water
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
1 package yeast
4 1⁄2 cups flour
egg white
coarse salt
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Add flour and knead dough 6 minutes. Let dough rise, covered in a greased bowl, until double in size.
Divide dough into individual balls about the size of a golf ball. Roll the dough ball on a floured surface into a long snake and shape into pretzel or E shapes. Place dough on aluminum foil. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in preheated 450 degree oven for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Makes about 12 E shapes.
Review Questions
Have Tiny ask the questions.
1. Why was Elijah so hungry and thirsty?
2. Where did God send Elijah to find something to eat?
3. Why did the woman say she had nothing to give Elijah to eat?
4. What two things did the woman have?
5. What miracle did God do so the woman and her son would have food until it rained again?
Teacher-Directed Activity
Allow the children to help you mix together:
11⁄2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 cup boiling water to make molding dough. Some children can measure, some can pour, and some can mix. Divide the dough into balls and let all the children roll, pound, and shape the dough. Ask them to make an E for Elijah.
NOTE: This is not the same as the tasty snack you make ahead of time.
Pattern Page
[none]
REACH Activity
Letter: F
Words: food, from, for, flour, fire, first, favorite
Sentence: THE WOMAN MADE FOOD FOR HIM FROM OIL AND FLOUR.
Song
“My God Is So Big” is on page 14 of Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Lead the children in prayer, thanking Him for taking care of Elijah and the woman, and for giving them food to eat. Offer thanks for the snack of E-Bread. Allow the children to eat their snack:
Thank you, God, for taking such good care of Elijah and the woman in today’s story. You gave them food to eat every day. Thank You for giving me enough to eat, too. And thank You for my mommy and daddy who take care of me.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Printable Pages
