LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In 1 Samuel 18:1-11 and chapter 20, we meet two men whose friendship stayed strong while the people around them were being pulled apart by jealousy. After David defeated Goliath, he became a hero. Jonathan, the king’s son, loved David like his own brother and made a promise to be his friend always. He sealed that promise by giving David his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt. Jonathan gave up the things that marked him as a prince, and he was glad when good things happened to his friend.
King Saul responded very differently. He heard the people sing songs praising David and he became jealous, and his jealousy grew into anger. He threw a spear at David, and later he even threw one at his own son Jonathan. Jonathan chose to stay loyal to David at great cost to himself. He used a secret arrow signal to warn David to run to safety, and the two friends said a tearful goodbye. For preschoolers, the heart of this lesson is a good friend is kind, shares, and stays loyal, and God is the best and most faithful friend of all. Jealousy hurts friendships, but love and kindness build them.
OPENING ACTIVITY 6:00-6:15 | Friendship Bead Bracelets
Items Needed:
- Pony beads
- Chenille stems (pipe cleaners)
- Small tray
Kids slide beads onto a pipe cleaner to make a bracelet. A leader twists the ends closed. Remind them that Jonathan gave gifts to his friend, and invite them to make a second bracelet to give away to a friend.
BIBLE STORY 6:15-6:25
Question 1: Where is this found in the Bible? (1 Samuel)
Question 2: Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? (Old Testament)
Long ago, there was a boy named David. Can you say David? [Let kids respond.] David loved God, and David was very good at playing the harp. Let’s pretend to play the harp. [Strum the air and wiggle fingers.]
One day, a king named Saul wanted David to come play music for him. Can you say Saul? [Let kids respond.] King Saul had a son named Jonathan. Can you say Jonathan? [Let kids respond.]
Jonathan and David met, and they became best friends! Jonathan said, I will be your friend always. Let’s say that together. I will be your friend always! [Repeat twice.]
Jonathan loved David so much that he wanted to share. Let’s look in our bag! [Pull out the robe.] This is like Jonathan’s robe. He gave it to David! Should we pretend to put on a robe? [Pretend to wear a robe.] Then Jonathan gave David his belt. [Pull out the belt.] Let’s pretend to buckle our belts. [Mime buckling.] Then he gave David a bow and arrow. [Pull out the toy bow.] Let’s pretend to shoot an arrow. Zing! [Let kids make arrow sounds.]
Why do you think Jonathan gave his friend so many gifts? [Wait for response.] That’s right, because he loved David!
Everyone loved David. People sang songs about how brave he was. Let’s sing a happy la la la! [Sing la la la together.] Jonathan was happy for David. He clapped for his friend. Let’s clap for David! [Clap.]
But King Saul was not happy. He was jealous. Jealous means we want what someone else has. Can you make a grumpy jealous face? [Let kids make grumpy faces and cross their arms.] Saul stomped around. Stomp, stomp, stomp! [Stomp feet while seated.] Saul got so mad that he threw a spear at David, but David moved out of the way. Let’s all duck! [Duck and lift hands.] David was safe, and he ran away.
Jonathan heard what happened and he felt very sad. Jonathan said, I will help my friend! Jonathan was brave. He told his dad that David was good, but Saul got even angrier. Do you think Saul was being a good friend? [Wait for response.] No way!
Jonathan knew David was in danger, so he made a plan, a secret signal. He went out to the field and shot arrows far away. David was hiding nearby. When he heard about the arrows, he knew it was time to run to stay safe.
Then David came out, and the two friends hugged. They were sad to say goodbye, but they promised to always be friends. Let’s say it again. I will be your friend always! [Repeat together.]
Object Lesson Wrap-up: Hold up the bag again. Jonathan gave gifts, but his best gift was his love. We can be good friends by sharing, using kind words, and being happy for others. Ask: What could you share with a friend this week?
Theological Questions
- Who is the best friend who is always with us? (God)
- Does God love us even when other people are unkind? (Yes)
Life Application Questions
- What is one kind thing you can do for a friend this week?
- What can you do when you feel grumpy because a friend has something you want?
Prayer (praying Scripture):
Dear God, thank you for being a friend who loves at all times, just like your Word says. Help us be good friends who share and are kind to everyone. Amen! [Have the kids say a big group Amen!]
WORSHIP IN SONG 6:25-6:35
PRAYER 6:35-6:45 p.m.
Transition the kids to the floor for prayer time. Have them sit in a circle or on carpet squares. Pray for our friends, that God would help us be kind and loving to each other, and thank God for being our faithful friend. Let each child name one friend if they want to, and pray for those friends by name.
BIBLE STORY GAME 6:45-6:55 | Bows and Arrows
Items Needed
- Bow & Arrow Set w/ Target
- Masking Tape
Hang the target on the wall. Put a piece of masking tape where the kids can stand. Remind kids that Jonathan used an arrow to warn David of danger. Let each kid take a turn trying to shoot the bow arrow (3 chances per kid).
BIBLE CRAFT 6:55-7:10 | A Good Friend Arrow Quiver
Items Needed
- A Good Friend Arrow Quiver Template
- Crayons
- Glue
Give each child a quiver to decorate (for younger kids, preglue the quivers together). Then allow children to take turns taking an arrow off the walk and discuss what it means to be a good friend.
SNACK TIME & BIBLE STORY VIDEO 7:10-7:25
Pass out snacks and allow kids time to eat while they watch the Bible story video.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
1 Samuel 18:1-11 and 1 Samuel 20 (ESV)
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway: Be a Friend
What I learned today: I learned that Jonathan was a very good friend to David. He shared his gifts and kept David safe even when it was hard. I learned that God is our best friend and wants us to be kind and loving friends too.
Questions to ask me
Theological Questions:
- Who is the best friend who is always with us? (God)
- Who was David’s best friend in our story? (Jonathan)
- Does God love us even when other people are unkind? (Yes)
- What did King Saul feel when people sang about David? (Jealous)
- What does God’s Word say about a friend? (A friend loves at all times, Proverbs 17:17)
Life Application Questions:
- What is a kind thing you can do for a friend this week? (Answers will vary, such as sharing a toy or giving a hug)
- What can you do when you feel grumpy because someone has something you want? (Take a deep breath, pray, or ask to take turns)
- How can you help a friend who is sad? (Give a hug, say something kind, or play with them)
- What is something you can share with someone today? (Answers will vary, such as toys, snacks, or a smile)
- How can you thank God for being your friend? (Pray, sing, or say thank you)