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Objective

In this lesson we’ll see how God calls us to minister His grace to others through faithful discipleship and humble leadership.

Key Verse

2 Kings 2:9: When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

Introduction

The stories of Elijah and Elisha show us one of the most beautiful pictures of discipleship and spiritual succession in all of Scripture. Elijah was a prophet of judgment who called fire from heaven and confronted the wicked King Ahab. But Elisha was a prophet of grace who healed the sick and provided for the needy. This beautiful contrast gives us a picture of how the grace of God was revealed through Christ after the law of Moses.

Elisha ministered to kings and widows alike. He performed many miracles—in fact, more miracles than any other prophet in the Old Testament. But more than anything else, his ministry showed us God’s compassionate heart. Where Elijah brought drought and divine judgment, Elisha brought healing and miraculous provision. His life teaches us that God desires to use ordinary people to show His extraordinary grace to a hurting world.

As we study Elisha’s remarkable life together, we’ll discover how God prepares His servants and how He uses them to bless others. The lessons we learn from Elisha’s journey will help us understand our own calling to be ministers of God’s grace in our generation.

In this lesson we’ll focus on two important aspects of Elisha’s ministry:

• Elisha as a faithful disciple
• Elisha as a gracious leader

A Faithful Disciple

Two powerful stories tell us about how Elisha was called into ministry and trained by the great prophet Elijah. These accounts teach us important principles about discipleship that apply to every believer who wants to serve God effectively.

➤ When Elijah Found Elisha in the Field

After God renewed and restored Elijah at Mount Horeb, He sent him to anoint Elisha as his successor. The story of their first meeting reveals much about both men and about God’s ways of calling His servants.

1 Kings 19:19-21: So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?” So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.

What do we learn about Elisha’s call into ministry from this remarkable encounter?

First, Elisha was already busy and productive when Elijah called him. He wasn’t sitting around waiting for something to do—he was actively working with twelve yoke of oxen, showing that he came from a prosperous family and was a responsible person. God looks for men and women who are already faithful in their current responsibilities. He wants leaders who will take initiative and work diligently, not people who are lazy or unreliable.

This pattern appears throughout Scripture. When Jesus called His first disciples, they weren’t lounging on the beach—they were busy fishing.

Matthew 4:18-20: As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Second, Elijah was willing to transfer his authority and responsibility to someone else. When he threw his cloak around Elisha, he was symbolically passing on his prophetic calling and authority. The mantle of a prophet was a sign of his office and power—by placing it on Elisha, Elijah was identifying him as his chosen successor.

Sometimes leaders struggle with preparing others to follow after them. They worry about losing their position or being replaced. But wise leaders understand that training successors is one of their most important responsibilities. Jesus gave us the perfect example of this when He spent three years preparing His disciples to carry on His ministry.

Acts 1:3-8: After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Moses and Paul both showed this same willingness to share responsibility with their helpers, recognizing that effective ministry requires teamwork and succession planning.

Third, Elisha left his old life completely behind when he chose to follow Elijah. When he asked to say goodbye to his parents, he wasn’t making excuses or delaying his obedience. This was different from the situation Jesus described when someone asked to bury his father before following Him.

Matthew 8:21-22: Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Jesus was speaking about those who make endless excuses to delay their commitment until some future time that never comes. Elisha, however, had the heart of a true disciple. He said goodbye properly and then committed himself completely to his new calling.

Fourth, Elisha understood from the beginning that he was called to serve, not to be served. He slaughtered his oxen and used his farming equipment to cook a farewell meal for the community. This dramatic gesture showed that he was burning his bridges—there would be no going back to his comfortable life as a prosperous farmer. Then he became Elijah’s personal servant, learning by watching and helping rather than expecting immediate recognition or authority. (Notebook Moment: Think about a time when you had to leave something familiar and comfortable to follow God’s leading. What did that experience teach you about the cost and blessing of discipleship?)

➤ When Elijah Was Taken Up to Heaven

We don’t hear about Elisha again until the end of Elijah’s earthly ministry, about ten years later. During those years, Elisha served faithfully as Elijah’s assistant, learning the ways of God and preparing for the day when he would assume leadership. The story of Elijah’s departure reveals how thoroughly God had prepared His new servant.

2 Kings 2:1: When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.

What does this powerful story teach us about God’s preparation of His servants?

First, Elisha was completely devoted to his mentor. When Elijah tried to leave him behind at three different stops on their final journey together, Elisha refused each time. His loyalty and determination showed that he understood the value of staying close to godly leadership.

2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6: Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.”…Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.”…Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.”

Second, Elisha had developed a strong desire for God’s power to rest upon his ministry. When Elijah asked what he could do for him before being taken away, Elisha made a bold and significant request.

2 Kings 2:9: When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

Elisha wasn’t asking for twice as much power as Elijah—he was asking for the inheritance portion of the firstborn son, which was double the portion given to other sons. This showed his desire to be Elijah’s true spiritual heir and to carry on his work effectively.

Third, Elisha began immediately to lead with power and authority when his time came. As soon as Elijah was taken up in the whirlwind, Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and used it to part the waters of the Jordan River, just as his master had done moments before.

2 Kings 2:14-15: He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

God doesn’t always call us to wait until we feel completely ready before He asks us to step into leadership. Often He gives us the grace and power we need as we step forward in obedience.

Fourth, even after he became a powerful prophet in his own right, Elisha was known for his humility. Years later, he was still referred to as “the servant of Elijah,” showing that he never forgot where he came from or who had invested in his life.

2 Kings 3:11: But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” An officer of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

This humility is a mark of true spiritual maturity. Great leaders never forget those who helped shape them, and they remain teachable throughout their lives.

A Gracious Leader

Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit was granted in a remarkable way. The Bible records that Elijah performed eight miracles during his ministry, while Elisha performed sixteen—exactly double! But God didn’t give Elisha this increased power so he could impress people or build his own reputation. Most of his miracles were performed quietly, often for very ordinary people facing everyday problems.

This reveals an important difference between the ministries of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah’s ministry was focused on the judgment of God—he called down fire from heaven, shut up the sky for three and a half years, and confronted Israel’s wickedness with dramatic displays of divine power. But Elisha’s ministry was focused on the grace of God—he healed the sick, provided for the poor, and helped people in practical ways.

Many of Elisha’s miracles were what we might call “helping miracles” that demonstrated God’s compassionate care for His people:

• Sweetening the waters of Jericho (2 Kings 2:19-22) – When the people of Jericho complained that their water was bad, Elisha purified it permanently, making their city a better place to live.
• Increasing oil for a widow (2 Kings 4:1-7) – When a poor widow faced losing her sons to slavery because of debt, Elisha miraculously multiplied her small jar of oil so she could pay what she owed and live comfortably.
• Raising a woman’s son from the dead (2 Kings 4:32-37) – When the Shunammite woman’s son died unexpectedly, Elisha brought him back to life, showing God’s power over death itself.
• Purifying the deadly stew (2 Kings 4:38-41) – When someone accidentally put poisonous gourds in the stew for the company of prophets, Elisha made it safe to eat.
• Feeding one hundred men (2 Kings 4:42-44) – When a man brought twenty loaves of bread to feed a large group, Elisha multiplied the food so there was enough for everyone with leftovers remaining.
• Healing Naaman of leprosy (2 Kings 5) – When the Syrian commander came seeking healing, Elisha showed that God’s mercy extends even to foreign enemies who humble themselves before Him.
• Restoring an ax head (2 Kings 6:1-7) – When a young prophet lost a borrowed ax head in the river, Elisha made it float to the surface, solving a practical problem and preventing embarrassment.

The message of judgment was not completely absent from Elisha’s ministry—he could speak God’s warnings when necessary. But his ministry consistently emphasized God’s gracious provision and loving care for His people. (Notebook Moment: How do you see God’s grace at work in the ordinary, practical areas of your own life? How might He want to use you to show His grace to others who are struggling with everyday problems?)

God also revealed His sovereignty and protection through Elisha’s ministry during a time when His people were threatened by powerful enemies. One of the most encouraging stories from Elisha’s life shows us that God’s protection is real even when we cannot see it.

2 Kings 6:15-17: When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

When we face overwhelming circumstances, it’s easy to focus only on what we can see with our physical eyes. But God wants us to understand that His power and protection surround us even when we cannot perceive them. This story reminds us that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them” when we belong to the Lord.

The apostle Paul experienced this same divine encouragement when he was facing opposition in Corinth:

Acts 18:9-10: One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

God will give us a vision of His presence and protection when we need it most, strengthening our faith for the challenges we face.

Conclusion

The miracles that both Elijah and Elisha performed point us forward to the ministry of Jesus Christ. When we compare their works, we see beautiful connections that help us understand how the Old Testament prophets prepared the way for our Savior:

Elijah and Elisha	Jesus
Both multiplied food	Jesus multiplied food (Mark 6:41–44)
Both raised the dead	Jesus raised the dead (Mark 5:41–42)
Both controlled nature	Jesus controlled nature (Mark 4:39)

These similarities are not coincidental—they show us that God was using His servants throughout history to give His people glimpses of the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King who would one day come.

It’s interesting to note that while Elijah is mentioned twenty-nine times in the New Testament, Elisha is mentioned only once (Luke 4:27). Yet Elisha was used by God in remarkable ways. God gave him a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and God honored Elisha’s memory even after he died. The final miracle associated with Elisha occurred when a dead man was accidentally thrown into Elisha’s tomb and came back to life simply by touching the prophet’s bones (2 Kings 13:20-21).

This reminds us that God’s evaluation of our lives may be very different from how the world measures success. Faithful service, humble love, and consistent ministry to others in Jesus’ name will be remembered and rewarded by God, even if we don’t receive recognition here on earth.

Will others continue to be blessed by our lives after we are gone? The example of Elisha challenges us to live in such a way that our influence for good continues long after our earthly ministry is complete.

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