3rd Grade Bible & Scripture — Kings and Prophets — God's Faithful Servants
Students will learn about Elijah's bold stand for God on Mount Carmel and be encouraged to stand for truth.
During the time of the divided kingdom, a wicked king named Ahab ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. His wife Jezebel convinced him to worship a false god called Baal. Most of the people followed along.
God sent the prophet Elijah to confront Ahab and the people. Elijah challenged them: 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' The people said nothing.
Elijah proposed a contest on Mount Carmel. The 450 prophets of Baal would build an altar and pray for fire from their god. Elijah would build an altar and pray to the LORD. The God who answered by sending fire would be the true God.
The prophets of Baal prayed, shouted, and danced from morning until evening, but nothing happened. No fire came. Their false god could not answer because he was not real.
Then Elijah repaired God's altar, poured water all over it — three times! — and prayed a simple, faith-filled prayer. Immediately, fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water! The people fell on their faces and cried, 'The LORD — he is God!'
Act out the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel with classmates or family members. Assign roles for Elijah, the prophets of Baal, and the people of Israel. Then write about a time you had to stand up for what was right.