TEACHER BIBLE STUDY Following David s slaying of Goliath, the Philistine warrior, King Saul s son Jonathan dedicated himself to David. He loved David as much as he loved himself. Jonathan s gifts to David the robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt indicated that Jonathan recognized David as God s choice for the next king, a position Jonathan could have rightly expected as Saul s son. David got a lot of attention for striking down Goliath, and King Saul was jealous. Saul unsuccessfully attempted to kill David. Saul instructed his servants and his son Jonathan to kill David. But Jonathan loved David, and he pleaded with his father not to kill him. As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed, Saul told Jonathan. With this promise, David returned to serving King Saul. But it wasn t long before Saul was again troubled and attempted to kill David. This time, David fled. In 1 Samuel 20, David came to Jonathan in a desperate situation. What have I done? What did I do wrong? How have I sinned against your father that he wants to take my life? David asked. Jonathan had a hard time believing his father would want to kill David, so Jonathan and David came up with a plan to determine Saul s intentions. Through his interactions with Saul at the festival of the New Moon, Jonathan determined Saul did want to kill David. He relayed the information to David, and the two friends departed with great sadness. As you teach the story of David and Jonathan, help kids recognize what Jonathan did for David. He laid down his rights as king and interceded on his behalf. Jonathan s life gives us a glimpse of Jesus, the mighty friend of sinners. Jesus left His position in heaven to come down to us. He gave up His life to save us, and intercedes for us before God. LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Key Passage: Psalm 51:10 Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through David s family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Transition Time Welcome time Activity sheet/table Centers Session starter (10 minutes) 1
Lesson Countdown Introduce the session (1 minute) Timeline Map (1 minute) Big picture question (1 minute) Sing (5 minutes) Key passage (4 minutes) Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Discussion starter video (3 minutes) The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Prayer (5 minutes) Table Time Timeline map (1 minute) Bible story review (10 minutes) Large Group Review / Activities Key passage activity (5 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Prayer (5 minutes) THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW David and Jonathan Became Friends 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 David, the youngest son of Jesse from Bethlehem, had done the seemingly impossible. With a sling and a stone, David killed Goliath, the mighty Philistine warrior. David lived at the king s palace. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, became best friends with David. Jonathan gave gifts to David: his robe, military tunic, sword, bow, and belt. David was successful at everything Saul asked him to do, and Saul made David a high officer in his army. But Saul didn t love David like Jonathan did. In fact, Saul was jealous of David s success, and he wanted to kill David. Saul even asked Jonathan to kill David! Jonathan really liked David, so he warned him, My father wants to kill you. Go hide in a safe place until I can talk to him. The next morning, Jonathan talked to Saul about David. Why would you want to kill David? Jonathan asked. He has done nothing but help you. Saul agreed and promised not to kill David. Jonathan told David the good news, and David returned to serve Saul as he had done before. But King Saul did not keep His promise very long. One day when David was playing the harp for Saul, Saul was bothered by an evil spirit, and he threw a spear at David. David 2
escaped. He went to Jonathan and told him what had happened. That can t be! Jonathan said. My father tells me everything, and he hasn t told me he wants you dead. It s true, David replied. He didn t tell you because he knows we are such good friends. He didn t want to upset you. How can I help? Jonathan asked. David came up with a plan to figure out how Saul felt about David. The New Moon festival is tomorrow, David explained. I m supposed to be at the meal, but I m not going. If Saul asks where I am, tell him I asked for your permission to go to Bethlehem. If he gets angry, you will know he wants to kill me. Jonathan told David that he would give him a sign so David would know how Saul responded. Jonathan would find David in the field and shoot three arrows. If David was safe, Jonathan would send his servant to get the arrows, and Jonathan would say, The arrows are to the side of you! But if Saul wanted to kill David, Jonathan would say, The arrows are beyond you! So Jonathan went to the New Moon festival with his father. When Saul sat down to eat, he asked, Where s David? David is in Bethlehem. I gave him permission to go, Jonathan said. Saul became very angry. David deserves to die! he yelled. Why? Jonathan asked. What has he done wrong? Saul threw his spear at Jonathan, and Jonathan left the table. He was sad that his father wanted to kill David. The next morning, Jonathan went to the field where David was hiding. He shot three arrows and sent his servant to retrieve them. The arrow is beyond you! Jonathan shouted. That was Jonathan s sign to David that Saul wanted to kill him. Jonathan sent his servant away, and David came out from where he was hiding. David fell to the ground because he was so sad. David and Jonathan cried and said their good-byes. Take care of yourself, Jonathan said. The two men parted ways knowing that no matter what, they would always be friends. Christ Connection: Jonathan was a true friend to David. Jonathan s life gives us a glimpse of Jesus, the mighty friend of sinners. Jesus calls us friends (John 15:15). He gave up His position in heaven to come down to us, gave up His life to save us, and intercedes for us before God. 3
TRANSITION TIME Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Key Passage: Psalm 51:10 Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through David s family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Welcome time Tip: As kids arrive this is a great time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. Arriving Activity: Target Practice paper marker tape Draw a target on a piece of paper and tape it to the wall. Provide each kid with a piece of paper and demonstrate how to make a paper plane. Encourage the kids to try to hit the middle of the target with their paper planes. Say In today s Bible story, a man used a target to send a very important message to a friend. Activities/Table Centers (5 minutes) Table Centers (Miscellaneous Activities) Best Friends activity sheet / Bible Story Coloring Sheet, 1 per kid markers, colored pencils, crayons Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. Say Many times our friends are people who enjoy the same things we do. In today s story, two friends were actually separated because of something they had in common. If time remains, allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Session Starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Friend Relay tape paper Group kids into pairs. Tape a start line and finish line several feet apart. Invite the kids to line up side by side with their partners behind the start line. Ask the partners to link arms. Give each kid a sheet of paper. Explain that each pair must race to the finish line with their arms linked together while balancing a piece of paper on their heads. If either paper comes off before they get to the finish line, the two must go back to the start line and begin again. If you have several kids, race 4
in heats of three or four pairs at a time. Say Did working with a friend make this game harder? Being a friend isn t always easy. Two very good friends will find that out in today s Bible story. Option 2: Snacks for Two snack of your choice hand sanitizer (optional) Allergy Alert printable Group kids into pairs. Provide a snack of your choice that each pair must share. Since kids are sharing, invite them to first wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before providing the snack. Say Is it always easy to share? It all depends on how much each person is willing to give up. In a few moments we will meet someone who was willing to give up everything for a friend. Transition to large group LESSON Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Key Passage: Psalm 51:10 Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through David s family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Countdown countdown video (on provided DVD with lesson videos and worship) Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for lesson and set it to end as large group time begins. Introduce the session (1 minute) picture of a friend [Large Group Leader enters with a picture of a friend.] Leader Hello! The king called me and told me he wasn t going to get to see us today. He had plans with a very good friend. He once again wished us well as we continue to read about some of the greatest kings in Israel s history. When he told me about his plans with a friend, it made me start thinking about my friends. I thought I would share a picture of one of my friends with you. How many of you have a really good friend? I hope you all do. 5
Friends are very important. God made us with a desire to share life with others. In just a few moments, we will talk about two very good friends in the Bible. First, let s look at what we have learned so far about the first two kings of Israel. Timeline Map (1 minute) Timeline Map (small group visual pack copies provided for Table Time Review) Leader The Israelites looked at other nations and decided they wanted a king. God warned them what life would be like with a king, but the people insisted. God told Samuel to anoint Saul. Saul didn t obey God, so God sent Samuel to anoint another king. He didn t look the part, but God chose a boy named David. David fought for the Israelites, and God gave him power to defeat the giant Goliath. That s a quick recap of what we ve learned so far. Today, we will see how David and Jonathan Became Friends. Big picture question (1 minute) Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? - 11x17 poster provided Leader The Bible gives great examples of friends and what a friendship should be like. Who has a Bible today? The Bible also tells us about the greatest friend we could ever have. That s our big picture question for today. Who is our friend? Sing (5 minutes) Worship Song: Generous King (on provided DVD) Leader A king is supposed to take care of the people he rules. He should be a leader who puts his people s needs before his own needs. The Israelites greatest need was for a leader who would obey God. Saul failed to do that, and God chose someone with a different heart. He chose a generous king. Sing together Generous King. Key passage (4 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Psalm 51:10 (provided) Worship Song: A Clean Heart (on provided DVD) Leader King David wanted to be a good king. He wanted a clean heart and a constant faith. That s what David says in our key passage. Show the slide or poster of the unit s key passage, Psalm 51:10. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse together. Sing together A Clean Heart. Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) David and Jonathan Became Friends video (on provided DVD) Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster Leader Let s look closely at the story of two true friends named David and Jonathan. Through 6
their friendship, we will discover another friendship we all have in common. That will answer our big picture question. Who is our friend? Show the David and Jonathan Became Friends video, or choose to tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read only the bolded text. Leader David was put in charge of the Israelite army and became good friends with Saul s son Jonathan. David lived at the king s palace during much of this time, giving the two time to become best friends. The relationship Saul once shared with David changed because Saul became jealous. He didn t like that people really liked David, maybe more than him. Saul wanted David killed, but Jonathan talked him out of it at first. One day everything changed when Saul tried to kill David himself, even though David was trying to help him by playing his harp. David told Jonathan. Jonathan didn t believe it could be true, but he agreed to test his father. David asked Jonathan to see what Saul would do if David wasn t at a special celebration they were having. The two figured out a place where David could hide and a sign Jonathan could give him to let him know if it would be safe to come back. Jonathan would come to the field near where David was hiding and shoot three arrows. If Jonathan asked his servant to look for the arrows beside him, it would be safe for David. If Jonathan told his servant the arrows were beyond him, David was not safe. Saul failed the test, and Jonathan told David through their secret message. The two friends met one last time to make a promise of friendship forever. They cried and then said goodbye. The love and friendship that David and Jonathan felt is a reminder of the love and friendship we have with Jesus. Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Jesus showed He is our friend when He gave His life so our sins could be forgiven. Ask the following review questions: Who was David s friend? (Jonathan, 1 Samuel 18:1) Who wanted David killed? (Saul; 1 Samuel 19:1; 20:31) Why did Saul want to kill David? (He was jealous, 1 Samuel 18:9) How did Jonathan warn David that it wasn t safe for him to return? (He shot three arrows and told his servant to look for the arrows beyond him, 1 Samuel 20:37) Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Unit 11, Session 4 - Discussion Starter Video (on provided DVD) Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? - 11x17 poster provided Leader What do you look for in a friend? Watch this video. Show the Unit 11 Session 4 discussion starter video. Leader Does a good friend put the needs and wants of his friend first? Have you ever given up something for a friend? Saul planned on Jonathan being the next king. However, Jonathan loved David so much he was willing to give up being the king to protect David. He was even willing to die if necessary. 7
In John 15:13, Jesus says there is no greater love than someone willing to give his life for a friend. In the Book of Luke, Jesus also said that He came to call sinners to repent of their sin. Repent means to turn or change from disobeying God to obeying Him. When we repent of our sin and trust Jesus as our Savior and Lord, He calls us His friends. That s why there is no greater friend than Jesus. Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian. Prayer (5 minutes) Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? - 11x17 poster provided Show the big picture question slide or poster. Leader Who can tell me the answer to the big picture question? Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Invite each kid to find a friend. Encourage them to share the big picture question and answer with each other a few times. Choose some of the friends to share the big picture question and answer together with the group. Before transitioning to small group, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in prayer. Pray that the kids will really see how Jesus is their true friend. Dismiss to small groups for Table Time The Gospel: God s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means good news. It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. 8
Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus. TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Key Passage: Psalm 51:10 Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through David s family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Bible story review (10 minutes) Bibles, 1 per kid Timeline (small group visual pack extra copies provided for Table Time Review) Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? (11x17 poster provided in classroom) Yes and No signs Tip: Divide children into small groups for table time. Each group should include an adult leader at the table. Encourage the kids to find 1 Samuel 18 in their Bibles. Help them as needed. Say Is 1 Samuel in the Old or New Testament? (Old Testament) Which division of the Bible is 1 Samuel in? (History) What are some of the stories we ve learned about in 1 Samuel? (Eli and Boy Samuel, The Ark Was Captured, Israel Demanded a King, God Rejected Saul as King, David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath, and David and Jonathan Became Friends) Use the small group visual pack to show kids where today s Bible story is on the timeline. Review the Bible story provided using the bolded text, or summarize the story in your own words. Form friend groups of two or three kids. Talk about how Jonathan and David worked together because they were friends. Each group must work together to answer the following yesor-no questions. Provide each group with a piece of paper labeled yes and a piece of paper labeled no. Give them 15 seconds to talk about the answer. When the leader says time, they must immediately hold up one of the signs. Was Jonathan David s friend and Saul s nephew? (No, he was Saul s son; 1 Samuel 19:1) Did Saul want Jonathan to kill David? (yes, 1 Samuel 19:1) 9
Was David playing the harp when Saul tried to kill him? (yes, 1 Samuel 18:10-11) Was Jonathan surprised that Saul tried to kill David? (yes, 1 Samuel 20:2) Did Jonathan plan to shoot a gun to warn David if he could not come back? (No, he would shoot three arrows in the field. If he told his servant the arrows are beyond you, then David was in danger and needed to flee; 1 Samuel 20:18-22) After Jonathan told David the news, did both men cry? (yes, 1 Samuel 20:41) Is Jesus our friend? (yes, John 15:13) Say We have all sinned, but Jesus is the friend of sinners. Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. We can call Jesus our friend, just as David called Jonathan his friend. Show the big picture question slide or poster. Say I just gave you the answer to the big picture question. Do you remember it? Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. LARGE GROUP REVIEW AND ACTIVITIES Key passage activity (5 minutes) Flying Arrows Instructions Key Passage Poster: Psalm 51:10 (provided) arrows (pieces of paper with words from the Key Passage) (2 sets per service hour have been provided in each classroom) Make sure the key passage, Psalm 51:10, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together. Say David promised to always be Jonathan s friend. David also wanted to be a friend to God. He wanted the kind of heart that put God s desires above his own. We know how David felt because we can find it in the Bible in our key passage. Words or phrases from the key passage have been typed on pieces of paper. Each paper has been rolled up and taped. These papers will be arrows. Two sets of arrows are provided for each class. Form two groups. Pile a set of arrows several feet from each group. Choose a volunteer from each group to shoot the arrows. When given the start signal, the volunteer must throw the arrows one at a time to his group. The first group to unroll the arrows and put the key passage in order will be the winner. 10
Activity choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Friend Swap Choose a volunteer. Invite the remainder of the kids to form a circle and to each link arms with the kid to their right. Invite the volunteer to stand in the middle of the circle. Explain that the volunteer is going to call out a color. Anyone wearing that color must leave his friend and find another friend to lock arms with. The volunteer will also try to find a friend. The one without a friend will become the next volunteer. Repeat as time allows. Say There are many ways to make a friend. However, we all have one friend. Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Option 2: Sticky Friends Sticky Friends printable heavyweight paper scissors, 1 pair per kid markers or crayons hook and loop fasteners glue Make copies of the Sticky Friends printable on heavyweight paper, one per kid. Demonstrate how to cut out the two kid shapes. Invite the kids to color a face, hair, and clothes on both cutouts. Glue a small piece of hook-and-loop fasteners to each hand, or use the adhesive version. On the front of one cutout, put the fuzzy side of the fasteners on one hand and the spiky side on the other. Place the fasteners the same way, only on the back of the other cutout. This will allow the kids to link their cutouts together, creating friends. Encourage them to go around the room making friends by connecting their cutouts with other cutouts. Consider connecting all of them together, too. Say Friends are very important. We all have one very important friend in common. Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Prayer and Clean-Up (5 minutes) Say Here s one more review of our big picture question and answer. Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. If time remains, take prayer requests. Pray, thanking God for the example of friendship in the story of David and Jonathan. Pray for each child by name, asking God to help the kids share with others how Jesus is their friend. Clean-up room. 11
Instructions: Everyone needs a friend. Friends like to do things together. Help each kid below find a friend based on what he or she is doing. LifeWay UNIT 11 Session 4 Younger Kids Activity Pages 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources. Saul and David
David and Jonathan Became Friends 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources. LifeWay
Family Journal Page Saul and David Encourage each family member to spend time with a friend during the week. Consider allowing your kids to invite a friend over for a game or to spend the night. Talk about those experiences together. What makes a friend a good friend? Share those thoughts below. End by talking about why Jesus is the best friend of all. Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 Preschool Key Passage: Psalm 51:10 Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is our friend. Christ Connection: Jonathan was a very good friend to David. He reminds us that Jesus is the friend of sinners. Jesus showed His friendship to us by leaving heaven to come to earth. Jesus died to save us, and He talks to God for us. Kids Key Passage: Psalm 51:10 Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners. Christ Connection: Jonathan was a true friend to David. Jonathan s life gives us a glimpse of Jesus, the mighty friend of sinners. Jesus calls us friends. (John 15:15) He gave up His position in heaven to come down to us, gave up His life to save us, and intercedes for us before God. UNIT 11 Session 4 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources. OK TO PRINT
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 OK TO PRINT Saul and David