David and Jonathan Session 13

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Session 13: David and Jonathan Session 13

FOR THE David and Jonathan LEADER 1 Samuel 20:1-42 David’s presence in the palace gave him the ability to see the king in action as well as get acquainted with others in the kingdom. One of David’s fast friends became Jonathan, the king’s own son. King Saul had become increasingly paranoid of attempts for his kingdom (clearly not God’s representative of God’s kingdom anymore). On multiple occasions Saul tried to kill David. David fled to where his friend Jonathan was and asked why Saul might be so angry with David that he wanted David dead. Jonathan was clearly surprised by this news since his father Saul had never shared displeasure over David. Jonathan, however, vowed to help his friend know the truth. The two friends set a plan in motion to help Jonathan discover Saul’s true intentions. David would wait outside the city while a monthly festival happened in Saul’s courts. David would be missed, and when Saul asked about David’s absence, Jonathan would give an answer. Then Jonathan would surmise from Saul’s response how Saul truly felt about David. As the events of the celebration unfolded, it became clear to Jonathan that Saul indeed intended to kill David if for no other reason than to ensure Jonathan would assume the throne upon Saul’s death. Jonathan was unconcerned about his own claim to the throne, and defended his friend. With the news of Saul’s desire to kill David, Jonathan left. The next morning Jonathan revealed to David that indeed he was not safe anymore. The two friends wept with one another and promised a lifetime of commitment to one another’s families. When David departed, the two friends would never see each other again. This story of friendship highlights for us several truths. Godly friendship seeks God’s will above personal gain. This was Jonathan’s response. He was unconcerned with his right to reign in his father’s place, but he was concerned about the will of God. God gives us friends and wants us to help them obey God. Using David and Jonathan’s example, remind children through your teaching that God wants friends to love and help one another.

SESSION FOCUS BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 20:1-42 MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 17:17a TEXT TRUTH: Godly friendship seeks God’s will above personal gain. CHRIST IN CONTEXT: The Book of 1 Samuel tells the story of three powerful leaders in Israel: Samuel, Saul, and David. Through each man and his leadership of Israel, the need for a perfect leader is evident. God’s people hoped for a day when a Messiah—the one true King—would rescue them. When Jesus came, He fulfilled God’s promise that a perfect Prophet, Priest, and King would rule over His people.

GET STARTED TOOLS ¨¨Video: Explore the Bible ¨¨Make: puzzle with pieces (10 MINUTES) on Location video at least 2 inches wide, ¨¨Bible Skills: “Bible ¨¨Memory Verse: decorative tape (include Posters Questions” “Proverbs 17:17a” (Poster boy friendly options), (enhanced CD), bag, Pack) permanent markers, music (optional), “Christ ¨¨Prayer: Family Cards loose-leaf binder rings, in Context: 1 Samuel” scissors, envelopes, (Poster Pack) SMALL GROUP TOOLS markers, ice pick (adult (30 MINUTES) use only) BIBLE STUDY TOOLS ¨Ëxplorer Guides: Bibles, ¨Ëxplore: red construction (35 MINUTES) Explorer Guides, pens, paper, scissors, pens ¨¨Jump In:“BFF Jewelry” “Who Am I?” and “Name (DVD-ROM) Tags” (Poster Pack) ¨Ëxamine the Text: ¨¨Move: cups, aluminum objects related to the foil ball, “Review story, bag, Bibles, “Text Questions” (enhanced Truth Strips” (Poster CD) Pack)

NOTE: Downloadable versions of DVD items are available in the Digital Video Bundle. Downloadable versions of enhanced CD items are available in the Music and Print Extras Bundle. For free online training on how to lead a group, visit ministrygrid.com/web/explorethebible.

JONATHAN WAS A GOOD FRIEND TEXT CONNECTION 1 Samuel 20:1-42 • Godly friendship seeks God’s will above personal King Saul was jealous of David. Saul wanted to kill David. He ordered his gain. King Saul had lived a life that was focused solely son Jonathan and all of his servants to kill David. But Jonathan and David on himself, and in no way were friends. Later David met Jonathan and asked, “What did I do? Why focused on God or God’s does your father want to hurt me?” will.

Jonathan came up with a plan to find out if Saul really wanted to kill • Jonathan, Saul’s son, David. Jonathan and David agreed to always be friends and to take care of became great friends with each other’s families. Then Jonathan and David decided on a secret way to David, the man chosen by God to be the next king of communicate using arrows. Israel. Ordinarily this may have caused problems, Jonathan went to dinner with his dad. David’s place at the dinner was but Jonathan understood empty, but Saul did not say anything about it. The next day, at dinner, that God’s will was more David’s place at the table was still empty and Saul asked Jonathan about important than any desire to it. Saul became angry and yelled at Jonathan. Jonathan defended David, be king. but Saul threw his spear at Jonathan. Jonathan knew then that his father • God promised in was determined to kill David. He was very sad about his dad’s choices. Leviticus 26 that those who follow Him will be blessed, The next morning, Jonathan went to the field he and David had agreed to and those who do not follow meet at. Jonathan shot his arrows and sent his servant to find them. “The Him will suffer wrath. David arrow is beyond you,” Jonathan called to his servant. This was the secret and Jonathan lived lives that code that told David that Saul would not stop trying to kill him. David was were both faithful to God not safe. Jonathan sent his servant back to the city. and faithful to each other. God’s blessing was evident. David came out of his hiding place. Jonathan promised to always be • After learning of Saul’s David’s friend. Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the city. anger and desire to kill David, David and Jonathan separated from one another KEY POINTS and likely never saw each • Jonathan wanted to follow God’s plan more than he wanted to be the other again. David remained next king. faithful to his friend and to • God’s plan was for David to be the next king of Israel. God, and eventually David became king of Israel. • Many years later, David kept his promise to Jonathan when he showed kindness to Jonathan’s son. • We can follow God’s plan.

EXPLORE THE BIBLE AT HOME See the enhanced CD for additional family resources.

GET STARTED (10 MINUTES) TOOLS: BIBLE SKILLS • Bible Skills: “Bible Posters • Questions” (enhanced • Pass the bag around the room while singing or playing music. When you CD), bag, music (optional), stop singing or pause the music, the person holding the bag will pull out “Christ in Context: a question. If he can answer it, he can keep the question, but if he does 1 Samuel” (Poster Pack) not answer correctly he will put the question back in the bag. Continue playing until all of the questions have been answered. PREPARATION: • Display the “Christ in Context: 1 Samuel” poster. Invite a volunteer to • Prior to Bible study, print the “Bible Posters Questions” read aloud the statement. Say: “Today is our last day to study 1 Samuel. and cut apart. Mix the Next week, we will study a new book of the Bible.” questions up and place in a bag. Cover the “Genesis,” “Acts,” and “1 Samuel” Books of the Bible Posters if displayed.

BIBLE SKILLS SPOTLIGHT • Pronounces most of the names of Bible people, places, and things, mentioned in the Bible. • Identifies prominent Bible people by the books in which their stories are recorded. • Uses Bible study resources to gather information about Bible writers.

BIBLE STUDY (35 MINUTES) JUMP IN TOOLS: • Welcome kids and have them ask the person beside them to share a • Jump In: “BFF Jewelry” praise from their week. (DVD-ROM) • Say: “It is always great to begin our day by hearing how God is blessing • Examine the Text: objects each other! One of the greatest blessings that God has given us is related to the story, bag, friendship.” Bibles, “Text Truth Strips” • Display the “BFF Jewelry” visual. (Poster Pack) • Video: Explore the Bible on • Explain: “You may see friends wearing a BFF bracelet or some similar Location video piece of jewelry. It is a wonderful feeling to have a best friend that you • Memory Verse: can share secrets with and count on for support. Think about your closest “Proverbs 17:17a” (Poster friend and share what makes them a good friend.” (Allow kids to share Pack) answers.) • Prayer: Family Cards • Say: “The best type of friendship is when both friends love and follow God. Our story today is about two best friends, David and Jonathan, who both loved and followed God. They were unlikely friends since Jonathan was the son of King Saul and David was chosen as the next king. However, they were very devoted to each other. Let’s get into our text and find out more about their godly friendship.”

EXAMINE THE TEXT EXAMINE THE TEXT PREPARATION: • Display the “Text Truth Strip.” • Before Bible study, gather • Invite kids to open their Bibles to 1 Samuel 20. objects that relate to the • Begin: “Our Text Truth says: Godly friendship seeks God’s will above story and put them in a personal gain. We are going to see this truth lived out in our story in bag. (examples: BFF jewelry, a powerful way. As we read and discuss the text, be thinking about this crown, arrow, toy chair, and Text Truth and how David and Jonathan’s friendship was a godly one.” paper or toy spear) • Tell the Bible story in your own words. A Bible story page is available for reference. • Let kids pull out objects from the bag that relate to the story and ask them to explain how the object they chose relates to the story. • Close by asking for a volunteer to read verses 41-42. • Say: “Although David and Jonathan were very sad, they could be comforted knowing that they obeyed God instead of trying to seek their own interests. That is a sign of a godly friendship. Let’s say our Text Truth together again.”

PLAY THE VIDEO • Play the “Session 13” video. • Ask: “Which two friends in the Bible did Joel learn about today? How can you be a godly friend? What can we tell our friends about Jesus?”

MEMORY VERSE • Display the “Proverbs 17:17a” poster. Ask the kids to read the verse with you. • Say: “This is a pretty easy verse to say, but it may be more difficult to live. It can be hard to love our friends all the time. Jonathan chose to love his friend David during a time it would have been easier to obey and follow his father who was not following God. What are some circumstances that might make it difficult to love a friend?” (Allow kids to respond.) “Our friendships should reflect the same kind of godliness by defending our friends when others are unkind and praying for our friends when they choose to be unkind to us.” • Say the verse again together.

PRAYER • Distribute a Family Card to each kid and ask someone to read the description on the card aloud. Remind kids to share the cards with their families during the week. • Lead kids in prayer, asking God to bless their friendships and help them to choose their friends wisely. Ask for volunteers to pray for their friends. • Dismiss to Small Group.

TOOLS: SMALL GROUP (30 MINUTES) • Explorer Guides: Bibles, EXPLORER GUIDES Explorer Guides, pens, “Who Am I?” and “Name • Cut apart the “Name Tags” and display the “Who Am I?” poster. Invite Tags” (Poster Pack) kids to match the name tags to the correct description to review some of the Bible people studied this quarter. • Distribute the Explorer Guides and help girls and boys find today’s pages “David and Jonathan.” • Invite kids to review today’s Bible story as they locate the “Word to Know” in 1 Samuel 20 in their own Bibles. • Lead boys and girls to write their responses in “Jesus, Friend of Sinners.” Select a volunteer to read “Good News!” • Review the object “Friendship Bracelets.” Direct kids to apply today’s Bible story by completing the activity “Apply It.” • Invite a volunteer to read aloud the “Encoded Messages.” Select another kid to read “God-Honoring Friendship.”

TECH CONNECT (OPTIONAL) • Prior to Bible study, download the Explore the Bible: Kids Family App. • Use the activity labeled “Explorer Plus” on the app.

ACTIVITIES • Select one or more of the activities to complete as time allows.

MOVE

CATCH OR COMEBACK Tools: cups, aluminum foil ball, “Review Questions” (enhanced CD)

• Say: “We are going to play a game of catch, but do not worry if you are not good at catch. You will have a chance to make a comeback by answering a review question correctly.” • Give each child a cup and form a circle around the room. Instruct kids to pass the ball by using the cups to both toss and catch the ball. Only cups can be used to touch the ball! If the ball drops, the pair is out unless they can correctly answer a review question and make a comeback. Godly • Conclude: “That was a fun way to review our Bible story. Let’s do one more review of our Text Truth: ” friendship seeks God’s will above personal gain.

Option: Use a table tennis ball or small foam ball instead of an aluminum foil ball.

MAK E EXP LO R

E BEST FRIEND PUZZLE HEART MATCH-UP Tools: puzzle with pieces at least 2 inches wide, Tools: red construction paper, scissors, pens decorative tape (include boy friendly options), permanent markers, loose-leaf binder rings, • Instruct one half of the class to cut out hearts from the red construction paper. Then let the scissors, envelopes, markers, ice pick (adult use rest of the class cut the hearts in half, making only) jagged lines like a broken heart. Collect all of ¨¨ Prior to Bible study, use an ice pick or other the halves, mix them up, and then pass them sharp object to poke holes in the top of out along with pens. puzzle pieces wide enough for the key ring to • Say: “You each have a half of a heart. Now slide through. Match up pieces so that each you need to check with each other until you child gets 2 interlocking pieces. find your matching heart half. Once you find your match, share with each other prayer • Give out interlocking pieces, 2 to each child. requests. Write each other’s requests on your Instruct kids to use the decorative tape heart half. Pray together and then take your to cover their puzzle pieces, being careful half home and pray over the requests this to trim the edge so that the pieces still fit week.” together. Then use permanent markers to • Allow time for kids to complete the activity. • Con write Proverbs 17:17 on the front of the puzzle clude: “We have learned a lot today about friendship and what God sees when He looks pieces. They can also write BFF or their name on one and their friend’s name on the other. at us. This should be an encouragement for Then have them put the puzzle pieces on the us to look at each other the way God does. loose-leaf binder rings. Let’s say our Text Truth together again: Godly • Give out envelopes and ask kids to write friendship seeks God’s will above personal today’s Text Truth on it, reading it together: gain.” Godly friendship seeks God’s will above personal gain. Tell kids to put the key chains in the envelope and seal it. • Explain: “Next time you are with your closest friend, give them this envelope and let them read the Text Truth and then open it. Explain to them that one of the key chains is yours and one is theirs, and tell them what the Bible verse (Proverbs 17:17a) says. Pray with your friend that your friendship will seek God’s will.”