Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-46

Theme: There is one true God — all others are false

Age Group: 1st-3rd Grade (Ages 6-8)

Overview

Sunday School Lesson Overview: Isaiah’s Promise of a Savior Theme: God promised a Savior, and He kept His promise! Introduction (Engage & Connect): Begin by asking kids, “What’s the biggest promise you’ve ever kept to someone?” (Let them share, maybe keeping a toy secret or finishing homework.) Then tell them today’s story is about God keeping a big promise thousands of years ago. Hold up a small gift box or paper crown to symbolize the promise God made through Isaiah. “God said, ‘I’m giving you a Savior!’ And He did!” Lesson (Explore): Isaiah lived a long time ago (during a hard time for God’s people), and he wrote down God’s message: “A baby will be born who will bring peace and love!” (Isaiah 9:6, NIrV). This wasn’t just any baby, it was Jesus, who came to save people from their sins. Imagine if someone promised to fix your broken toy, but then never showed up! That’s why God’s promise matters so much. Here’s what we learn: – God keeps promises (like how a parent always comes when you call). – Jesus came to bring hope, even when things feel scary or dark. – We can trust God to do what He says! Show them a simple diagram of the Star of Bethlehem or a heart with a cross. Application (Connect & Reflect): Ask: “How can we show God we trust His promises today?” (Ways: praying, helping others, or sharing kind words like Jesus did.) Challenge kids to “find one way to trust God this week” (e.g., asking Him for a small courage, like sharing their toy). End with a song or clap-chant: “God said, ‘I’ll send my Savior!’ Yes! Yes! Yes!” Closing (Encourage): Wrap up by saying, “Isaiah’s prophecy was true, Jesus came to save us, and we get to live with Him forever! Let’s thank God today for His big love and trust Him with our hearts.” Hold hands or pray together: “Dear God, thank You for Your promise. Help us trust You like Isaiah did. Amen!” Volunteer Tips: – Use props (crown, star, toy “broken” for repair). – Keep time short (10, 15 mins) with movement breaks (e.g., act out the “star shining”). – Praise kids for sharing how they trust God!

Bible Story

A Joyful Child Is Born Long ago, in a time of trouble, God sent a message through a prophet named Isaiah. People were sad and afraid because their king had been unfair, and their land was in danger. But God promised that He would send someone who would bring peace and hope. Isaiah wrote: “There will be joy and happiness in the land. The people will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor,’ ‘Mighty God,’ ‘Everlasting Father,’ and ‘Prince of Peace.’” (Isaiah 9:6-7, NLT)

One day, Isaiah and his wife, an unnamed woman, had a special dream. God told Isaiah to marry a woman who was too old to have children. She would have a baby who would bring great joy. The prophet obeyed God, and though they waited many years, eventually she gave birth to a son. They named him Immanuel, which means “God is with us” (Isaiah 7:14, NLT). Though the story in Isaiah’s book doesn’t tell us more about this child, God’s promise was still true, He would send a Savior through this family.

This baby would grow up to change everything. He would not only bring peace but also show us how to live with God’s love. Because of His coming, people would no longer be afraid and could trust that God was still with them, even in hard times. The Bible later tells us that this baby was Jesus, who came to save all of us.

Why This Matters for Us Today This story teaches us that God always keeps His promises, even when things seem impossible. Even though Isaiah’s family waited a long time, God made sure His plan would come to life. Just like then, God still loves us and has a special plan for each of us! When we trust in Him, we can be brave and hope in His goodness, just as the people of long ago did. Let’s thank God for His promise and trust that He will help us follow Him every day.

Activities

  1. Discussion (2 min): Ask, “What does it mean to be a light in the world?” (Point to Isaiah 9:2, 6, which mentions a child who will bring light and peace.)
  2. Decorate the plate: Let each child draw or color a crown shape on the paper plate (or cut a simple circle). Add gold/stars to make it “shining.”
  3. Add the verse: Glue or tape a small Bible verse (Isaiah 9:6) inside the crown (e.g., “A child is born to us, a son is given…”).
  4. Wear and share: Let kids wear their crowns while reciting the verse aloud. Talk about how Jesus is God’s promise to bring hope!
  1. Review the story: Read Isaiah 9:1, 7 aloud, focusing on “a child is born” and “he will bring light” (verse 2).
  2. Paint the stones: Give each child a stone and let them paint:
  3. 1 stone: A star (for the “sign” in verse 2).
  4. 2 stones: A baby (for “a child is born” in verse 6) and a shepherd (for “he will judge with righteousness”).
  5. 3 stone: A crown (for “he will be called Wonderful Counselor”).
  6. Write or draw symbols: Let kids label their stones with simple words like , or .
  7. Share and discuss: Children take turns holding up their stones and saying, “This stone is about the baby Jesus because…” (e.g., “This star shows He is the sign!”).
  8. Application Tip: Both activities tie to the lesson by making the prophecy tangible. For older kids, add a prayer: “Lord, help us trust that You keep Your promises!” (Use Isaiah 55:11 for confidence in God’s word.) Keep it short, interactive, and full of wonder!

Discussion Questions

  1. Here are four open-ended discussion questions for early elementary children (ages 6-8) about Isaiah’s Prophecy, A Child Is Born (Isaiah 9:1-7). These questions encourage them to reflect on the story, connect it to their lives, and think about what it means to trust God.
  2. What Do You Notice About the Child in the Story?
  3. The Bible tells us that this child was special, not just because he was born, but because God had a big plan for him. He was called “Wonderful Counselor” and “Mighty God.” If you could describe someone you know who is kind, brave, or helpful, what would you say about them? Why do you think God chose this child to be important? How do you think God still uses people like you in His plans today?
  4. (This question invites them to think about what makes a person special and how their own actions might be part of God’s big story.)*
  5. If You Were a Shepherd Like in the Story, How Would You Feel About God’s Promise?
  6. The story says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Imagine you were a shepherd watching over your flock in the darkest night, and suddenly you saw a light so bright you could see clearly. What would that feel like? How would you feel if you knew God had a wonderful surprise for you or your family? What would be your first question to God?
  7. (This connects their imagination to the idea of trust and hope in God’s promises.)*
  8. How Does This Story Make You Feel About God?
  9. Isaiah’s prophecy tells us that God doesn’t just want us to be safe, He wants us to be brave, kind, and strong. When we feel scared or unsure, like the people in the story might have felt, what do you think God wants you to do? How can you trust Him when things don’t go the way you expect? Can you think of a time when you felt God was with you, even if you didn’t understand it right away?
  10. (This encourages them to share feelings and personal experiences with God’s love.)*
  11. If You Could Ask God One Thing About This Child, What Would It Be?
  12. In the story, God is preparing something amazing for this child, and later, we learn it’s about Jesus. If you could ask God a question about His plan for His children, what would it be? For example:
  13. “How will I know when you’re telling me something important?”
  14. “Why do bad things sometimes happen, but you still love me?”
  15. “How can I be more like this brave child you made?”
  16. God doesn’t always give us answers right away, but He always listens. What would your question be, and how do you think He would respond?
  17. (This helps them engage with faith in a way that feels personal and real.)*
  18. Would you like any of these adjusted for a specific setting (like Sunday school, a small group, or family discussion)?

Prayer Focus

Prayer Focus for Early Elementary (Ages 6, 8): A Light to Guide Us “Dear Heavenly Father, We come to you today like Isaiah did so long ago. He saw a time when the world was dark, but he believed in a wonderful gift, God’s love shining like a light in the darkness. Just like a little baby born in Isaiah’s story, we want to be like Jesus, full of kindness, strength, and goodness. Help us to follow His light every day, even when it’s hard, just like little children in our class. Show us how to share His love with our friends, families, and neighbors. We trust in you, Lord, because you are our brightest hope! Amen.” Lesson Connection: Isaiah’s prophecy talks about a child born to bring peace and joy, just like Jesus! When we pray this way, we ask God to help us be little “light-bearers,” just like He promised in His story. Simple Application: – Morning Time: Ask the class to hold up a flashlight or glow stick while saying, “Let’s shine God’s light together!” – Action Step: Have them draw or write one way they can share kindness (like helping a friend) today. Why It Works: – Uses concrete images (light, baby) to help kids visualize God’s promise. – Ends with trust and action, making it interactive for young learners. Would you like a short version with fewer words?

Missions Spotlight

In Israel today, many Jewish people are reading the prophets with fresh eyes. Messianic congregations are growing as more Jewish people recognize that Isaiah’s prophecies point to Yeshua (Jesus). Pray for the salvation of God’s chosen people.

To the Cross

Isaiah wrote these words 700 years before Jesus was born. ‘For to us a child is born… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ This is Jesus, fully God and fully human, born to bring peace between God and us.

Family Take-Home

This Sunday school lesson highlights God’s promise in Isaiah 9:6, where He declares that a gentle leader will be born, a baby named Immanuel (“God is with us”). Through this prophecy, families learn that Jesus came to bring hope, peace, and salvation to all, showing His love and the fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity.

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