Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath

1 Kings 17:1-16


Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called First Kings (1 Kings). It is the first of two books in the Bible that tell us about the kings of Israel.

There was a man named Elijah, and he was God’s helper. One day, God told Elijah that there would be no rain for a long time. Without rain, the plants couldn’t grow, and soon there was no food. But God promised to take care of Elijah.

At first, God sent Elijah to a little stream, where he could drink fresh water. Every morning and evening, birds called ravens brought him bread and meat. God was taking care of him, just like He promised.

After a while, the stream dried up because there was no rain. Then God told Elijah, “Go to a town called Zarephath. There is a woman there who will give you food.” So Elijah obeyed. When he came to the town gate, he saw a woman picking up sticks.

Elijah said, “Please bring me some water and a little bread.” The woman looked very sad. She said, “I only have a handful of flour and a little oil left. I was going to make one last meal for me and my son.”

But Elijah told her, “Don’t be afraid. God says your jar of flour and your jug of oil will not run out until the rain comes again.” The woman listened to Elijah and trusted God. She made some bread and shared it with Elijah.

And just like God promised, her jar of flour never became empty, and her jug of oil never ran dry! Every day, there was enough for Elijah, the woman, and her son.

God took care of them because they trusted Him. God can take care of us, too!

Key Takeaway for Preschoolers

God takes care of us. When we trust Him and share what we have, God gives us everything we need.


Dear God,

Thank You for taking care of Elijah, the widow, and her son. Thank You for giving them food every day when they needed it most. Please help us to trust You and to share what we have with others. We know You love us and will always take care of us, too. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20b, BSB

Paraphrase: Jesus said, “I am always with you.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. The Jar That Never Emptied

Objective: To help children remember how God provided food every day for Elijah and the widow.

Materials: Small clear cups or jars, flour or dry oatmeal, spoons, and paper towels for cleanup.

Activity: Give each child a small “jar” (cup) and let them pretend to scoop “flour” to make bread. Each time they scoop, refill their jar just a little to show that it never runs out—just like the widow’s flour and oil. As they play, talk about how God kept the jar full every day.

Talk About It: “God made sure there was always enough flour and oil for Elijah, the woman, and her son. God takes care of us, too!”


2. Sharing Bread

Objective: To show that God blesses us when we share what we have.

Materials: Paper circles (to represent bread), crayons or markers, and glue sticks.

Activity: Have each child color and decorate their “bread.” Then ask them to share one with a friend. Tape the “breads” to a wall or poster to make a “Sharing Wall.”

Talk About It: “The woman shared her bread with Elijah, and God gave her even more. When we share what we have, God blesses us and helps others.”
 

3. God’s Care Song (Musical Activity)

Objective: To help children celebrate God’s daily care and provision.

Materials: Rhythm instruments (shakers, bells, or tambourines).

Activity: Teach the children this simple song to the tune of “God Is So Good” (Public Domain). Encourage them to sing softly at first, then joyfully as they add instruments.

Song: “God Took Care of Them” (to the tune of “God Is So Good”)

        God took care of them,  
        God took care of them,  
        God took care of them,  
        He takes care of us too!  

        God gave them food,  
        God gave them food,  
        God gave them food,  
        He gives us what we need!

Encourage gentle clapping or dancing as they sing.

Talk About It: “God took care of Elijah and the woman every day. God takes care of us, too!”


4. Helping Hands

Objective: To help children understand that we can help others just as God helps us.

Materials: Paper, crayons or markers, and scissors (adult use).

Activity: Trace each child’s hand on a piece of paper and let them color it. Write on each hand: “I can help!” Talk about ways they can help others—sharing toys, helping parents, or being kind to friends.

Talk About It: “The woman helped Elijah, and God helped her. When we help others, God is happy!”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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