Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Select a video to play as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.

Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time to begin.

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome back to the second lesson of our Superbook adventure called “Elijah and the Widow.” It’s an amazing story of how God provides for His people. God provides for us, too! That makes me want to shout aloud! In fact, let’s all stand and sing the song, “Shout Aloud!”

Play Video: (Song) Shout Aloud! (2:12)

Shout Aloud Music Video

Preview the song so you can help the children sing along with the music.

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth today is: “I will share what I have with others.”

Have you ever been asked to share a favorite food or drink when there was just a little left? What did you choose to do?  Children answer.

It can be difficult to share—especially if something is valuable or in short supply. It helps to know that we serve a generous, loving God who will reward us and give us all that we need.

Let’s watch a short version of our Bible story about Elijah and the widow. If you have seen it before, the widow had only a handful of something—watch carefully to see what it was.         

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video. 

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (12 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet Elijah, who is fed by ravens during a famine. In Zarephath, a widow gives Elijah bread even though she and her son are starving—then God miraculously provides food for them until the famine ends. Later, when the boy dies, Elijah raises him to life. The children learn to obey even when they don’t understand.

Discussion (2 minutes)

What was the widow gathering when Elijah saw her? Sticks to cook her family’s last meal.

What was the first thing Elijah asked her for? A cup of water.

Why might it have been hard for the widow to share a cup of water? Since it hadn’t rained, there was very little water.

What can happen during a drought? Crops don’t grow without water. People and animals go hungry and even die.  

Elijah had spoken a word from the Lord to the wicked king, saying there would be no rain—and that word came true. The crops had died. The area where the widow lived was famous for producing lots of olive oil. Since the widow’s oil was completely gone, it shows how severe the drought and famine were.

In addition to water, what else did Elijah ask for? A bite of bread.

What Elijah asked the widow to do was a true test of her obedience and trust. When we obediently share what we have, we demonstrate our trust in God to provide all we need. 

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

In today’s Bible Background video we’ll learn more about Elijah, the city of Zarephath, and the widow. We’ll also find out about wicked King Ahab and his wife Jezebel who worshiped the false god named Baal. Be ready for Gizmo’s questions! Wait for him to give some answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (8 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic

SuperVerse

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

The SuperVerse today is Luke 6:38. Let’s say it together:

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.”

Can you guess who said these words in the Bible? Jesus.
In this verse, Jesus teaches us about sharing what we have with others. What does He say will happen when we give? We will receive back.

This does not mean that we will always get back exactly the same thing we gave. It means that God will generously bless us in any way He chooses.           

Let’s say the SuperVerse again. Luke 6:38: 

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.”

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If they are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, the widow had little to eat, yet she trusted Elijah’s words from You that she would continue to have enough. Help us to be willing to share what we have, trusting that You will give us all we need and even more; pressed down, shaken together, and running over! Thank You for Your Word that is always true and never fails. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.    

In Small Group today, you will play a game where you will give what you receive to others. Let’s go play!       

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.