Widow of Zarephath, by James Johnson
1 Kings 12–13; 17–22: Lesson 81
1 Kings 17
“She Went and Did According to the Saying of Elijah”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ give us opportunities to exercise faith in Them amid life’s difficulties. During a drought, the prophet Elijah asked a widow in Zarephath to give him the last of her food. The widow acted in faith, and the Lord promised her great blessings. Like the widow, we can follow God’s prophets. This lesson can help you act with greater faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by following the words of prophets.
Study the Scriptures
Think about a challenging invitation the Lord has given through His prophets. Match the prophets with an invitation the Lord gave to their people:
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Prophets |
Invitation from the Lord |
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Prophets
| Invitation from the Lord
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Prophets
| Invitation from the Lord
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Prophets
| Invitation from the Lord
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Prophets
| Invitation from the Lord
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Read Ether 2:16; Exodus 14:21–22; 1 Nephi 2:1–2; and Doctrine and Covenants 136:1 to check your answers.
Ponder the following statements:
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I believe the Lord speaks through prophets.
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I am familiar with what the Lord is teaching through His prophets today.
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I am following the Lord’s teachings that are given through His prophets.
As you study 1 Kings 17, pay attention to thoughts and insights from the Holy Ghost. Think about how your study today can affect your feelings about these statements.
Two kingdoms
Because of wickedness, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah (see 1 Kings 11–12). During the reign of wicked King Ahab, the Lord sent His prophet Elijah to the people of Israel.
Two kingdoms. This overview may help you understand the context of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. For more information, see “Israel, Kingdom of” in the Bible Dictionary and “Judah” in Guide to the Scriptures.
Using the power of God, Elijah prevented rain from coming upon the land, which resulted in years of drought. The Lord provided for Elijah’s needs, instructing him to hide by a brook of water where ravens fed him (see 1 Kings 17:1–6).
Read 1 Kings 17:8–16. Mark how Elijah and the widow showed faith in Jesus Christ. If available, you could watch “Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath” from time code 4:09 to 10:06.
Both Elijah and the widow can be seen as symbols of Jesus Christ. Elijah might have reminded you of Jesus Christ when he invited the widow to follow his instructions in order to be saved. The widow may remind you of Jesus Christ by the way she was willing to sacrifice all she had, as the Savior did.
Read and link 1 Kings 17:14–16 with Matthew 14:15–21 to find another way Elijah symbolizes the Savior.
Create a note next to 1 Kings 17:16 and record this truth: acting in faith on the Savior’s words brings His promised blessings.
Respond to the following questions in your notebook:
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What can make it difficult to act in faith on the Savior’s teachings?
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What do you know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that can help you act in faith?
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
What is the Lord’s prophet asking me to do today?
Draw two columns in your notebook. Draw a loaf of bread to represent the widow’s cake in the left column. Then draw a cruse of oil and barrel of meal (see 1 Kings 17:12, 16) in the right column.
Label the left column “What Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Ask.” Label the right column “Their Promised Blessings.”
Look through two or more of the following resources to find what God is asking you to do. In the left column, make a list of things Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are asking us to do through Their prophets. In the right column, list the promised blessings of obeying Their words.
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Russell M. Nelson, “Join the Battalion, Help Gather Israel” (digital-only article), Ensign, July 2018, Gospel Library
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For the Strength of Youth magazines
Option B
How can following God’s prophet increase my faith amid challenges?
Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son from Death, by Robert T. Barrett
Read 1 Kings 17:17. Mark what happened to the widow’s son. Why might this seem surprising to the widow? What would you recommend the widow do?
Read 1 Kings 17:18–23 to see how the widow responded to the situation.
Challenges come into our lives even when we faithfully respond to the prophets’ words.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
God has always asked His covenant children to do difficult things. Because you are covenant-keeping sons and daughters of God, living in the latter part of these latter days, the Lord will ask you to do difficult things. You can count on it. …
… You will be asked to accept challenging assignments and become an instrument in the Lord’s hands. And He will enable you to accomplish the impossible. (“Becoming True Millennials” [worldwide devotional for young adults, Jan. 10, 2016], Gospel Library)
Read 1 Kings 17:24, looking for the testimony the widow bore after this experience.
In your notebook, write a note of encouragement to someone who is facing a challenge. Imagine the person feels they are doing all they can, but despite their efforts, they are still struggling. You might share your testimony of how your faith in Jesus Christ has been strengthened as you’ve followed the words of His prophets amid your own challenges.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you act with greater faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by following the words of prophets.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The drawing and lists you made of what the Lord’s prophets are asking you to do today.
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The note of encouragement you wrote.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?