Introduction: Why This Matters
Have you ever felt like you didn’t have enough—whether it was money, time, or strength? In life, we sometimes feel like we’re running on empty. But the story of Elijah and the widow’s oil reminds us that when we trust God, He provides in ways we don’t expect.
Today’s lesson teaches us that God can take something small and multiply it beyond what we can imagine.
1. Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4:1-4
“The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, ‘Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.’ Elisha replied to her, ‘How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?’ ‘Your servant has nothing there at all,’ she said, ‘except a small jar of olive oil.’ Elisha said, ‘Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.’”
Explanation For Teenagers
The widow was desperate—she had no money and was about to lose her children to slavery.
Elisha asked her to trust God by using what she already had, even though it seemed small.
This shows us that sometimes, God’s miracles start with what we already have.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Elisha told the widow to gather empty jars?
- Have you ever felt like you didn’t have enough? How did you handle it?
- What does this story teach us about trusting God with what we have?
2. Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4:5-7
“She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another one.’ But he replied, ‘There is not a jar left.’ Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.’”
Explanation For Teenagers
The widow trusted God and followed Elisha’s instructions—and the miracle happened!
The oil didn’t stop flowing until all the jars were full, showing that God’s provision is more than enough.
This teaches us that when we obey God and trust Him, He takes care of our needs.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What do you think the widow felt as she kept pouring the oil?
- How does this story encourage us to trust God in difficult situations?
- What are some ways God has provided for you or your family?
Youth Group Game: “Fill the Jars”
What You’ll Need:
- Plastic cups (to act as “jars”)
- Water pitchers
- A timer
How to Play:
- Divide the group into teams and give each team a pitcher of water and several empty cups.
- Each team must fill as many cups as possible within a short time limit.
- Afterward, discuss how God’s provision works when we trust Him, just like in the widow’s story.
Debrief
- How did it feel to keep filling the cups?
- What does this game teach us about God’s ability to provide?
- How can we trust God when we feel like we don’t have enough?
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing us through this story that You are our provider. Help us to trust You even when we feel like we don’t have enough. Teach us to rely on You and use what we have for Your glory. Strengthen our faith and remind us that You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.