Reference - 2 Kings 4:1–7

Video Summary:

This story shows the faith of a widow in a desperate situation to pay off the family debt after the death of her husband, a faithful prophet. 

If the debt is not paid, the widow’s sons will be forced to leave home and work for a stranger. The widow seeks the help of Elisha, a well-known prophet of God. 

Elisha gives the woman strange instructions to collect as many empty jars as possible. The widow has just a tiny amount of olive oil in her home, but Elisha tells the woman to pour all she has into the jars she has collected. 

Miraculously, God provided plenty of olive oil to fill every jar from the tiny amount of oil the widow had in her home. She sells the olive oil, raises the money to pay off her debts, and her sons remain safe at home with her.

This story is told through the eyes of a shopkeeper who witnessed the faithfulness of the widow.

About the Video:

A merchant tells a suspicious customer how God helped a woman pay off her massive debt with olive oil. God used the prophet Elisha to provide for her needs and glorify his name.

This is the first of four miracle stories performed by Elisha in 2 Kings chapter 4. Each miracle shows how God provides for faithful people through Elisha. When a faithful person asks for Elisha’s help, God delivers a miracle. 

Elisha was taught by the great prophet Elijah who also performed miracles with God’s help. Later, Jesus performs miracles like those of Elijah and Elisha, but Jesus' miracles are much greater.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why did the widow beg Elisha for help?

2. What did the prophet Elisha reveal to the widow about God?

3. What did the widow do to show her faithfulness?

4. What choices could you make to show that you are faithful?