The Widow's Oil
God Provides More Than Enough
The Story
2 Kings 4:1-7
A widow was in big trouble. Her husband had died and she had no money. The debt collector was coming to take her two sons as servants to pay the debt. She cried out to the prophet Elisha for help.
Elisha asked, 'What do you have in your house?' The woman said, 'Nothing at all — except a small jar of olive oil.'
Elisha told her to collect as many empty jars as she could from neighbors. Then she and her sons were to go inside, shut the door, and start pouring the oil into the empty jars.
The oil kept flowing and flowing! Jar after jar was filled. When she ran out of jars, the oil finally stopped. Elisha told her to sell the oil, pay off the debt, and live on the rest. God had provided more than enough!
What Can We Learn?
God Multiplies What You Have
The widow only had a little oil, but God turned it into a miracle. Bring what you have to God!
Keep Going Until the Jars Run Out
The oil flowed as long as there were empty jars. The more she expected, the more she received!
God Hears Desperate Prayers
The widow cried out for help and God answered. God hears YOUR prayers too.
God Provides for Families
God protected her whole family. God cares about YOUR family!
Memory Verse
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches.”
Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
Character Spotlight
The Widow
Faithful Mother
Fun Facts:
- ★Her husband had served God faithfully
- ★Had only a small jar of oil
- ★Obeyed Elisha's unusual instructions
Lessons from The Widow:
- ✓Faith means obeying even when instructions seem strange
Elisha
Prophet of God
Fun Facts:
- ★Elijah's successor as prophet
- ★Known for many miracles
- ★Helped people in need
Lessons from Elisha:
- ✓God works through people who are willing to be used
Prayer Time
Read this prayer out loud!
Dear God, thank You for taking care of my family. Help me to trust You when things seem impossible, and to bring what little I have to You. You can make it more than enough! Amen.
Family Discussion
Talk about these questions together!
Why do you think Elisha told her to collect as many jars as possible?
What does this miracle teach us about God's provision?
Has God ever provided for your family in a surprising way?
Fun Activities
Activities to reinforce the story!
Color the Oil Miracle
Color jars being filled with oil!
Count the Jars
Count and arrange the jars in order!
Draw God's Provision
Draw something God has provided for your family.
