LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Judges 13:1-7 and 16:15-31, we learn about Samson. The Hebrew people were suffering under Philistine rule when an angel appeared to Manoah and his wife, telling them they would have a son who would be dedicated to God as a Nazirite. This meant Samson would never cut his hair, drink wine, or eat unclean foods. He would be set apart for God’s special purpose to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. God blessed Samson with incredible physical strength as a sign of this dedication.
However, Samson struggled to use his gifts wisely. He made poor choices in relationships and eventually told Delilah the secret of his strength, his uncut hair that symbolized his dedication to God. When his hair was cut, his strength left him, and the Philistines captured him. But in his final moments, Samson’s hair grew back, and he called out to God one last time. God heard his prayer and gave him strength to defeat the Philistines. Samson’s story teaches us that God has a special purpose for each person, and when we dedicate our whole lives to Him, both our abilities and our limitations, He can use us in powerful ways.
OPENING ACTIVITY 10:15-10:30 | Hair Cutting
Items Needed
- Scissors
- Sampson’s Hair Cutouts (On Cardstock)
Print an assortment of cutouts and allow each kid to practice cutting the hair. Explain that in our Bible story today we will learn about a man who grew his hair and then had it cut by someone. When it was cut, he lost all his special strength.
BIBLE VERSE GAME 10:30-10:40 | Memory Verse Rap
“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3 (ESV)
SONG 10:40-10:50
BIBLE STORY 10:50-11:00 a.m.
Question 1: Where is this found in the Bible? Answer: The Book of Judges
Question 2: Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? Answer: Old Testament
The Story of Samson
Before Samson was born, an angel came to his mommy and daddy. The angel said, “You will have a baby boy! He will be very special to God. You must never cut his hair because he is dedicated to God.” Samson’s parents were so happy!
When baby Samson was born, they loved him very much. They never cut his hair, just like the angel said. As Samson grew up, God made him very, very strong! He was stronger than anyone else because God gave him special strength.
But sometimes Samson made wrong choices. He didn’t always listen to what God wanted. One day, a woman named Delilah asked Samson, “Why are you so strong?” Samson should have kept it a secret, but he told her, “My hair has never been cut. That’s how I’m dedicated to God.”
While Samson was sleeping, Delilah had someone cut his hair. When Samson woke up, his strength was gone! The bad people caught him and hurt him. But do you know what? Samson’s hair started to grow back. Samson prayed to God and said, “Please help me one more time.” God heard Samson’s prayer and gave him strength again!
(Hold up rope/ribbon) This rope reminds us that Samson was tied to God, dedicated to Him. We can be dedicated to God too! That means we love God, we pray to Him, and we try to make good choices.
Theological Questions:
- Who told Samson’s parents they would have a special baby? (An angel from God)
- What made Samson strong? (God gave him strength)
Life Application Questions:
- How can you show you love God every day? (Pray, be kind, listen to Bible stories)
- What special things has God given you? (Family, friends, toys, ability to learn)
Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for making each of us special. Help us to love You and follow You every day. We want to be dedicated to You with our whole hearts. Amen.”
BIBLE CRAFT 11:00-11:15 a.m. | Popsicle Stick Puppet
Items Needed
- Sampson Cutouts
- Glue
- Popsicle Sticks
- Yarn
Children glue yarn around the head and glue the pieces to the popsicle stick after they’ve colored them. Talk about how Samson’s hair reminded him to be dedicated to God.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (KJV)
Judges 13:2-5, 24-25
“And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.”
Judges 16:28-30
“And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.”
COLORING PAGE
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway: Dedicated to God
What I Learned Today: We learned about Samson, who was dedicated to God from the time he was born. God gave Samson special strength because he was set apart for God. We can be dedicated to God too by loving Him, praying, and making good choices.
Questions to Ask Me:
Theological Questions:
- Who gave Samson his special strength? (God did)
- What made Samson different from other people? (He was dedicated to God and never cut his hair)
- Who told Samson’s parents about their special baby? (An angel)
- Did God still love Samson even when he made mistakes? (Yes)
- What does it mean to be dedicated to God? (To love God and follow Him with your whole heart)
Life Application Questions: 6. How can you show you love God at home? (Pray, be kind, obey parents, say thank you to God) 7. What special gifts has God given you? (Answers will vary: family, toys, ability to learn, friends) 8. Who can you pray to when you need help? (God) 9. What is one way you can be dedicated to God this week? (Be kind to siblings, help with chores, pray before meals) 10. What did you like best about Samson’s story? (Answers will vary)