The Shunammite Woman's Children's Study
The Woman who Believed God
Once there was a kind woman who lived in a town called Shunem. Every time God’s helper, Elisha, passed by, she invited him to eat at her house. Soon she said, “Let’s build a little room on the roof for him.” So they did, and Elisha stayed there often.
Elisha wanted to say thank you. He learned that the woman had no children. So he told her, “Next year, you will hold a little son!” She could hardly believe it. But God kept His promise, and she had a baby boy.
The boy grew and played in the fields. One day, his head hurt, and he cried out. His mother held him, but then he grew very still. He had died.
The woman did not give up. She ran to find Elisha. “Please come!” she said. Elisha hurried to her house. He went upstairs, shut the door, and prayed to God. Then he stretched out on top of the boy. The boy’s body grew warm. He sneezed seven times and opened his eyes!
Elisha called the woman. “Take your son,” he said. She fell at Elisha’s feet, so full of joy. God had given her son back to her.
This true story shows us: God sees kind hearts, does miracles, and brings life from death. You can trust Him, too.
Devotional Lessons
Lesson 1: Kindness to God’s people pleases God
The Shunammite woman saw that Elisha was a man of God. She invited him to eat at her house. Then she asked her husband to build a little room so Elisha could stay there anytime.
Big Truth
When we help others who love God, we are really helping God Himself.
Study Questions
- What did the woman do for Elisha first?
- Why did she want to build a room for him?
- How do you think Elisha felt about her kindness?
- Name one way you can be kind to someone at church.
Lesson 2: God can do the impossible
The woman had no children, and her husband was very old. But Elisha told her, “Next year you will hold a son.” She thought it was too hard for God, but God gave her a baby boy anyway.
Big Truth
Nothing is too hard for God—He can give life, hope, and miracles when we least expect them.
Study Questions
- What did the woman want but could not have?
- What did Elisha promise her?
- Did she believe it at first? Why or why not?
- Has God ever done something surprising for you or your family?
Lesson 3: When trouble comes, run to God
The boy grew up, then suddenly died in his mother’s arms. She did not cry or give up. She hurried straight to Elisha, the man of God, because she knew God could help.
Big Truth
In every hard time, we should run to God first—He is our only real hope.
Study Questions
- What terrible thing happened to the woman’s son?
- Where did the woman go for help?
- Why didn’t she stop at home or go somewhere else?
- What should you do when you feel scared or sad?
Lesson 4: God has power over death
Elisha went to the boy’s room, shut the door, and prayed. Then he stretched out on the boy’s lifeless body. God heard Elisha, and the boy sneezed and opened his eyes! He was alive again.
Big Truth
Only God can give life back after death, and one day He will give eternal life to everyone who trusts Him.
Study Questions
- What did Elisha do before he stretched out on the boy?
- What happened to the boy’s body?
- How do you think the mother felt when she saw her son alive?
- Who has the power to raise people from the dead?
Big Ideas for Children
- Be kind to people who love God, it makes Him happy.
- Trust God even when something seems impossible.
- Run to God first when you are in trouble.
- God is stronger than death itself.
3 Children’s Activities
- Draw the Little Room – Give children paper and crayons to draw the rooftop room the woman made for Elisha. Then write “God loves a cheerful giver” on the picture.
- Act Out the Miracle – Have children act out the story: one is the woman, one is Elisha, and one is the boy who “wakes up” when Elisha prays.
- Prayer Promise Card – Help each child make a small card that says “When I’m scared, I’ll run to God.” Decorate it and keep it by their bed as a reminder.