A Kingdom Established PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE

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005781032_v4_Preschool_LeaderGuide.indd 1 11/24/15 2:06 PM The Gospel Project for Preschool: Preschool Leader Guide

Volume 1 • Number 4 SUMMER 2016 CONTENTS ERIC GEIGER Vice President, LifeWay Resources UNIT 10: GOD THE KING ED STETZER General Editor

TREVIN WAX 6/5 1: Israel Demanded a King ...... 6 Managing Editor 6/12 2: God Rejected Saul as King ...... 18 BRIAN DEMBOWCZYK Publishing Team Leader 6/19 3: David Was Anointed LANDRY HOLMES 30 Manager, Kids Ministry Publishing and Fought Goliath ......

JANA MAGRUDER 6/26 4: David and Jonathan Became Friends .... 42 Director, Kids Ministry 7/3 5: God Made a Covenant with David ...... 54 Send questions/comments to: Publishing Team Leader 7/10 6: David Sinned and Was Restored ...... 66 Preschool Leader Guide One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0172 or make comments UNIT 11: GOD ALL-WISE on the Web at www.lifeway.com Printed in the United States of America

Te Gospel Project for for its end; and truth, Preschool: Preschool without any mixture of 7/17 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom ...... 80 Leader Guide (ISSN 2168- error, for its matter and that 7773; Item 005508635) all Scripture is totally true is published quarterly and trustworthy. To review 7/24 2: Wisdom for God’s People ...... 92 by LifeWay Christian LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline Resources, One LifeWay please visit www.lifeway.com/ Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, doctrinalguideline. 7/31 3: Solomon Built the Temple ...... 104 Tom S. Rainer, President. © 2016 LifeWay Church All Scripture quotations are Resources. taken from the Holman 8/7 4: 116 Christian Standard Bible®, Solomon’s Sin Divided the Kingdom ... For ordering or inquiries, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, visit www.lifeway.com, or 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible write LifeWay Church Publishers. Used by permission. Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, NOTE: Some Internet UNIT 12: WISDOM LITERATURE Nashville, TN 37234-0113. addresses given in this periodical are outside the For subscriptions or LifeWay Internet domain. subscription address changes, At the time of this posting, email subscribe@lifeway. the specific pages mentioned 8/14 1: Solomon Tought About Life ...... 130 com, fax (615) 251-5818, or were viewed and approved write to the above address. by LifeWay editorial staff. For orders with three or Because information on these 8/21 2: 142 more issues shipped to one pages may have changed by Job ...... address, mailed monthly, the time of your viewing, at the ministry rate, visit the LifeWay editorial staff 8/28 3: lifeway.com/mediaoptions, cannot be held responsible Praises of God’s People ...... 154 fax (615) 251-5933, or write for content on pages outside to the above address. their control. Specific page addresses referenced in this We believe that the Bible has periodical possibly may link Suggested Use Dates God for its author; salvation to inappropriate material. While preschoolers might not be ready to respond to the gospel, use this guide to help little minds begin to grasp big truths about Jesus and the kingdom of God.

GOD IS KING. Ask: “Who is in charge at home? Who is in charge over the whole world?” Explain that God made everything! He is King over everything, and He is in charge.

WE SINNED. Ask: “Have you ever done something wrong?” Tell preschoolers that everyone sins, or disobeys God. Our sin makes God sad.

GOD SENT JESUS. Explain that God must punish sin. He loves us and He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus came to take away the punishment for sin.

JESUS LOVES. Ask: “Do you like presents?” Explain that Jesus gives us the best present. He never did anything wrong, but He was punished in our place. Jesus wants to take away our sin because He loves us.

Pray that God will save your preschoolers. As you faithfully teach the Bible, you are planting gospel seeds in children’s hearts. Ask God to grow the preschoolers into children who love and trust in Jesus. Pray for your Bible Study preschoolers at a Glance Preparation Send a parent e-mail Pray for your preschoolers and contact families during the week. Gather and Start here prepare session Print/down- materials. load printables Leader Bible Study Assemble Familiarize yourself with Prepare supplies the content and context of videos the Bible story and how it relates to God’s plan of redemption. Activity Page Opening Activities

Small Group Opening

Engage preschoolers Bible Story and introduce the day’s Bible story.

Giant Timeline Large Group Leader Say what? Use the suggested “Say” Communicate the day’s dialogue to easily move between segments. Big Picture Bible story and discover Question God’s big story.

Key Passage

Sing Suggested times The times provided allow you to complete the session plan in an hour and fifteen minutes. Lengthen or shorten the session as needed.

2 Customize the session plan to fit the needs Make it fit of your church or classroom.

1 room

1) Use the Small Group Opening to welcome preschoolers to Bible study. Preschoolers may work the activity page and/or complete an activity together. 2) Transition to an area within your classroom that can be designated as the Large Group Bible story area. Watch the Bible story video or tell the Bible story. Incorporate any large group elements that fit your space and your time constraints. 3) Regroup to the Small Group area by using a countdown video. Set up activities in one of these ways: as a group, all at the same time; in small groups that rotate through each activity; set up as centers, allowing preschoolers to browse and choose.

1 or more rooms

1) Use the Small Group Opening to welcome preschoolers to Bible study. Preschoolers may work the activity page and/or complete an activity together. 2) Use the countdown video or other transition signal as you move your small group to join the other small groups in the large group area. Watch the Bible story video or tell the Bible story. Incorporate any large group elements that fit your space and your time constraints. 3) Regroup to the small group rooms where you will reinforce what preschoolers learned from the Large Group Leader. Set up activities in one of these ways: as a group, all at the same time; in small groups that rotate through each activity; set up as centers, allowing preschoolers to browse and choose.

Activities

Small Group Activities Snack & Transition Reinforce the Bible Story by engaging in fun activities for multiple learning styles. Check Finish here out our tips and resources for an additional hour in the Worship Guide!

3 Unit 10: God the King

Unit Description: Israel rejected God as their leader, and they demanded a king. God rejected Saul, Israel’s first king, and chose David to be king. Through David’s family, God brought forth the last King—the Redeemer Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect King who brings peace and salvation to the world.

Key Passage: Psalm 47:7

Big Picture Question: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

4 Unit 10: God the King

Session 1: Session 4: Bible Story: Bible Story: Israel Demanded a King David and Jonathan Became Bible Passage: Friends 1 Samuel 8–10 Bible Passage: Main Point: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; God chose a king for Israel. 20:1-42 Main Point: Session 2: God gave David a friend. Bible Story: God Rejected Saul as King Session 5: Bible Passage: Bible Story: 1 Samuel 13:1-14; 15:1-35 God Made a Covenant with Main Point: David Saul disobeyed God, so he Bible Passage: could not be king anymore. 2 Samuel 7 Main Point: Session 3: God said Jesus would be part of Bible Story: David’s family. David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath Session 6: Bible Passage: Bible Story: 1 Samuel 16–17 David Sinned and Was Restored Main Point: Bible Passage: God gave David power to defeat 2 Samuel 11:1–12:14; Psalm 51 Goliath. Main Point: God forgave David.

God the King 5 UNIT 10 Session 1 Use Week of:

Israel Demanded a King

1 BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 8–10 MAIN POINT: God chose a king for Israel. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 10 PAGE 12 PAGE 14

Leader BIBLE STUDY

Samuel had judged Israel throughout his lifetime, but he was getting old. So Samuel appointed his sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges over Israel. But like many sons, Joel and Abijah did not follow the example of their father. They were unfair and dishonest. They disobeyed God and caused problems for Israel.

Until this time, Israel had relied on God to give them judges to lead them. The elders of Israel spoke to Samuel about his sons, and they demanded a king. They pointed out that all the other nations around them had kings. Samuel wasn’t happy with their request, and he prayed to God.

Preschool Leader Guide 6 Unit 10 • Session 1 God replied, “Give them what they want. They have not Check out the rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king.” God video “The Big Story” for pointed out that His people had been doing the same thing a picture of ever since He brought them out of Egypt: turning from this quarter’s God and worshiping other gods. He told Samuel to warn part in God’s big story of 1 the Israelites about the consequences of having a king. redemption.

So Samuel explained to the Israelites what rights a king would have. He warned that when they regretted asking for a king—and they would regret it—God would not help them. The people still insisted on having a king, so God told Samuel to appoint a king.

Through a series of events, a young man named Saul came to Samuel. God had chosen Saul to be the king, so Samuel told Saul about God’s plan. Samuel anointed Saul by pouring oil on his head, and then Samuel presented Saul to Israel. “Long live the king!” the people replied.

God knew Israel would want a king, but the kind of king Israel wanted was not the kind of king they needed. They wanted a king like the other nations. The problem was that every human king would fail them. God had a plan to give them Jesus—fully God and fully man. Jesus would be a perfect King who would reign with justice and righteousness forever. (Isa. 9:6-7)

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the King 7 The BIBLE STORY

Israel Demanded a King 1 Samuel 8–10

Samuel had been a judge in Israel for many years. Samuel’s job was to make important decisions and lead God’s people. But now Samuel was getting old. It was time for his sons to be Israel’s leaders. But Samuel’s sons were not good judges like Samuel. They were not fair, and they did not always tell the truth. Some of the men in Israel went to Samuel. “You were a good judge,” they told Samuel, “but your sons are not like you. We don’t want them to lead us. The nations around us have a king. We want a king, too!” Samuel did not know what to say, so he prayed to God. God said, “Samuel, give the people a king. Do not feel bad. They are not saying they do not want you as their leader; they are saying they do not want Me.” Samuel warned the Israelites that they would have to do whatever the king wanted. A king could make their sons serve in the army, he could make their daughters work for him, or he could take away their fields and servants. The Israelites did not care. “Give us a king!” they said. Around this time, a rich man was looking for some of his donkeys that had wandered away. The man said to his son Saul, “Go look for the donkeys. Take a servant with you.” Saul and his servant looked everywhere! They could not find the missing donkeys. Then the servant said, “Let’s go talk to the man of God. Maybe he knows where we could find the donkeys.” Saul and his servant found the man of God—it was Samuel. “Do not worry about the donkeys,” Samuel said.

Preschool Leader Guide 8 Unit 10 • Session 1 “They have been found.” Samuel invited Saul to have dinner with him. The next morning, Samuel told Saul that God had chosen Saul to be the king of Israel. Saul was surprised. He was not from a big family. In fact, he was from the smallest tribe in Israel. Samuel used oil to anoint Saul. “You will be king!” Samuel said. Samuel gave Saul some instructions and sent him home. The Spirit of God was with Saul. Some time later, Samuel gathered the Israelites and introduced Saul, their new king. Saul tried to hide, but the crowd found him. All the people said, “Long live the king!”

WANT TO Christ Connection: The Israelites did not trust God. They DISCOVER wanted a king. God gave the Israelites a king, but He had a GOD’S WORD? plan to send His Son, Jesus, to be King over the whole world. GET MORE! Jesus would be the perfect King. Jesus would bring peace and save people from sin. Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that Samuel gave Saul signs to let him know that God would be with him and would equip him for his new calling as the first king of Israel. (See 1 Sam. 10:7.) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God the King 9 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: Israel Demanded a King BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 8–10 MAIN POINT: God chose a king for Israel. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Welcome time • “He Is King” song Play the unit theme song in the background as you greet • offering basket preschoolers and follow your church’s security procedures. • Allergy Alert download • favorite toys related to Set an offering basket near the door to collect offering at an the Bible story theme appropriate time. Post an allergy alert, if necessary. Set out a few favorite theme-related toys, such as puzzles and blocks.

Activity page • “A Crown for a King” Invite preschoolers to color the jewels on the crown. activity page, SAY 1 per child • Who wears a crown? That’s right. A king wears a • crayons or markers crown. For many years, God had been leading His people through judges. God’s people looked at the nations around them. The nations around them had kings, so they wanted a king to lead them, too. Let’s find out what God said about that.

Play “The King Says”

LOW PREP Play a version of “Simon Says.” Select a preschooler to be king. The king will call out various actions for the rest of the group to perform. When the king says, “The king says,” before calling out an action, preschoolers should perform the action. If the king does not say, “The king says,” before calling out an action, preschoolers should not perform the

Preschool Leader Guide 10 Unit 10 • Session 1 action. After a few rounds, select a new king and play again. SAY • You had to do whatever the king told you to do in this game. In today’s Bible story, the Israelites said they wanted a king to lead them. Samuel warned the Israelites that they would have to do whatever the king wanted. Let’s find out what the Israelites said to that.

Draw crowns on mirrors Provide non-breaking hand mirrors and colorful dry erase • non-breaking hand mirrors markers for preschoolers. Invite a preschooler to use a • dry erase markers marker to draw a crown on the mirror. Help a younger • paper towels preschooler get started by drawing a crown outline on the mirror for him and guiding him to decorate the crown. Show preschoolers how to hold the mirror at an angle so they appear to be wearing the crown. SAY • Kings and queens wear crowns. The Israelites said they wanted a king to lead them. Let’s discover what happened in our Bible story today.

Transition to Bible study To gain the attention of all the preschoolers to move them • countdown video to Bible study, show the countdown video, flip off the (optional) lights, or clap a simple rhythm for the children to copy. Invite preschoolers to bow and curtsy as they move to Bible study.

God the King 11 Large Group LEADER

SESSION TITLE: Israel Demanded a King BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 8–10 MAIN POINT: God chose a king for Israel. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Introduce the Bible story • toy crown Display the crown for preschoolers to see. SAY • In today’s Bible story, the Israelites did not trust God to lead them. They wanted a king to lead them. Let’s find out what happened.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 1 Samuel in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “Israel Demanded a SAY • The Bible is the most important book. The Bible has King” video • Bible Story Picture God’s words in it. Everything in the Bible happened Poster in real life. Today’s Bible story is from 1 Samuel. Show the Bible story video “Israel Demanded a King” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • The Israelites wanted to be like the nations around • Giant Timeline or them. They wanted a king. They did not realize they Big Story Circle already had the best king of all—God. Even so, God gave them what they wanted. God chose a king for Israel.

Preschool Leader Guide 12 Unit 10 • Session 1 Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. Whom did the Israelites want to lead them? (a king) 2. Was wanting a human king a right thing or a wrong thing? (a wrong thing) 3. What did Samuel say a king could do? (make the people do whatever the king wanted) 4. By wanting a king, whom were the Israelites saying they did not want as their leader? (God) 5. Whom did God choose to be king of Israel? (Saul)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Our big picture question and answer tells us who our • Big Picture Question king is. Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever. Poster God gave the Israelites a king, but Saul was not a perfect king. No human king could be perfect. God had a plan to send His Son, Jesus, to be king over the whole world. Jesus is a perfect King. Jesus is the King who saves us from sin.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 47:7. Read the key passage aloud • Key Passage Poster several times. Sing together the key passage song, “God • “God Alone” song Alone.” SAY • Our key passage tells us that God is King over all the earth. Even though God gave the Israelites a king, God still ruled over the Israelites and their king. God created the world, and He rules over all of it. Any power that any king or ruler has is only what God gives.

Transition to small groups

God the King 13 Small Group ACTIVITIES

SESSION TITLE: Israel Demanded a King BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 8–10 MAIN POINT: God chose a king for Israel. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Stand shoulder to shoulder Guide preschoolers to line up in order of height from

LOW PREP shortest to tallest. Discover who is the tallest child in the class and who is the shortest. Consider using a measuring • measuring tape tape to determine each child’s height. (optional) SAY • The Bible says that Saul was taller than any of the other Israelite people. (1 Sam. 9:2) God chose a king for Israel, and God chose Saul. Saul may have looked like a king, but we will discover Saul was not a perfect king. God had a plan to send a perfect King, His Son. Jesus would be King over the whole world.

Sort crowns • “Crowns” printable Print and cut apart the “Crowns” printable. Mix up the • scissors cards and invite preschoolers to sort the cards into piles of matching crowns. SAY • The Israelites did not trust God. They wanted a king. God told Samuel to give the people a king. God chose a king for Israel. For now, that king would be Saul, but one day, God would send His own Son to be King. Jesus would not just be King over Israel but

Preschool Leader Guide 14 Unit 10 • Session 1 King over the whole world. King Jesus would bring peace and save people from sin.

Search for donkeys Print several copies of the “Donkey” printable and hide • “Donkey” printable them around the room. Invite preschoolers to search for the hidden donkeys. After all the donkeys are found, allow preschoolers to hide them and play again. SAY • Saul and his servant went to Samuel to ask about his father’s missing donkeys. Samuel said the donkeys had been found, but he had bigger news for Saul. God chose a king for Israel, and Saul was God’s choice.

Make oil slick prints Provide a foam plate for each preschooler. Pour 1 • plastic tablecloth tablespoon of baby oil on each plate and squirt 1 teaspoon • foam plates • measuring spoons of tempera paint into the oil. Invite preschoolers to mix • baby oil the oil and paint together with a craft stick. Guide them • tempera paint to spread the mixture around their plate to form a pattern. • craft sticks • construction paper Demonstrate how to place a sheet of construction paper on • smocks top of the mixture and gently press down to make a print. Place the prints in a safe place to dry. SAY • Samuel used oil to anoint Saul. “You will be king!” Samuel said. The Israelites showed they did not trust God when they asked for a king, but God chose a king for Israel. The Spirit of God was with Saul, but God had a plan to send His very own Son to be King over the whole world. Jesus would be the perfect King who would bring peace and save people from sin.

God the King 15 Play out having dinner • toy plates, cups, Invite preschoolers to play out having guests over for utensils, and food dinner. Invite them to set out plates, cups, and utensils. Guide them to pantomime preparing, serving, and eating toy food. SAY • God chose a king for Israel. Samuel invited Saul to have dinner with him. The next morning, Samuel told Saul that God had chosen Saul to be the king of Israel. We will find out that Saul would only be king for a while, but later, God would send a King who would be King forever. This King would be God’s own Son, Jesus. King Jesus would be the perfect King who would bring peace and save people from sin.

Preschool Leader Guide 16 Unit 10 • Session 1 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve animal crackers for snack. Invite preschoolers to search their crackers for a donkey. Remind preschoolers that Saul and his servant were looking for his father’s missing donkeys when they met Samuel. Samuel told Saul that God had chosen Saul to be the king of Israel.

Transition When a child finishes his snack, guide him to throw away • books any trash. He may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles • play dough quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw a • Bible Story Coloring picture of Jesus wearing a crown. Remind preschoolers that Page • crayons God chose a king for Israel and God chose a king for us • Big Picture Cards for too. Jesus is our King forever. Pray for the children. Families: Babies, SAY • God, we do not want to be like the Israelites. We Toddlers, and Preschool want to trust You as You rule over us. No earthly king could ever compare to the perfect King You gave us in Jesus. King Jesus rescues us from sin. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God the King 17 UNIT 10 Session 2 Use Week of:

God Rejected Saul as King

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 13:1-14; 15:1-35 MAIN POINT: Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 22 PAGE 24 PAGE 26

Leader BIBLE STUDY

By all appearances, Saul was a good choice as king. He was tall, handsome, and blessed by God. But Saul forgot that his kingship was from God. Saul made some mistakes that cost him his throne.

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul sinned by burning offerings in Samuel’s absence. That moment was an important test for Saul. According to Samuel, the Lord would have permanently established Saul’s reign if Saul had obeyed. Instead, God would appoint a king who was loyal to Him. (1 Sam. 13:13-14)

Preschool Leader Guide 18 Unit 10 • Session 2 Saul sinned again when his troops battled the Amalekites. God told Saul to destroy the Amalekites completely. The Amalekites were enemies of God’s people. (See Deut. 25:17-19.) But Saul spared Agag the king and kept the best livestock and cattle. They destroyed the worthless things.

When Samuel arrived, Saul proudly said, “I have carried out the Lord’s instructions!” Samuel asked him about the sheep, the cattle, and King Agag. But Saul still insisted that he had 2 obeyed; he planned to offer the sheep and cattle to the Lord as a sacrifice.

“To obey is better than sacrifice … Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king!” Samuel said. (1 Sam. 15:22-23) After they returned to Israel, Samuel never visited Saul again, and the Lord regretted making Saul king.

As you teach, help guide the preschoolers to understand that all earthly kings like Saul are imperfect. But we can see how those kings point us to the perfect King, Jesus, who carried out His Father’s instructions without fail.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the King 19 The BIBLE STORY

God Rejected Saul as King 1 Samuel 13:1-14; 15:1-35

When Saul became king of Israel, he built an army. One day, Saul took a group of soldiers with him into the hills. Saul’s son, Jonathan, took another group of soldiers to a nearby city. Jonathan and his army ran into a group of Philistines. The Philistines were enemies of Israel. They did not get along with God’s people. Jonathan and his army fought with some of the Philistines, and the soldiers destroyed one of the Philistines’ army camps. The Philistines were mad! They were ready to go to war against the Israelites. The Israelites were afraid. The Philistines had more soldiers, more chariots, and more horses than the Israelites. Surely they would win! So some of the Israelites hid in caves. King Saul did not know what to do. Maybe if he made a sacrifice to God, then God would help them. But Saul was not allowed to make sacrifices. Only Samuel was supposed to do that. Saul waited and waited for Samuel to come. He waited for seven days, but Samuel did not come. So Saul made the sacrifice himself. Then Samuel came. “Saul, what are you doing?” Samuel asked. “You were not here, and the soldiers started to leave. I asked God for help to fight the Philistines,” Saul said. “You have done the wrong thing by offering the sacrifice,” Samuel said. “You will not be king for very long. God is going to find someone else to be king, someone who obeys Him.”

Preschool Leader Guide 20 Unit 10 • Session 2 Later, God spoke to Samuel. God wanted Saul to fight the Amalekites. God said that when the Israelites won the battle, they should destroy everything, even the animals. So the Israelites fought the Amalekites, and they won the battle. But Saul did not do what God wanted him to do. He kept the best cattle, sheep, and animals. The army only destroyed the things nobody wanted. God said to Samuel, “If Saul doesn’t obey Me, I do not want him to be king.” Samuel told Saul that God was angry with him. Saul was sad. He wanted to be king, but God was going to give Israel a new king, a king who obeyed God.

WANT TO Christ Connection: King Saul offered a sacrifice that only DISCOVER the priest was allowed to give. God rejected Saul as king, but GOD’S WORD? He had a plan to send His Son, Jesus. King Jesus never sinned, GET MORE! and He gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for us. Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to see how Jonathan trusted in God when Saul trusted in his own strength. Jonathan trusted God, and the Lord saved His people. (1 Sam. 14:23) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God the King 21 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: God Rejected Saul as King BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 13:1-14; 15:1-35 MAIN POINT: Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Activity page • “Afraid in a Cave” activity Invite preschoolers to find the seven Israelite soldiers hiding page, 1 per child in the cave and circle them. • pencils or crayons SAY • In today’s Bible story, the Israelites were afraid of the Philistines. Some of the Israelite soldiers hid in caves. King Saul did not know what to do, and he made a wrong choice. Let’s find out what that was.

Play “Mother, May I?”

LOW PREP Select a child to be Mother. Invite the rest of the group to line up shoulder to shoulder across the room from Mother. Invite children to take turns asking Mother if they may take a certain number of a certain type of step (regular, giant, baby, bunny hops, frog hops, and so forth). Mother will respond with “Yes, you may” or “No, you may not.” If a

Preschool Leader Guide 22 Unit 10 • Session 2 child forgets to ask “Mother, may I?” he must return to where he started. The first child to reach Mother wins the game and becomes Mother for the next round. SAY • To win at “Mother, May I?” you have to obey what Mother tells you to do. Obeying can be very important. Obeying God is especially important. Saul did not obey God in today’s Bible story. Let’s find out what happened.

Open gifts Wrap “good” gifts and “bad” gifts and display them for • good gifts (small toys or candies) preschoolers to see. Wrap some “good” gifts in plain paper • bad gifts (broken stick, bags and some “bad” gifts in fancy wrapping. Write a banana peel, empty number on each gift. Then write those same numbers wrapper) • wrapping paper or on strips of paper and place the strips in a basket. Guide gift bags preschoolers to draw a number from the basket and open • brown sacks the corresponding gift one at a time. • tape • strips of paper SAY • Some of the gifts that looked good on the outside • marker did not have good gifts inside. Some of the gifts that • basket did not look good on the outside did have good gifts inside. The Israelites thought having a king would be Tip: Prevent tears by explaining gifts are a good thing. On the outside, King Saul even looked for the activity only like a good king, but we will find out in today’s Bible and not to keep or story, that on the inside, Saul did not have a heart to take home. obey God.

God the King 23 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story Invite preschoolers to sit. Then sit in silence. When the preschoolers begin to question you, say, “Let’s wait.” SAY • Waiting can be hard sometimes. We are impatient people. In today’s Bible story, King Saul waited on Samuel. King Saul got tired of waiting and made a wrong choice. Let’s find out what he did.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 1 Samuel in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “God Rejected Saul as SAY • The Bible has God’s words in it. Everything in it really King” video • Bible Story Picture happened. The Bible is true. Today’s Bible story comes Poster from the Book of 1 Samuel. Show the Bible story video “God Rejected Saul as King” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • King Saul was not a good king. He kept disobeying • Giant Timeline or God. Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king Big Story Circle anymore. God planned to give Israel a new king, a

Preschool Leader Guide 24 Unit 10 • Session 2 king who obeyed God. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. Who was the only one allowed to make sacrifices to God? (a priest, Samuel) 2. Should Saul have offered the sacrifice to God? (no) 3. What should Saul have done instead of offering the sacrifice himself? (waited for Samuel to come) 4. Did Saul destroy everything that belonged to the Amalekites like God said to do? (No, he kept the best cattle, sheep, and animals.) 5. Why did God not want Saul to be king anymore? (Saul did not obey Him.)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Saul was not a perfect king. He was not even a good • Big Picture Question king. He sinned when he disobeyed God. We have a Poster better king than Saul. Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever. Unlike Saul, Jesus never sinned. King Jesus gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 47:7. Read the key passage aloud. • Key Passage Poster SAY • God is King of all the earth. Kings and rulers only • “God Alone” song have the power God gives to them. God created the world and He rules over it. Let’s sing a song like our key passage tells us to do. Sing together the key passage song, “God Alone.”

Transition to small groups

God the King 25 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Destroy blocks

LOW PREP Invite preschoolers to build structures with blocks. Explain that when you shout “Destroy!” preschoolers should knock • blocks their block structures down so that no block is left on top of another. Make sure an adult is close at hand for safety and remind preschoolers to knock down their own blocks only. SAY • God said that when the Israelites defeated the Amalekites, they must destroy everything. Saul did not obey. He kept the best cattle, sheep, and animals. The army only destroyed the things nobody wanted. Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore. Samuel told Saul that God was angry with him. Saul was sad. He wanted to be king, but God was going to give Israel a new king, a king who obeyed God.

Draw seven ways to obey • large piece of paper Display a large sheet of paper for preschoolers to see. • markers • crayons Remind preschoolers that Saul waited seven days for Samuel • magazines (optional) before he made the wrong choice to offer the sacrifice • scissors (optional) to God. • glue sticks (optional) Use a marker to divide the large sheet of paper into

Preschool Leader Guide 26 Unit 10 • Session 2 seven sections and label each one with a number. For older preschoolers, consider labeling each section with a different day of the week. Explain to preschoolers that they will fill each of the seven sections with ways to obey God. Invite preschoolers to share ways they can obey God. Provide markers and crayons and invite each preschooler to draw one of the ways they named. Ask questions and comment on preschoolers’ artwork as they work. Provide pictures for younger preschoolers to glue. SAY • Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore. Every day, we have a new day to obey God, but even on our very best days, we still sin. We are not perfect. We deserve to be rejected like Saul, but God does not reject us. God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from sin. King Jesus never sinned, and He gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for us.

Play a memory game Cut out two of each type of crown from the “Crowns” • “Crowns” printable printable. Mix up the crowns and arrange them in a grid, Tip: Allow older faceup for younger preschoolers or facedown for older preschoolers to preschoolers. examine the cards Invite preschoolers to take turns turning over two cards before flipping them at a time to find a match. Play until all the matches have facedown. been uncovered. SAY • Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore. King Saul offered a sacrifice that only the priest was allowed to give. God rejected Saul as king, but He had a plan to send His Son, Jesus. King Jesus never sinned, and He gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for us.

God the King 27 Hide in caves • blankets Arrange tables and chairs and then cover them with • tables and chairs blankets to create “caves.” Invite preschoolers to “hide” in the caves like the Israelite soldiers. Place several Bibles inside the cave for preschoolers to thumb through as they hide. SAY • Some of the Israelites hid in caves because they were afraid of the Philistines. King Saul did not know what to do, so he offered a sacrifice to God. But only a priest like Samuel was supposed to do that. Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore. God rejected Saul as king, but He had a plan to send His Son, Jesus. King Jesus never sinned, and He gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for us.

Dig for animals Fill a plastic tub with a few inches of sand or rice and place • plastic tub • tablecloth it on a tablecloth-covered table. Hide plastic cows, sheep, • sand or rice and other animals in the sand or rice. Provide sand toys • plastic cows, sheep, and for preschoolers to use while they dig in the sand or rice to other animals • sand toys uncover the animals. SAY • God said the Israelites should destroy everything that belonged to the Amalekites, even the animals. But Saul kept the best cattle, sheep, and animals. Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore. The king of Israel needed to be someone who obeyed God. God planned to give the Israelites a king who obeyed God perfectly—His Son, Jesus. King Jesus never sinned, and He gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for us.

Preschool Leader Guide 28 Unit 10 • Session 2 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins As you serve snack, instruct preschoolers to wait to eat their snack until you tell them they may do so. When you finally give preschoolers permission to eat their snack, remind them that Saul got tired of waiting on Samuel and offered the sacrifice himself. That was sin. Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore.

Transition When a child finishes her snack, guide her to throw away • books any trash. She may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • play dough • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw a • Bible Story Coloring picture of a way they can obey God. Pray for the children. Page • crayons SAY • God, we do not want to be like Saul. We want to • Big Picture Cards for have hearts to love You and obey You. Thank You Families: Babies, that when we put our trust in Jesus, You change our Toddlers, and Preschool hearts. Thank You for sending King Jesus to give His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God the King 29 UNIT 10 Session 3 Use Week of:

David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 16–17 MAIN POINT: God gave David power to defeat Goliath. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 34 PAGE 36 PAGE 38 3

Leader BIBLE STUDY

Samuel had anointed Saul as king over Israel, but it wasn’t long before Saul’s disobedience led God to reject him as king. God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to meet Jesse and his sons. God had chosen one of Jesse’s sons to be Israel’s king.

Jesse had many sons. Eliab was Jesse’s oldest son. When Samuel saw Eliab, he thought, “This must be the one God has chosen!” Eliab was likely tall and good-looking. Why wouldn’t God choose someone like that? But God doesn’t make decisions like people do. Read what God said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7.

Preschool Leader Guide 30 Unit 10 • Session 3 Jesse’s sons took turns passing before Samuel, one by one. Samuel was probably eager to hear which son God had chosen to be Israel’s next king! Abinadab? No, not him. Shammah? No. “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either.”

Jesse had one more son; his youngest, David, was out tending the sheep. David came in and God said, “This is the one.” Samuel anointed David, and the Spirit of the Lord was with David.

David did not become king right away. Saul was still on the throne, and David was still young. One day, David found himself at the battle where the Philistines had gathered to fight the Israelites. The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known accounts in the Old Testament. When 3 the Israelites cowered in fear, David—with God’s power— stepped up and defeated the enemy with just a sling and a stone.

As you teach this week, help the preschoolers relate to the terrified Israelites. Apart from Christ, we are powerless before our enemies of sin and death. None of us would step up like David. Even if we tried, we would fail on our own. David reminds us of Jesus, the greatest hero, who came to save us. When we look to Jesus, He gives us salvation and eternal life.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the King 31 The BIBLE STORY

David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath 1 Samuel 16–17

Saul was the king of Israel, but he did not obey God. So God was going to give Israel a new king. God told Samuel to visit a man in Bethlehem. The man’s name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. God said that one of Jesse’s sons would be the king of Israel. Samuel obeyed God. He went to Bethlehem to visit Jesse and his sons. Jesse’s oldest son was tall and handsome. “This must be the one God chose to be king,” Samuel thought. “Samuel, he’s not the one,” God said. “Do not pay attention to what he looks like. You look at what you can see on the outside, but I see the heart.” One by one, Samuel met Jesse’s sons, but God had not chosen them. “Do you have any more sons?” Samuel asked. “Yes,” Jesse said. “My youngest son, David, is in the field taking care of the sheep.” Jesse sent for David. When David arrived, God told Samuel, “He is the one!” Samuel poured oil on David’s head to show that God had chosen David to be the next king. Then Samuel went home. At this time, Saul’s army was getting ready to fight the Philistines. The Philistines were enemies of Israel, and they had a great warrior named Goliath. Goliath was very tall. He picked on the Israelites, but no one wanted to fight Goliath. They were afraid of him. Three of David’s brothers were in Israel’s army. One day, David brought them food to eat. David heard Goliath making fun of the Israelites, and he saw that everyone

Preschool Leader Guide 32 Unit 10 • Session 3 was too afraid to fight. Even though David was young, he volunteered to fight Goliath. “You cannot beat Goliath,” King Saul said. “I have killed wild animals,” David said. “God will keep me safe.” David picked up five stones from a nearby stream. He met Goliath with only the stones and a slingshot. Goliath made fun of David because he was just a boy. “You come to fight with a spear and sword,” David said, “but I come to fight in the name of God! God always wins His battles!” David ran toward Goliath. He slung a rock at

Goliath, and the rock hit Goliath in the forehead. WANT TO Goliath fell facedown, and David killed him. DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? Christ Connection: David did not look like someone who GET MORE! could beat a giant. But David trusted God, and God gave David power. Jesus did not look like someone who could save Invite preschoolers people either. But when Jesus died and came back to life, He to check out this week’s devotionals showed His power to rescue people from sin. to discover that God allowed a boy to defeat Goliath, who dishonored Him. Who can stand in the presence of the holy God? (1 Sam. 6:20) In Christ Jesus, we stand. Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God the King 33 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 16–17 MAIN POINT: God gave David power to defeat Goliath. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Activity page • “Which Is the Tallest?” Guide preschoolers to circle the tallest in each row. activity page, 1 per SAY • Good job choosing the tallest! In today’s Bible story, child • pencils or crayons a very tall warrior named Goliath picked on the Israelites. No one wanted to fight Goliath except one boy. Can you guess who that boy was?

Play “Not you, not you, king”

LOW PREP Play this version of “Duck, Duck, Goose.” Invite preschoolers to sit in a circle. Choose one child to be king. The king walks around the outside of the circle, gently tapping each child on the shoulder and saying, “Not you.” When the king taps a child and says, “New king!” the child tapped must chase the king around the circle until the king sits in the open spot. Play again with the new king.

Preschool Leader Guide 34 Unit 10 • Session 3 SAY • We had a new king each round! Remember in our last Bible story, Saul disobeyed God, so he could not be king anymore. God was going to give Israel a new king who would obey Him. We will find out who that new king is in today’s Bible story.

Make care packages for armed forces Assemble a care package to send to a service member • shipping box • care package items overseas. You may choose to send the package to a service • construction paper member with whom your church has a connection or locate • markers or crayons an organization that distributes care packages to servicemen Option: Contact and servicewomen. preschool families Include items such as toiletries, powdered drink mixes, before the session individually packaged snacks, puzzle books, cards, and so and invite them to donate items for the forth. Look online for guidelines and suggestions. Invite care package. preschoolers to make encouraging cards to include in the care package. SAY • Let’s pray for the service members who will receive these care packages. Let’s ask God to use the things inside to encourage them and point them to Jesus. In today’s Bible story, a boy named David took some food to his brothers who were soldiers in Israel’s army. God used David to do something amazing while he was visiting his brothers. Let’s discover what that was.

God the King 35 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story • smooth stones, 5 Invite preschoolers to examine the stones. SAY • In our Bible story today, David gathered five stones to kill a giant. These stones aren’t very big or impressive and neither was David, but God likes to show His power through small, unimpressive things.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 1 Samuel in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “David Was Anointed SAY • The Bible is true. God gives us His words in the Bible. and Fought Goliath” video The Bible is the most important book there is. Today’s • Bible Story Picture Bible story comes from the Book of 1 Samuel. Poster Show the Bible story video “David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • God used an ordinary boy like David to do • Giant Timeline or something extraordinary. God gave David power Big Story Circle to defeat Goliath. God used David to rescue His

Preschool Leader Guide 36 Unit 10 • Session 3 people from their enemies. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. Which of Jesse’s sons did God choose to be the new king? (David) 2. What was David doing when Samuel came? (taking care of the sheep) 3. Who was the very tall Philistine warrior? (Goliath) 4. What did David use to ﬁght Goliath? (a stone and a slingshot) 5. Who helped David defeat Goliath? (God)

Learn the big picture question SAY • David did not look like a king, but God chose him to • Big Picture Question be Israel’s king. Jesus did not look like a king either, Poster but God sent Jesus to die on the cross and come back to life. Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever. King Jesus showed that He had power to rescue people from sin.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 47:7. Read the key passage aloud • Key Passage Poster several times. Sing together the key passage song, “God • “God Alone” song Alone.” SAY • God is King of all the earth. There is no king as great as God. God rules over the entire earth. Nothing happens unless God allows it. We have a good King who cares for His people.

Transition to small groups

God the King 37 Small Group ACTIVITIES SESSION TITLE: David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 16–17 MAIN POINT: God gave David power to defeat Goliath. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Play out “I’m going to fight Goliath” Invite preschoolers to sit in a circle with you and begin a

LOW PREP pat-pat, clap-clap rhythm. Say the rhythm and perform the motions, inviting children to repeat them after you. “ I’m going to fight Goliath. [Pump arms as if marching.] He is really tall. [Stretch hands overhead.] I am not afraid. [Shake your head.] I trust in the Lord! [Point upward.] I’m going to fight Goliath. [Pump arms.] with a stone and sling. [Whirl hand over head.] I am not afraid. [Shake your head.] I trust in the Lord! [Point upward.] I fought Goliath! [Say woo-hoo and lift your hands.] God gave me power. [Make strong arms.] I was not afraid! [Shake your head.] I trusted in the Lord!” [Point upward.] SAY • David did not look like someone who could beat a giant. But David trusted God, and God gave David power to defeat Goliath. Jesus did not look like someone who could save people either. But when Jesus died and came back to life, He showed His power to rescue people from sin.

Preschool Leader Guide 38 Unit 10 • Session 3 Stand youngest to oldest Guide preschoolers to line up according to age. Help preschoolers write their birthday on a strip of paper to hold LOW PREP in front of them while lining up. You may want to consult your class records for preschoolers who are unsure of their • paper strips birthdays. Determine who is the oldest child in your class • marker and who is the youngest. SAY • Samuel thought that Jesse’s oldest son was the one God had chosen because he was tall and handsome. God told Samuel to not pay attention to what he looked like. We see only what’s on the outside, but God sees the heart. God chose David, Jesse’s youngest son, to be king. God gave David power to defeat Goliath.

Measure Goliath’s height Use a tape measure to determine 9 feet, 9 inches. Make • tape measure 9-foot, 9-inch lines along a wall and the floor using painter’s • painter’s tape tape. Invite preschoolers to stand along the tape on the wall to compare their height to Goliath’s. Consider inviting a tall person to your class to stand beside the tape line and compare. Guide preschoolers to lie on the tape line on the floor head-to-toe. Determine how many preschoolers it would take to equal Goliath’s height. SAY • A boy like David could never have defeated a giant like Goliath on his own. God gave David power to defeat Goliath. David trusted God, and God used David to rescue His people from their enemies, the Philistines. Later, God used Jesus to rescue His people, too. Jesus died and came back to life to rescue people from sin.

God the King 39 Draw self-portraits Invite preschoolers to draw self-portraits. Guide • paper • markers or crayons preschoolers to look in the mirror as they draw. As • non-breaking mirrors preschoolers work, specifically commend them for their inward qualities. Point out evidences you have observed of their personalities and character. SAY • Your self-portraits are great! We can see our bodies that God created, but God also created parts of us that we can’t see like our minds and our hearts. On the outside, David did not look like someone who could beat a giant. But on the inside, David trusted God, and God gave David power to defeat Goliath. God sees what we are like on the inside. Loving Him and loving other people is what makes us most beautiful and handsome to God.

Sing “Only a Boy Named David”

LOW PREP Lead preschoolers in singing the song “Only a Boy Named David.” If you are unfamiliar with the lyrics or tune, look it up online before the session. Consider downloading an MP3 of the song to play for preschoolers. SAY • Who really beat the giant Goliath: David or God? David was just an ordinary person like us, but God gave David power to defeat Goliath. David did not look like someone who could beat a giant. Jesus did not look like someone who could save people either. But when Jesus died and came back to life, He showed His power to rescue people from sin.

Preschool Leader Guide 40 Unit 10 • Session 3 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve small pieces of bread and olive oil for snack. Invite preschoolers to dip their bread in the oil. Remind preschoolers that Samuel poured oil on David’s head to show that God had chosen David to be the next king. David did not look like a king, but God gave David power to defeat Goliath. God used David to rescue His people from their enemies. Jesus did not look like a king either. But when Jesus died and came back to life, He showed His power to rescue people from sin.

Transition When a child finishes his snack, guide him to throw away • books any trash. He may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles • play dough quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw a • Bible Story Coloring picture of five stones. Remind preschoolers that God gave Page • crayons David power to defeat Goliath. A young boy with small • Big Picture Cards for stones should never beat a giant, but with God all things are Families: Babies, possible. Pray for the children. Toddlers, and Preschool SAY • God, You are a mighty God who uses weak people in Your plan. Thank You for sending Jesus to rescue weak people like us from our sin. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God the King 41 UNIT 10 Session 4 Use Week of:

David and Jonathan Became Friends

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 MAIN POINT: God gave David a friend. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 46 PAGE 48 PAGE 50

4 Leader 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—his own 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.

Preschool Leader Guide 42 Unit 10 • Session 4 “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 preschoolers recognize what Jonathan did for David. He 4 laid down his rights as king, interceded on his behalf, and ultimately laid down his life. 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.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the King 43 The BIBLE STORY

David and Jonathan Became Friends 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42

David was a hero! With a sling and a stone, David had killed Goliath—the strongest, meanest, tallest man in the Philistine army. David lived at King Saul’s palace. King Saul had a son named Jonathan. David and Jonathan became friends. Jonathan gave gifts to David: his robe, coat, sword, bow, and belt. Whenever King Saul asked David to do something, David did it. And David did a good job! But Saul did not love David like Jonathan loved David. King Saul was jealous that the people liked David so much. He wanted to kill David, so Jonathan told David to hide. The next morning, Jonathan talked to his father. “Why would you want to kill David?” Jonathan asked. “He has done nothing but help you.” Saul 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 threw a spear at David. But he missed and David ran away. David told Jonathan what had happened. Jonathan could not believe it! “How can I help?” Jonathan asked. David came up with a plan. David said that he was invited to a special meal, but he was not going to go. “If Saul asks where I am, tell him I asked you if I could go to Bethlehem,” David told Jonathan. “If Saul gets angry, you will know he wants to kill me.” Jonathan told David that he would give him a signal to tell David what Saul planned to do.

Preschool Leader Guide 44 Unit 10 • Session 4 So Jonathan went to the special meal with his father. When Saul sat down to eat, he asked, “Where is David?” “David is in Bethlehem. I told him he could 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. Jonathan gave David the signal that Saul wanted to kill him. Jonathan sent his servant away, and David came out of hiding. David and Jonathan cried WANT TO and said their goodbyes. DISCOVER “Take care of yourself,” Jonathan said. David and GOD’S WORD? Jonathan left each other, knowing that no matter what, GET MORE! they would always be friends. Invite preschoolers Christ Connection: David and Jonathan were very good to check out this week’s devotionals friends. Jesus calls us friends. (John 15:15) Jesus is a greater to discover that friend than anyone. He showed His love for us by giving up His when we trust in life to rescue us from sin. Jesus, He forgives our sin and calls us His friends. There is no condemnation for those who trust in Jesus. (Rom. 8:1) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God the King 45 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: David and Jonathan Became Friends BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42 MAIN POINT: God gave David a friend. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Activity page • “Best Friends” activity Invite preschoolers to look at the pictures and circle those page, 1 per child where the children are behaving as friends. • pencils or crayons SAY • Friends love and help each other. In today’s Bible story, we will hear about two friends, David and Jonathan. David was in danger and Jonathan protected David. Let’s find out what happened.

Sing a song

LOW PREP Form a circle on the floor, and sing the following song. “ I have a good friend. • beanbag His/Her name is [name of a child in the circle]. Thank You, God, for friends!” As you say a child’s name, toss the beanbag to her. Invite her to sing the song again using the name of another

Preschool Leader Guide 46 Unit 10 • Session 4 preschooler in the circle. Guide her to toss the beanbag to that preschooler, and so forth. SAY • Friends are a gift from God. Everyone needs friends. In today’s Bible story, God gave David a very good friend. David’s very good friend shared what he had with David and helped protect him when someone wanted to hurt David. Let’s discover who was David’s very good friend.

Throw pool noodles On one side of an open area, make a line on the floor using • pool noodles • painter’s tape painter’s tape. Invite preschoolers to line up three feet apart along the line. Provide a pool noodle for each preschooler. Invite preschoolers to throw their noodle as far as they can while remaining behind the line. See who can throw their noodle the farthest. SAY • Throwing noodles is fun! In our Bible story today, Saul threw his spear. Saul was not throwing his spear for fun, though. He was trying to hurt someone! Let’s find out who Saul wanted to hurt.

God the King 47 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story SAY • Who is your best friend? What makes someone your friend? [Pause for responses.] Today’s Bible story has two best friends in it—David and Jonathan. Jonathan was a good friend to David and helped him when he was in trouble. Let’s find out how.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 1 Samuel in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “David and Jonathan SAY • The Bible is a true book. It has God’s words in it. Became Friends” video • Bible Story Picture Today’s Bible story comes from the Book of 1 Samuel. Poster Show the Bible story video “David and Jonathan Became Friends” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • God gave David a friend. Jonathan was a good • Giant Timeline or friend to David. Jonathan helped keep David safe Big Story Circle when King Saul wanted to hurt him.

Preschool Leader Guide 48 Unit 10 • Session 4 Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. Who were the two friends in today’s story? (David and Jonathan) 2. Why was Saul jealous of David? (because the people liked him so much) 3. Was Saul happy that David was not at the special meal? (No, he was angry.) 4. How did Jonathan tell David that Saul wanted to kill him? (He gave David a signal.) 5. What did David and Jonathan do when they said goodbye? (cried)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Did you know that you can be friends with a king? • Big Picture Question Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever. King Poster Jesus is a friend to us. Jesus is a greater friend than even Jonathan was to David. King Jesus showed His love for us by giving up His life to rescue us from sin.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 47:7. Read the key passage aloud • Key Passage Poster several times. Sing together the key passage song, “God • “God Alone” song Alone.” SAY • God rules over the entire earth. He protects His people, gives us what we need, and even gives us good things to enjoy. God is a good King who deserves our worship.

Transition to small groups

God the King 49 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Build a block playground

LOW PREP Invite preschoolers to work together to build a playground using blocks. Guide preschoolers to think about what they • blocks will build: slides, swing sets, tunnels, seesaws, and so forth. • toy people (optional) Consider providing toy people for preschoolers to play out people using the playground. SAY • Great job building with your friends. A playground is a great place to spend time with friends. David and Jonathan both lived in King Saul’s palace. They were probably able to spend a lot of time together. God gave David a friend in Jonathan. Jesus calls us friends. Jesus is a greater friend than anyone. He showed His love for us by giving up His life to rescue us from sin.

Make a friendship collage • magazines Set out a variety of child-friendly magazines. Guide • blunt-tip scissors preschoolers to look through the magazines and cut out • construction paper • glue sticks pictures of children. For younger preschoolers, cut out the • marker magazine pictures ahead of time. Lay the pictures out for preschoolers to look through and choose their favorites. Invite preschoolers to glue the pictures onto a sheet of

Preschool Leader Guide 50 Unit 10 • Session 4 construction paper. As preschoolers work, ask them to share what they think makes a good friend. Write down preschoolers’ responses on their artwork. SAY • God is so kind to give us friends. A good friend is someone who loves you, listens to you, spends time with you, shares what they have with you, and cares about you. God gave David a friend. David and Jonathan were very good friends. The best kind of friends are the ones that point us to Jesus. Jesus is a greater friend than anyone. Jesus does everything a good friend is supposed to do and more. Jesus showed His love for us by giving up His life to rescue us from sin.

Paint with a friend Form pairs of preschoolers. Give each pair a sheet of paper • paper and a foam plate containing a small amount of several paint • washable paint • paintbrushes colors. Explain that the pair will work together to create a • cups painting. Encourage them to make a plan before they begin. • foam plates When preschoolers finish painting, allow their artwork to • smocks dry. Write the main point on each painting. • marker SAY • God gave David a friend. David and Jonathan worked together and made a plan to protect David from King Saul. Jesus calls us friends. Jesus is a greater friend than anyone. He showed His love for us by giving up His life to rescue us from sin.

Play out having a friend over Guide preschoolers to play out having a friend over to their • assorted toys house. As preschoolers play, ask a preschooler how she can make her friends feel loved and welcomed when they visit her.

God the King 51 SAY • David lived at King Saul’s palace. David became friends with King Saul’s son, Jonathan. God gave David a friend. Friends are a good gift from God. Jesus is the greatest friend of all. Jesus showed His love for us by giving up His life to rescue us from sin. When we put our trust in Jesus, He calls us friends.

Make a friendship mix • Allergy Alert download Set out a large bowl. Invite preschoolers to wash their • large bowl • wooden spoon hands. Give a preschooler one of the ingredients and • raisins invite him to add it to the bowl. As each child adds an • chocolate chips ingredient, select another child to stir the mixture with a • bite-sized crackers wooden spoon. • cereal • mini- marshmallows Portion the snack into ziplock bags. Consider sending • snack-size ziplock bags extra portions home for preschoolers to share with a friend. SAY • We shared what we had with our friends to make a yummy snack. God gave David a friend. Jonathan shared what he had with David. Jonathan gave David his robe, coat, sword, bow, and belt. Jesus gives us friends and makes us His friends. Jesus shares what He has with us. Jesus gave up His own life to rescue us from sin.

Preschool Leader Guide 52 Unit 10 • Session 4 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve the friendship mix from small group activities for snack. As preschoolers eat, remind them that King Saul invited David to a special meal. David did not go to the meal, but Jonathan did. When Jonathan told his father the king that David was not coming, King Saul became very angry. Jonathan protected David from King Saul. God gave David a friend in Jonathan. God gives us an even better friend in Jesus. Jesus showed His love for us by giving up His own life to rescue us from sin.

Transition When a child finishes her snack, guide her to throw away • books any trash. She may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • play dough • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw • Bible Story Coloring a picture of a friend. Remind them that God gave David a Page • crayons friend. God gives us friends too, but the greatest friend of • Big Picture Cards for all is Jesus. Pray for the children. Families: Babies, SAY • God, You are kind to give us friends. Help us to be a Toddlers, and Preschool good friend to others. Thank You for sending Jesus. What a gift that Jesus calls us friends and gave His own life to rescue us from sin! Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God the King 53 UNIT 10 Session 5 Use Week of:

God Made a Covenant with David

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 7 MAIN POINT: God said Jesus would be part of David’s family. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 58 PAGE 60 PAGE 62

Leader BIBLE STUDY

Things were not looking up for David. Saul had tried multiple times to kill him, and he had to flee for his life, 5 leaving behind his good friend Jonathan. But God had appointed David to be king, and God was faithful. Leading up to 2 Samuel 7, Jonathan was killed in battle against the Philistines. Saul fell on his own sword, and David became king of Israel. Then David moved the ark of God to Jerusalem.

David settled into his palace, and God gave him peace from his enemies. When David looked around, something didn’t seem right. He was living in a majestic palace while the ark of God was in a tent! David determined to build

Preschool Leader Guide 54 Unit 10 • Session 5 God a temple. That night, God gave the prophet, Nathan, a message for David. “Have I ever asked you to build Me a house?” God said. “Since I brought the Israelites out of Egypt, I have dwelled in a tent.”

God reminded David that he used to be a shepherd, but God had made him a king! God promised to give the Israelites a place to stay so they wouldn’t need to move around anymore. God promised to give them rest from their enemies so they could stop fighting.

Though God denied David’s desire to build God a house, God promised to make a house for David: a dynasty of his descendants and an everlasting kingdom.

As you teach preschoolers about God’s covenant to David, help them understand the significance of David’s everlasting kingdom. God’s promise to David was ultimately fulfilled by his most significant descendant, Jesus Christ: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:32-33). 5

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the King 55 The BIBLE STORY

God Made a Covenant with David 2 Samuel 7

God chose David to be king of Israel. Saul had been king, but now David was king. God gave His people a time of peace. One day, David was talking with Nathan the prophet. “I live in a palace of nice wood,” David pointed out. “But the ark of God sits inside a tent!” “God is with you. Do what you want!” Nathan said. But God did not want David to do whatever he wanted. Tat night, God talked to Nathan. God gave Nathan a message for David. Tis is what God wanted Nathan to say to David: “David, are you going to build a house for Me to live in? Tink about what I have done for My people. I brought them out of Egypt. I gave them leaders to guide them. Te entire time I have been with them, My house has been a tent. Did I ever ask anyone to build a temple for Me? “Remember, you used to be a shepherd, David. But I made you a king. I helped you win your battles, and My people now live in their own land. Tere is no more ﬁghting. I promise you, David, that you and your descendants will be kings. When you die, one of your sons will be king. He will be a strong king. He will build a house for Me. I will love him, and I will never leave him. When your son dies, his son will be king. Te king will always be someone in your family.” Nathan told David everything God said. David went into the tent he had set up for the ark of God. God was right. God had never asked anyone to build Him a temple. Even though David wanted to build a temple for God,

Preschool Leader Guide 56 Unit 10 • Session 5 David chose to listen to God and obey Him instead. David sat down and prayed. “Lord God, I do not deserve anything You have done for me, and You promise to do so much more! God, You are so great! Tere is no one like You! You chose the Israelites to be Your own people. You rescued them from slavery in Egypt. “God, please keep Your promises to me and my family. I am sure You will keep Your promises because You always do.”

Christ Connection: God promised David that every king of

Israel would come from David’s family. God kept His promise. WANT TO God sent His Son, Jesus, to be part of David’s family. Jesus is DISCOVER our King. Jesus is alive, and He will be King over God’s people GOD’S WORD? forever. GET MORE!

Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that God promised to give David rest from his enemies. (2 Sam. 7:11) Jesus asks sinners to come to Him, and He will give us rest. (Matt. 11:29) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God the King 57 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: God Made a Covenant with David BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 7 MAIN POINT: God said Jesus would be part of David’s family. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Activity page • “Like Father, Like Son” activity page, Guide preschoolers to draw a line connecting the father to 1 per child his son. • pencils or crayons SAY • In our Bible story today, King David wanted to do something special for God. God told David his son would be the one to do something special for Him. Let’s find out what was the special thing David wanted to do.

Play the quiet game

LOW PREP Invite preschoolers to play the quiet game. Form two teams. Explain that each team will try to be as quiet as possible for as long as possible. If an adult leader hears a team member make a sound, the other team is declared the winner. Play multiple times as time allows.

Preschool Leader Guide 58 Unit 10 • Session 5 SAY • Ah, the quiet game is a very peaceful game. In our Bible story today, God gave His people a time of peace. David was the king of Israel, and there were no battles to be fought. Everyone was happy.

Play a memory game Print two copies of the “Houses” printable. Cut out the • “Houses” printable cards. Arrange the cards in a grid. Place the cards faceup for • scissors younger preschoolers or facedown for older preschoolers. Invite preschoolers to take turns uncovering two cards at a time to find a match. Continue play until all the matches have been uncovered. SAY • Houses come in all different shapes and sizes. In today’s Bible story, the ark of God was in the tabernacle, a tent. King David wanted to build a house, or temple, for God. Let’s find out what God had to say about David building Him a temple.

God the King 59 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story • house photograph Show a photograph of a house. Invite preschoolers to tell you about where they live. Tip: Consider SAY showing a • God is kind to give us places to live. In today’s Bible photograph of story, King David looked at the beautiful palace of your home to wood he lived in and thought about the ark of God help preschoolers sitting in a tent. David had an idea. connect with you personally. Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 2 Samuel in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “God Made a Covenant SAY • The Bible is the most special book in the entire world. with David” video • Bible Story Picture God gives us His Word in the Bible. All God’s words Poster are true. Today’s Bible story is from 2 Samuel. Show the Bible story video “God Made a Covenant with David” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • David wanted to build a temple for God, but God • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle said David’s son would build Him a temple instead.

Preschool Leader Guide 60 Unit 10 • Session 5 God made a wonderful promise to David. Te king of Israel would always be someone from David’s family, but best of all God said Jesus would be part of David’s family. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. What did David want to do for God? (build a temple) 2. To whom did God give a message for David? (Nathan) 3. Whom did God say would build Him a temple? (David’s son) 4. What did God promise David? (Te king would always be from his family.) 5. Did David build a temple for God? (No, he obeyed God and did not.)

Learn the big picture question SAY • God promised David that every king of Israel would • Big Picture Question come from David’s family. God kept His promise. Poster God sent His Son, Jesus, to be part of David’s family. Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever. Jesus is alive, and He will be King over God’s people forever.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 47:7. Read the key passage aloud • Key Passage Poster several times. Sing together the key passage song, “God • “God Alone” song Alone.” SAY • God created the world, and He rules over it. Kings and kingdoms only exist because God allows them to. God is King of all the earth.

Transition to small groups

God the King 61 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Play out the big picture question

LOW PREP Demonstrate the hand motions below for the preschoolers to perform as you repeat the big picture question and answer. Repeat, inviting the preschoolers to say the big picture question and answer with you as they do the motions. Who is [Hold both arms out at your sides, palms up.] our King? [Pretend to place a crown on your head using both hands.] Jesus [Touch the center of each palm with the middle finger of each hand, starting first with your right hand and then your left.] is our King [Repeat the crown sign.] forever. [Hold up your pointer fingers at shoulder height and make two wide circles.] SAY • God promised David that every king of Israel would come from David’s family. God said Jesus would be part of David’s family. God kept His promise. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be part of David’s family. Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever! Jesus is alive, and He will be King over God’s people forever.

Preschool Leader Guide 62 Unit 10 • Session 5 Herd sheep Spread a bag full of cotton balls around the room. Place a • cotton balls basket in the middle of the floor. Explain to preschoolers • basket that they will be shepherds, the cotton balls are their sheep, and the basket is the sheep pen. When you say, “Go!” preschoolers must herd the sheep into the pen by picking up a cotton ball and placing it in the basket. Preschoolers may only pick up one cotton ball sheep at a time to place in the basket. When all the sheep are in the pen, spread out the cotton balls and play again. SAY • Before David was a king, he was a shepherd. David did not become a king on his own. David did not win battles on his own, and David did not lead Israel on his own. God was the One who did all of those things through David. God did not need David to build a temple for Him, but God promised David that his son would build the temple. Every king of Israel would come from David’s family. God said Jesus would be part of David’s family. Jesus would be King over God’s people forever.

Play out moving Set out toys, clothes, boxes, and bins and invite preschoolers • toys to play out moving. Guide them to place items in boxes or • clothes • boxes bins and seal the boxes with tape. Play out putting the boxes • bins on a truck or use a wagon if available. • tape SAY • David wanted to move the ark of God from the • wagon (optional) tabernacle to a temple. God gave Nathan a message for David. “David, are you going to build a house for Me to live in? My house has been a tent. Did I ever ask anyone to build a temple for Me?” God said David’s son would build a house, or temple,

God the King 63 for Him. God promised David that the king would always be someone from his family. God said Jesus would be part of David’s family.

Decorate a “house” • large appliance box Before the session, cut a door and windows out of a large • box cutter appliance box. Set out markers or crayons and invite • markers or crayons preschoolers to decorate the inside and the outside of the “house.” SAY • King David wanted to build a house for God. God said that David would not build the temple, but that David’s son would. God gave David a wonderful promise. He said that every king of Israel would come from David’s family. Best of all, God said Jesus would be part of David’s family. God kept His promise. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be our King. Jesus is alive, and He will be King over God’s people forever.

Look at picture books about families • books about families Set out an assortment of picture books about families. Invite preschoolers to look at the books. As preschoolers flip through the books, ask them to tell you about their family. Be sensitive to family situations. SAY • David wanted to build a temple for God, but God said David’s son would build Him a temple instead. God promised David that every king of Israel would come from David’s family. God said Jesus would be part of David’s family. God kept His promise. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be part of David’s family. Jesus is our King. Jesus is alive, and He will be King over God’s people forever.

Preschool Leader Guide 64 Unit 10 • Session 5 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve pretzel sticks and fruit roll-ups for snack. Invite preschoolers to make tents by standing up a pretzel stick and laying a fruit roll-up over it. Remind preschoolers that David did not think the ark of God should be sitting inside a tent while he was living in a nice palace of wood. God told David that He did not want David to build Him a temple, but God made a promise to David. God said Jesus would be part of David’s family.

Transition When a child finishes his snack, guide him to throw away • books any trash. He may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • play dough • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw a • Bible Story Coloring picture of something God has provided for them. Remind Page • crayons preschoolers that God reminded David that He made • Big Picture Cards for David a king, helped David win battles, and gave His Families: Babies, people land. God gives us good things and does not expect Toddlers, and Preschool us to pay Him back. We could not even if we tried. Pray for the children. SAY • God, thank You for keeping Your promise to David and sending Jesus. Jesus is our King forever. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God the King 65 UNIT 10 Session 6 Use Week of:

David Sinned and Was Restored

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 11:1–12:14; Psalm 51 MAIN POINT: God forgave David. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 70 PAGE 72 PAGE 74

Leader BIBLE STUDY

The Ammonites were no strangers to the Israelites. They often fought over the region of Gilead, which stretched east of the Jordan River. David had tried showing kindness to the Ammonites, but they humiliated the Israelite ambassadors. (See 2 Sam. 10:1-5.) Thus began a war between the Israelites and Ammonites. This context sets the scene for the story of David’s sin and restoration. 6 One evening, David looked from his rooftop and saw Bathsheba bathing. He inquired about her and found out that she was the wife of Uriah, one of David’s elite soldiers. Her married status alone made her off-limits to David, but he nevertheless called for her and slept with her.

Preschool Leader Guide 66 Unit 10 • Session 6 David probably assumed his sin would go unnoticed, until Bathsheba told him she was pregnant. With Uriah gone to war, it was obvious the baby was not her husband’s.

David had a plan. He called Uriah home from the battle and encouraged him to be with his wife. But Uriah refused. Uriah didn’t think it was fair for him to be with his wife while other men were at war.

Plan B: David instructed his army commander to position Uriah in the most violent part of the battle so he would be killed. This time, David’s plan worked. Uriah was killed, and David took Bathsheba as his wife.

God knew David’s sin and sent Nathan the prophet to confront David. David’s confession is recorded in Psalm 51. David knew making sacrifices would not be enough to please God and pay for his sin. God wanted David’s heart to change so he would not want to sin again.

Like David, we need more than a changed lifestyle to be made right with God; we need new hearts. Jesus died to satisfy God’s wrath against sin so that we could be made alive in Him.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the King 67 The BIBLE STORY

David Sinned and Was Restored 2 Samuel 11:1–12:14; Psalm 51

David was the king of Israel. One of his jobs was to lead the army. One spring, David sent the army out to fight. He put another man in charge of the army, but David stayed home. One evening, David was walking on the roof of his palace. He looked out and saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba. Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, one of the best men in David’s army. David sent his messengers to get Bathsheba, and she came to David’s house. David knew he had done the wrong thing. Bathsheba was married to Uriah. David should not take another man’s wife. David did not want to get into trouble, so he made a plan. David told Uriah to come home from the battle. “Go spend time with your wife,” he said. “You deserve it.” But Uriah did not think it was fair for him to relax at home while the other men were at war. He slept on David’s doorstep and would not go home to his wife. David’s plan was not working, so he made up another plan. This time, he told the leader of the army to send Uriah into the hardest part of the battle. David hoped Uriah would be killed. So the leader of the army sent Uriah to the place where the fighting was most dangerous, and the enemy army killed Uriah. When Bathsheba heard that her husband was dead, she was very sad. David took Bathsheba into his house to be his wife. God knew what David did, and He was not happy with David. God sent Nathan the prophet to talk to

Preschool Leader Guide 68 Unit 10 • Session 6 David. Nathan told David a story. The story was about a man who took something that did not belong to him. The story made David angry, but Nathan said the story was about David. David had taken something that did not belong to him. Nathan told David that God was not happy with him, and David realized he had sinned against God. After Nathan spoke to David, David wrote a psalm. He told God he was sorry and asked God to forgive him, and God did.

Christ Connection: God forgave David for his sins, but sin always has consequences. When we sin, God forgives us because WANT TO Jesus faced the consequences for our sins when He died on the DISCOVER cross. GOD’S WORD? GET MORE!

Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that David asked God to restore the joy of his salvation (Ps. 51:12) so he could teach other sinners to return to God as well. (Ps. 51:13) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God the King 69 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: David Sinned and Was Restored BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 11:1–12:14; Psalm 51 MAIN POINT: God forgave David. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 47:7 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever.

Activity page • “I’m Sorry” activity Invite preschoolers to draw a line from the scene where a page, 1 per child child did something wrong to the scene where he or she • pencils or crayons showed, “I’m sorry.” SAY • These children made a wrong choice, but later they showed they were sorry for what they had done. In today’s Bible story, King David made a very wrong choice. King David told God he was sorry for doing the wrong thing and asked God to forgive him.

Play “Doggy, Doggy, Where’s Your Bone?”

LOW PREP Invite preschoolers to sit on the floor in a circle. Choose a preschooler to be the doggy. The doggy will sit in the • beanbag middle of the circle with a beanbag behind him. Instruct the doggy to close his eyes. Choose a preschooler to sneak up

Preschool Leader Guide 70 Unit 10 • Session 6 behind the doggy and take the beanbag, return to her seat, and hide the beanbag where the doggy cannot see it. Lead preschoolers in singing, “Doggy, doggy, where’s your bone? Somebody took it from your home.” Then the doggy will open his eyes and guess who has the beanbag. He has three chances to guess correctly. Choose another doggy and play again. SAY • In today’s Bible story, David took something that did not belong to him. David knew he had done the wrong thing. David did not want to get into trouble. He made a plan to cover up what he had done, but David did not remember that God knows everything. Let’s discover what happened.

Sing “I’m in the Lord’s Army”

Sing the song “I’m in the Lord’s Army.” If you are LOW PREP unfamiliar with the tune or lyrics, look them up online before the session. Consider downloading an MP3 of the song to play during the session. SAY • One of King David’s jobs as king of Israel was to lead the army. One spring, David sent the army out to fight. He put another man in charge of the army, but David stayed home. While David was at home, he made a wrong choice. Let’s find out what happened.

God the King 71 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story Share with preschoolers about a time you had to say you were sorry. Invite preschoolers to tell you about a time they had to say they were sorry. SAY • Feeling sorry and saying we are sorry are the right ways to respond when we do wrong things. David did a wrong thing in today’s Bible story. Let’s find out who David asked to forgive him.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 2 Samuel in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “David Sinned and Was SAY • The Bible is unlike any other book in the entire world. Restored” video • Bible Story Picture The Bible is the only book that has God’s true words Poster in it. Today’s Bible story is from 2 Samuel. Show the Bible story video “David Sinned and Was Restored” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

• Main Point Poster Talk about the Bible story • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle SAY • David did a very wrong thing. Many people were

Preschool Leader Guide 72 Unit 10 • Session 6 hurt because of David’s wrong choice. David realized that the most important person he sinned against was God. David told God he was sorry, and God forgave David. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. Whose wife was Bathsheba? (Uriah’s) 2. Who told David a story about a man who took something that did not belong to him? (Nathan) 3. Whom was Nathan’s story really about? (David) 4. What did David ask God to do? (forgive him) 5. Did God forgive David? (God forgave David.)

Learn the big picture question SAY • King David sinned. He asked God to forgive his sin, • Big Picture Question and God did. God gives us a King who never sinned. Poster Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever. Jesus never sinned, but He faced the consequences for our sin when He died on the cross and came back to life. Because Jesus took the punishment for our sin, God forgives us when we ask Him.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 47:7. Read the key passage aloud • Key Passage Poster several times. Sing together the key passage song, “God • “God Alone” song Alone.” SAY • God is the one true King over all the earth. God gives power to earthly kings, but all earthly kings make mistakes. They sin and make wrong choices. God is the good and perfect King who rules forever.

Transition to small groups

God the King 73 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Play reverse hide-and-seek Play a variation of hide-and-seek. Choose one preschooler It It LOW PREP to be . While the rest of the group counts to 10, hides. When counting is complete, the whole group spreads out to look for It. If a preschooler finds It, he hides with her. As each preschooler finds It, the group hiding grows. Continue play until all the preschoolers are hiding. Choose another It and play again. SAY • David thought he could hide his sin from God. Every time David tried to hide what he had done, he ended up just sinning more and more. David told God he was sorry for his sin, and God forgave David. Still, many people were hurt because of David’s sin. Sin always has consequences. When we sin, God forgives us because Jesus faced the consequences for our sins when He died on the cross.

LOW PREP Play with blocks Invite preschoolers to free play with blocks. As preschoolers • blocks play, comment on how well they share the blocks. If any preschooler takes a block another child is using, gently correct them.

Preschool Leader Guide 74 Unit 10 • Session 6 SAY • You all shared your blocks well. Taking a block someone else is using is a wrong choice. In our Bible story, David took something that did not belong to him—Uriah’s wife. What David did was a sin, and David sinned even more when he tried to cover it up. God used Nathan to show David he had sinned. Then David asked God forgive him, and God forgave David.

Create scratch art Provide an index card for each preschooler. Guide a • index cards preschooler to use colorful markers to color his index card • colorful markers • black crayons completely. Then give each preschooler a black crayon and • craft sticks instruct children to completely color over their colorful artwork with black. Demonstrate how preschoolers can use a craft stick to scratch a drawing into the black and reveal the colors beneath. SAY • You thought you had covered up your artwork, but the colors were still there. You just had to scratch to reveal them. David tried to cover up his sin, but it was still there. God saw David’s sin and used Nathan to show David. David told God he was sorry and asked God to forgive him. God forgave David.

Make play dough hearts Provide an assortment of play dough for preschoolers to • play dough use. Offer preschoolers play dough tools and heart-shaped • heart-shaped cookie cutters cookie cutters. Invite a preschool to create a heart shape • play dough tools with her play dough. SAY • Ever since Adam and Eve sinned when they ate from the tree God told them not to eat from, all people have been born with sinful hearts. David’s heart was

God the King 75 sinful too. Even though David loved God, he still made wrong choices. David told God he was sorry, and God forgave David. We have sinful hearts too. We cannot obey God perfectly. We need new hearts that love God and want to obey Him. When we put our trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and gives us new hearts.

Play instruments • instruments Play music and set out an assortment of preschool-friendly • “He Is King” song instruments. Invite preschoolers to play the instruments (optional) • “God Alone” song along with the music. (optional) SAY • David wrote a psalm, or song, to tell God he was sorry for his sin. God forgave David, but sin always has consequences. When we sin, God forgives us because Jesus faced the consequences for our sins when He died on the cross and came back to life.

Preschool Leader Guide 76 Unit 10 • Session 6 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve a snack. As preschoolers eat, invite a preschooler to share about a time he forgave someone who hurt him. Affirm that both saying we are sorry and forgiving those who say they are sorry are not always easy. Explain that when we remember that God always forgives us when we tell Him we are sorry, we can forgive other people.

Transition When a child finishes her snack, guide her to throw away • books any trash. She may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles • play dough quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw • Bible Story Coloring a picture of a time they did something wrong. Ask each Page • crayons preschooler if he is sorry for what he did. When he affirms, • Big Picture Cards for ask permission to draw on his paper. Then draw a cross over Families: Babies, his drawing. Remind preschoolers that like God forgave Toddlers, and Preschool David, God forgives us when we sin. Pray for the children. SAY • God, You are kind to forgive sinners like us! We sin over and over again, but You forgive us over and over when we say we are sorry. You even sent Jesus to take the consequences for our sins when He died on the cross and rose again. Help us to obey You. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God the King 77 Unit 11: God All-Wise

Unit Description: Solomon ruled Israel with great wisdom that God had given him, and he obeyed God when he built the temple. Despite his wisdom, Solomon sinned and his sin led to the nation of Israel being divided into two kingdoms. Solomon reminds us of our need for Jesus, the sinless King who is true wisdom. (1 Cor. 1:30)

Key Passage: Proverbs 2:6

Big Picture Question: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.

78 Unit 11: God All-Wise

Session 1: Session 4: Bible Story: Bible Story: Solomon Asked for Wisdom Solomon’s Sin Divided the Bible Passage: Kingdom 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15 Bible Passage: Main Point: 1 Kings 11–12 Solomon asked God for Main Point: wisdom. God split Israel into two kingdoms. Session 2: Bible Story: Wisdom for God’s People Bible Passage: Proverbs 1:1-7; 3:1-12; 4:10-19 Main Point: Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word.

Session 3: Bible Story: Solomon Built the Temple Bible Passage: 1 Kings 6–8 Main Point: God chose Solomon to build a temple.

God All-Wise 79 UNIT 11 Session 1 Use Week of:

Solomon Asked for Wisdom

1 BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15 MAIN POINT: Solomon asked God for wisdom. KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 84 PAGE 86 PAGE 88

Leader BIBLE STUDY

David’s sin with Bathsheba yielded difficult consequences, but God showed David and Bathsheba that He still loved them. After the death of their first son, Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon. Nathan, the prophet whom God had used to confront David concerning his sin, gave Solomon a second name: Jedidiah, which means “Beloved of the Lord.” God chose Solomon to be king. (See 2 Sam. 12:24-25; 1 Chron. 22:9-13.)

Early in Solomon’s life, God appeared to him in a dream. “What should I give you?” God asked. Solomon’s response set him apart from many other kings. His God- honoring qualities were apparent. First, Solomon humbly

Preschool Leader Guide 80 Unit 11 • Session 1 acknowledged his lack of experience in leading God’s people. Then he said, “Give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9). 1

If you were a king or queen and God offered to give you anything you asked for, what request would you make? Ask the preschoolers you teach what they would ask for if they could receive anything their hearts desired. One might assume that a king would ask for power or for victory over his enemies. Perhaps he would ask for riches or to live a long life. Solomon asked for none of these. Instead, he asked God to make him wise. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and He agreed to give Solomon a wise and understanding heart.

Solomon’s heart was surrendered to God. God created people to do His will. Jesus was greater than Solomon. (See Matt. 12:42.) He completely trusted God with His life. Jesus surrendered His own life to die on the cross for our sins so that God could bring us back to Himself.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God All-Wise 81 The BIBLE STORY

Solomon Asked for Wisdom 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15

David was an old man. He had been the king of Israel for a long time. Now his son Solomon was going to be the king. Before David died, he gave Solomon some special instructions. David said, “Be strong and brave, Solomon. Obey God, and you will be a good king. God will keep His promise to us. Every king of Israel will come from our family.” David told Solomon to make wise choices, and he told him how to treat his enemies. Then David died, and Solomon was the king of Israel. One night, God talked to Solomon in a dream. God said, “Solomon, ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you.” Now, a king might have asked to live a long life or to be very rich. Solomon could have asked God to take away all his enemies. But Solomon did not ask to be rich or to live a long time. He asked for something even better. Solomon said, “God, I am young, and I do not know very much about being a king. Please make me wise. Help me obey You. Help me know what is right and wrong. Help me be a good leader.” God said to Solomon, “I am happy you have asked for wisdom. I am going to make you more wise and understanding than anyone who has ever lived. No one in the future will ever be as wise as you, Solomon.” Then God said, “Because you asked for wisdom, I will also give you what you did not ask for: long life, riches,

Preschool Leader Guide 82 Unit 11 • Session 1 and honor. You will be greater than any other king while you are alive.” Solomon woke up. God had spoken to him in a dream! Solomon thanked God and praised Him.

Christ Connection: Solomon was a wise king who wanted to follow God’s plan. God had a plan to send a greater and wiser king—Jesus. Jesus trusted God and followed God’s plan by dying on the cross for our sin.

WANT TO DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? GET MORE!

Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. We receive wisdom through reading and understanding God’s Word. (See Ps. 119:33) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God All-Wise 83 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: Solomon Asked for Wisdom BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15 MAIN POINT: Solomon asked God for wisdom. KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.

Welcome time • “Wisdom” song Play the unit theme song in the background as you greet • offering basket preschoolers and follow your church’s security procedures. • Allergy Alert download • favorite toys related to Set an offering basket near the door to collect offering at an the Bible story theme appropriate time. Post an allergy alert, if necessary. Set out a few favorite theme-related toys, such as puzzles and blocks.

Activity page • “What Would You Invite preschoolers to look at the pictures and circle the Like?” activity page, 1 per child item on the page they would most like to have. • pencils or crayons SAY • God told King Solomon that he could ask for anything he wanted and God would give it to him. Can you guess what he wished for? Here’s a hint. It isn’t something you see on this page. Listen to our Bible story to find out what Solomon asked for.

Play “Go to sleep / wake up!”

LOW PREP Play this version of “Red Light, Green Light.” Invite preschoolers to line up shoulder to shoulder along a wall. When you call out, “Wake up!” preschoolers should walk toward the opposite wall. When you call out, “Go to sleep!” preschoolers must stop where they are. If a preschooler moves after you say, “Go to sleep!” that child must return to

Preschool Leader Guide 84 Unit 11 • Session 1 where she started. The first child to reach the opposite wall is the winner SAY • In today’s Bible story, God spoke to Solomon while he was sleeping. Let’s find out what God said to Solomon.

Where does it come from? Print and cut apart the “Where Does It Come From?” • “Where Does It Come From?” printable printable. Place the cards in a basket. Invite preschoolers • basket to come up one at a time and draw a card. Guide the preschooler to hold the card up for the group to see. Ask the group, “Where does it come from?” 1. Bag of groceries (grocery store) 2. Stack of books (library, bookstore, printer) 3. Glass of water (faucet) 4. Ice cream cone (ice cream shop or truck) 5. Crayons (school box, store, factory) 6. Toy truck (toy box, store, factory) 7. Baby doll (toy box, store, factory) 8. Bicycle (garage, sports store, factory) SAY • I can’t show you a picture of this last item because it isn’t something you can see. Wisdom. Where does wisdom come from? Can you buy it in a store? Is it made in a factory? No. Wisdom comes from God. We will learn about wisdom for the next few weeks.

God All-Wise 85 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story SAY • If you could have anything in the world, what would you ask for? [Allow time for responses.] God asked Solomon that question in today’s Bible story. Let’s find out what Solomon asked for.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 1 Kings in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “Solomon Asked for SAY • The Bible is a true book. God gives us His words Wisdom” video • Bible Story Picture in the Bible. No book is as important as the Bible. Poster Today’s Bible story is found in 1 Kings. Show the Bible story video “Solomon Asked for Wisdom” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • God was pleased that Solomon asked God for • Giant Timeline or wisdom. Solomon wanted to be a good king and Big Story Circle lead God’s people well. God gave Solomon even more than what he asked for. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions:

Preschool Leader Guide 86 Unit 11 • Session 1 1. Who became king of Israel after David? (Solomon) 2. What did God promise David’s family? (Every king of Israel would come from David’s family.) 3. What did God tell Solomon? (Ask for anything and I will give it to you.) 4. What did Solomon ask God for? (wisdom) 5. Why did Solomon ask for wisdom? (so he would be a good king) 6. What did God give Solomon? (wisdom, long life, riches, and honor)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Listen to our big picture question and answer. Where • Big Picture Question does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God. Poster Only God can make people truly wise. God made Solomon a wise king. Solomon wanted to follow God’s plan. God had a plan to send a greater and wiser King—Jesus. Jesus trusted God and followed God’s plan by dying on the cross for our sin.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Proverbs 2:6. Read the key passage • Key Passage Poster aloud several times. Sing together the key passage song, • “The Lord Gives Wisdom” song “The Lord Gives Wisdom.” SAY • True wisdom is something only God can give because He is the only One who is truly wise. Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. When we trust in Jesus, God changes our heart to love Him and gives us His Word so we know what pleases Him.

Transition to small groups

God All-Wise 87 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Play “Hot Potato”

LOW PREP Play a game of “Hot Potato” to help preschoolers learn the big picture question and answer. Form a circle. Play music. • beanbag As the music plays, preschoolers should pass a beanbag • “The Lord Gives around the circle. When the music stops, the preschooler Wisdom” song with the beanbag asks the big picture question, Where does (optional) • “Wisdom” song wisdom come from? Then the rest of the group calls out (optional) the answer, Wisdom comes from God. Play again as time allows. SAY • Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God. Solomon wanted to follow God’s plan. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and God made Solomon wise. God had a plan to send a greater and wiser king—Jesus. Jesus trusted God and followed God’s plan by dying on the cross for our sin. • large heavyweight paper • washable paint Walk in His ways • shallow pan Print “Follow God’s Plan” on a large piece of heavyweight • wipes (optional) paper. Place chairs at one end of the paper with a shallow Tip: Assist the pan of washable paint. Help preschoolers remove their socks preschoolers as they and shoes. One at a time, guide preschoolers to sit in the make footprints so they first chair, carefully dip their feet in the paint, and walk do not slide.

Preschool Leader Guide 88 Unit 11 • Session 1 across the paper to sit in the second chair. Wipe off the paint immediately and help the children put on their shoes. You may allow preschoolers to make “footprints” by dipping the side of their hand in paint, pressing it firmly on the paper, and then using their fingerprints to make the toes. SAY • Solomon wanted to follow God’s plan, so Solomon asked God for wisdom. Jesus trusted God and followed God’s plan when He died on the cross for our sin. Because of what Jesus did for us, we can follow God’s plan too. Jesus rescued us from our sin so we can follow God.

Interview a wise guest Invite a wise person to visit your class. Choose a guest who • guest is known for their love for God’s Word. A senior adult would be a good choice. Introduce the guest and invite preschoolers to ask the guest questions. Be prepared with suggested questions. SAY • [Guest’s name] is very wise. [Guest’s name] did not get that way on his/her own. Wisdom comes from God. Solomon asked God for wisdom. God made Solomon wise. God said that Solomon would be greater than any other king while he was alive. Do you know a King who is wiser and greater than Solomon? Jesus! Jesus trusted God and followed God’s plan by dying on the cross for our sin.

Play with play dough Set out play dough and play dough tools for preschoolers to • play dough use. Guide preschoolers to use play dough to create things • play dough tools Solomon could have asked God for instead of wisdom. SAY • Solomon could have asked God for anything, but

God All-Wise 89 Solomon asked God for wisdom. Solomon wanted to follow God’s plan. He knew he needed wisdom to obey God and be a good king. Solomon was a good king, but he was not a perfect king. God had a plan to send a greater and wiser king—Jesus. Jesus trusted God and followed God’s plan by dying on the cross for our sin.

Counting Write the numbers 1 through 5 on separate sheets of paper • counting items • paper and draw a corresponding number of squares below the • marker number. Consider using higher numbers (1–12) for older preschoolers. Lay the numbered papers on a table. Invite preschoolers to take turns counting out the number of items that corresponds to the number on a sheet of paper. Preschoolers may place the items in the squares on the sheet of paper. SAY • Solomon needed help from God. He was in charge of more people than he could even count! Solomon asked God for wisdom. Solomon was a wise king who wanted to follow God’s plan. God had a plan to send a greater and wiser king—Jesus. Jesus trusted God and followed God’s plan by dying on the cross for our sin.

Preschool Leader Guide 90 Unit 11 • Session 1 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Present three choices for snack today. Allow preschoolers to choose one. Remind preschoolers that God told Solomon He would give Solomon whatever he asked for. God didn’t limit Solomon to three choices. He could choose anything in the world, and Solomon asked God for wisdom.

Transition When a child finishes his snack, guide him to throw away • books any trash. He may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles • play dough quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw • Bible Story Coloring pictures of themselves praying. Encourage preschoolers to Page • crayons talk to God with their eyes open as they draw. Suggest they • Big Picture Cards for ask God to make them wise like Solomon. Pray for the Families: Babies, children. Toddlers, and Preschool SAY • God, You are wise. You alone can give wisdom. You gave Solomon wisdom when he asked for it. We ask that You would make us wise, too. Give us wisdom to trust in Jesus and to follow Your plan. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God All-Wise 91 UNIT 11 Session 2 Use Week of:

Wisdom for God’s People

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 1:1-7; 3:1-12; 4:10-19 MAIN POINT: Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God. 2

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 96 PAGE 98 PAGE 100

Leader BIBLE STUDY

“Look both ways before crossing the street.” “Don’t touch the stove; it’s hot.” “Stay in your seat.” Young children need to hear these instructions because left to their own devices, most would run into traffic, burn their hands on stove tops, and meander around the dining room.

As young children discover the world and begin to understand how it works, they are prone to making foolish decisions. So it is with sinners.

On our own, we would trust in ourselves and lean on our own understanding. (See Prov. 3:5) We would turn toward evil, rather than away from it. (See Prov. 3:7) We would

Preschool Leader Guide 92 Unit 11 • Session 2 despise the Lord’s discipline. (See Prov. 3:11.) Our lives would end in destruction. But in His great mercy, God has given to us in His Word the Book of Proverbs.

When Solomon became king, God told Solomon he could ask for anything. Solomon asked for wisdom. Wisdom is the knowledge and understanding of what is right, true, honest, and fair. Solomon wrote down many wise sayings in the Book of Proverbs. God empowered Solomon to lead God’s people well, and other kings and queens traveled 2 from far away to learn from him.

The proverbs teach us that there are two ways to live: a wise way and a foolish way. God made the world and He knows how it works best. He made people and knows the best way for them to live and have joy. Our sin makes us foolish, but wisdom comes from God.

Solomon was a wise leader, but more than 900 years later, God provided someone greater than Solomon—His Son, Jesus. (See Matt. 12:42.) As you teach, help preschoolers understand that the gospel—the good news of what Jesus has done for sinners—“seems foolish to those who are lost and dying. But it is God’s power to us who are being saved” (1 Cor. 1:18).

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God All-Wise 93 The BIBLE STORY

Wisdom for God’s People Proverbs 1:1-7; 3:1-12; 4:10-19

When King David died, his son Solomon became king. God said, “Ask for anything you want.” Solomon asked God to make him wise, so God did. God gave Solomon wisdom. Solomon’s wisdom helped him know how to make right choices and live in a way that made God happy. Kings and queens from far away heard how wise Solomon was, and they visited Solomon to learn from him. Solomon wrote down many wise sayings. These sayings are the Book of Proverbs. They can help people live wisely. These are some of the words Solomon wrote. “Proverbs are good for teaching you wisdom and how to know what is right, honest, and fair. Everyone can have wisdom—young people and old people! If you really want to be wise, the first thing to do is fear God. Fearing God means to respect Him and be amazed at Him. Only foolish people ignore wisdom and instruction. “Listen to the things I am teaching you. They will help you live a long life, and you will be successful. Love people and look for the truth. You will find favor with God and with man. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in what you know yourself. Think about God in everything you do, and He will guide you to do the right thing. “Do not pretend that you know everything. Run to God, and run away from evil. Then you will be healthy and strong. Honor God with everything you have, and give

Preschool Leader Guide 94 Unit 11 • Session 2 Him the first and the best of what you have. He will provide more than you need. “When God disciplines you, do not hate what He is doing. God trains you because He loves you, like a father trains his son. “This advice will help you become wise. Stay away from people who do evil things. Do not act like they do. Evil people make trouble and hurt others. They make bad decisions. A wise person is like the morning sun, and a foolish person is like darkness. They cannot see where they are going, and they fall down.”

Christ Connection: God gives us wisdom. He made WANT TO everything and knows how it works best. Everyone sins DISCOVER and makes foolish choices, but God sent His Son to save GOD’S WORD? us. Jesus makes us wise and holy, and He frees us from sin. GET MORE! (1 Cor. 1:24,30) Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that wisdom comes from loving God and obeying His Word. God’s rules are right, and our hearts are glad when we live by them. (See Ps. 19:8.) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God All-Wise 95 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: Wisdom for God’s People BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 1:1-7; 3:1-12; 4:10-19 MAIN POINT: Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.

Activity page • “Wise or Foolish?” Invite preschoolers to look at the pictures and circle those activity page, 1 per where children are making wise choices. child • pencils or crayons SAY • Last time we talked about how Solomon asked God to give him wisdom, and God did. Today we are learning what it means to be wise. Wisdom helps us know how to make right choices and live in a way that honors God and makes Him happy.

Practice handwriting

LOW PREP Provide an assortment of writing utensils for preschoolers to practice handwriting. This is a good time to pull out • assortment of writing scented markers, gel pens, primary pencils and so forth. For utensils younger preschoolers, use a pencil to write one or two large, • paper widely spaced letters on a paper for a preschooler to trace.

Preschool Leader Guide 96 Unit 11 • Session 2 SAY • People write things down for many different reasons. We write things down to help us remember. Sometimes we write things down to tell other people what we are thinking. In our Bible story today, Solomon wrote down many wise sayings. We read the wise words Solomon wrote in the Bible. Solomon’s words can help us live wisely.

Which would you choose? Print and cut out the “Choose Wisely Pictures.” Explain to • “Choose Wisely” preschoolers that you are going to make a statement and printable • scissors hold up two choices. Invite preschoolers to tell you which is the wise choice. 1. You want to eat a snack. (fruit or candy) 2. It is cold outside. (coat or shorts) 3. It is raining outside. (umbrella or backpack) 4. You want to play basketball. (basketball or soccer ball) 5. You are eating chicken noodle soup. (fork or spoon) 6. You want to paint a picture. (paintbrush or rake) SAY • Good job deciding which is the wise choice! Today, we are going to hear some wise words from the Bible.

Transition to Bible study To gain the attention of all the preschoolers to move them • countdown video to Bible study, show the countdown video, flip off the (optional) lights, or clap a simple rhythm for the children to copy. Lead preschoolers in saying the key passage as they move to Bible study.

God All-Wise 97 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story • Bible Read aloud Proverbs 1:7; 3:5-6; or 4:14-15. Take time to explain the meaning of the passage in a way preschoolers can understand. Use the Bible story script for guidance. SAY • King Solomon wrote those words. God made King Solomon wise, and King Solomon wrote down his wise words. Today we are going to hear some of the wise things Solomon wrote in the Bible.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at Proverbs in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “Wisdom for God’s SAY • The Bible contains God’s words to us, and God’s People” video • Bible Story Picture words are true. The Bible book we are learning from Poster today is Proverbs. Let’s listen carefully to what it says. Show the Bible story video “Wisdom for God’s People” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • God gave Solomon wisdom, and Solomon shared • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle that wisdom with people. We can learn what wisdom

Preschool Leader Guide 98 Unit 11 • Session 2 is from the Book of Proverbs. Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. What does it mean to fear God? (to respect Him and be amazed at Him) 2. Should we trust in what we know or in the Lord? (the Lord) 3. Should we give God the ﬁrst and best of what we have or what is leftover? (the ﬁrst and best) 4. Why does God discipline us? (because He loves us) 5. How should we behave toward people who do evil things? (stay away)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Do you remember the answer to our big picture • Big Picture Question question? Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom Poster comes from God. We all make foolish choices. We sin. Our sin deserves punishment, but God sent Jesus to save us and free us from sin. Jesus makes us wise and holy when we trust in Him.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Proverbs 2:6. Read the key passage • Key Passage Poster aloud several times. Sing together the key passage song, • “The Lord Gives Wisdom” song “The Lord Gives Wisdom.” SAY • We can learn many things, but knowing many things doesn’t make us wise. Wisdom is not something we learn. Wisdom is a gift from God. We can ask God to make us wise and He will.

Transition to small groups

God All-Wise 99 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Pass the Bible Invite preschoolers to sit in a circle. Play music while

LOW PREP preschoolers pass a Bible around the circle. When the music stops, the preschooler holding the Bible must say the main • Bible point, Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. Continue play until every preschooler has said the main point at least once. SAY • The Bible is the most important book there is. The Bible has God’s words in it. In the Bible, we learn what wisdom is. Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. God made everything, and He knows how life works best. Everyone sins and makes foolish choices, but God sent His Son to save us. Jesus makes us wise and holy.

Play a memory game • “Words of Wisdom” Print two copies of the “Words of Wisdom” printable. Cut printable • scissors out the cards and arrange them in a grid. Place the cards faceup for younger preschoolers and facedown for older preschoolers. Invite preschoolers to turn over two cards at a time to find a match. As preschoolers turn over the cards, read the words of wisdom on each card.

Preschool Leader Guide 100 Unit 11 • Session 2 SAY • Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. We need to hear God’s words over and over again so we can know what it looks like to obey God. But even then, we aren’t able to obey God perfectly. We still sin and make foolish choices. We need help! God sent His Son to save us. Jesus makes us wise and holy, and He frees us from sin.

Make a wisdom box Provide a small gift box or bag for each preschooler. • “Words of Wisdom” Guide a preschooler to decorate her “wisdom box” with printable • small gift boxes or stickers, markers, and jewels. Print a copy of the “Words of lunch sacks Wisdom” printable for each preschooler. Help preschoolers • sticky jewels cut out the cards. Read the “Words of Wisdom” and help • stickers preschoolers fold and place each card inside their boxes. • markers SAY • Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. God gives us wisdom. He made everything and knows how it works best. Everyone sins and makes foolish choices, but God sent His Son to save us. Jesus makes us wise and holy, and He frees us from sin.

Play musical chairs Play a game of musical chairs to help preschoolers learn LOW PREP the big picture question and answer. Form a circle of chairs using one less chair than the number of children in • “The Lord Gives your group. Play music. As the music plays, preschoolers Wisdom” song should walk around the chairs. When the music stops, all (optional) • “Wisdom” song the preschoolers should find a chair. The child without a (optional) chair asks the big picture question, Where does wisdom come from? Then the rest of the group calls out the answer, Wisdom comes from God. Play again as time allows.

God All-Wise 101 SAY • Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God. Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. God gives us wisdom. He made everything and knows how it works best. Everyone sins and makes foolish choices, but God sent His Son to save us. Jesus makes us wise and holy, and He frees us from sin.

Walk a path • construction paper Make a long, winding path by taping different colored • scissors sheets of construction paper on the floor. Cut a 1-inch • tape • bag square from each color of construction paper you used to make the path. Place the squares in a bag. Invite preschoolers to draw a square from the bag and walk to the next occurrence of that color on the path. SAY • The Book of Proverbs tells us that God will lead us along the right path when we trust in Him and think about Him in everything we do. God gives us wisdom. Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word. When we put our trust in Jesus, He makes us wise and holy.

Preschool Leader Guide 102 Unit 11 • Session 2 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve honey and graham cracker sticks for snack. As preschoolers dip their graham cracker sticks in the honey, read Proverbs 24:13-14. Explain that King Solomon wrote that the way honey tastes so good to our mouths is how good wisdom is for our souls. Remind preschoolers that wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word.

Transition When a child finishes her snack, guide her to throw away • books any trash. She may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • play dough • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to tell you • Bible Story Coloring something wise they heard today. Write their answer on Page • crayons their journal page and encourage them to decorate the page. • Big Picture Cards for Remind them that King Solomon wrote wisdom is loving Families: Babies, God and obeying His Word. Pray for the children. Toddlers, and Preschool SAY • God, wisdom is a gift from You. Would You give us that gift of wisdom? Thank You that You will help us to love You and obey Your Word. Thank You for sending Jesus to free us from sin and to make us holy and wise. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God All-Wise 103 UNIT 11 Session 3 Use Week of:

Solomon Built the Temple

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 6–8 MAIN POINT: God chose Solomon to build a temple. KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 108 PAGE 110 PAGE 111 3

Leader BIBLE STUDY

When David was king, he wanted to build a temple for God, but God did not allow him to. “When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Sam. 7:12-13). God said King David’s son would build the temple.

King Solomon began to gather materials to build the temple. He ordered cedar and cypress timbers from Lebanon. He gathered 30,000 men from all of Israel as

Preschool Leader Guide 104 Unit 11 • Session 3 laborers to excavate stone and prepare the timbers for the temple’s construction.

The temple was impressive. The entire interior was cedar. King Solomon had everything covered with gold. In all, it took seven years for the temple to be completed. Inside the temple was furniture and accessories. (See 1 Kings 7:48-50.)

The time came to dedicate the temple. All of the Israelites gathered in Jerusalem. The priests brought the ark of the Lord to the most holy place, and a cloud filled the house of the Lord. God’s glory filled the temple.

Solomon prayed and praised God for keeping His covenant with David. He recognized that God is not confined to a 3 temple. “Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built” (1 Kings 8:27). Solomon’s prayer and speech was followed by a great offering to God.

The temple was where God met with His people, and it gave God’s people a more permanent place to worship Him. The priests followed specific instructions to approach God on behalf of His people. Jesus changed everything when He died for our sins on the cross. By taking our sin upon Himself, Jesus made the way for sinners to come to God.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God All-Wise 105 The BIBLE STORY

Solomon Built the Temple 1 Kings 6–8

Solomon was the king of Israel. God made Solomon a very wise king. One day, Solomon began to build a temple for God. Ever since God had saved the Israelites from Egypt, God had been with them in a tent. Now God allowed Solomon to build Him a temple. Building a temple was a very big job! King Solomon had many, many men helping build the temple for God. The workers cut cedar logs and big stone blocks. They worked hard and laid the bottom of the temple. They built the outside of the temple. God was happy with the temple, and He made a promise to Solomon: “If you obey Me and do what I say, I will keep the promise I made to your father, David. I will live among the Israelites, and I will not leave My people.” The builders kept working hard to build the temple. They worked for seven more years, and they did a very good job! The temple had many rooms, and inside the temple were wood panels with flowers carved on them. King Solomon covered everything on the inside of the temple with pure gold. He hired some men to make bronze furniture for the temple, like bronze bowls for holding water. Finally, the temple was ready! It was time for Solomon to move the ark of God into the new temple. King Solomon gathered the leaders of Israel. As the priests moved the ark and the tent of meeting, King Solomon and everyone who was there sacrificed sheep and cattle

Preschool Leader Guide 106 Unit 11 • Session 3 to God. There were so many sheep and cattle; no one could count them! When the priests came out of the temple, the temple was filled by a cloud. God’s glory was in the cloud. Solomon said to the Israelites, “Praise God!” He also said, “God promised David that his son would build a temple. God kept His promises!” Solomon stretched out his hands toward heaven, and he prayed. “There is no God like You!” Solomon said. Then Solomon turned toward the Israelites and encouraged them to love God and to do what He says. When the people went home, they were happy because God was good to them. WANT TO DISCOVER Christ Connection: God is holy. Only the priests could go GOD’S WORD? into God’s special place in the temple, and they had to follow GET MORE! many rules because they were sinful. Jesus took away our sin when He died on the cross. When we know and love Jesus, we Invite preschoolers to talk to God on our own. check out this week’s devotionals to discover that Solomon knew a man-made building couldn’t contain God. Solomon asked God to hear His people’s prayers when they made sacrifices at the temple. (1 Kings 8:45) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God All-Wise 107 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: Solomon Built the Temple BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 6–8 MAIN POINT: God chose Solomon to build a temple. KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.

Activity page • “Something Is Invite preschoolers to find the differences between the two Different” activity page, pictures and circle them on their activity page. 1 per child • pencils or crayons SAY • Do you remember our story in the Bible where David wanted to build a temple for God? God told David that his son would build Him a temple instead of David. Guess what? In today’s Bible story, King David’s son, King Solomon, built a beautiful temple for God. Let’s find out more in our Bible story.

LOW PREP Follow the cloud and fire Before the session, draw or cut out cloud and fire images • white paper on the white and orange paper, respectively. Select a • orange paper • marker preschooler to hold the cloud image and walk around the • scissors (optional) room while the rest of the group follows him. Dim the

Preschool Leader Guide 108 Unit 11 • Session 3 lights and select another preschooler to hold the fire image and walk around the room while the rest of the group follows her. Alternate the cloud/lights-on following with fire/lights-dimmed following as time allows. Select a new preschooler to lead each time you switch images. SAY • For many years, God’s people followed a cloud during the day and fire at night. This was God’s presence leading His people. God’s people always took the tabernacle with them. The tabernacle was a tent. When the cloud or fire stopped moving they set up the tabernacle and stayed there. Now, God was going to give His people a temple to worship Him. The temple would stay in the same place all the time.

Play in a tent Set up a pop-up tent for preschoolers to play inside. Place a • tent • blanket (optional) few Bibles for preschoolers to examine as they sit inside the • Bibles tent. If a pop-up tent is not available, make a tent using a blanket with tables or chairs. SAY • King David looked around at his beautiful palace and thought about how the ark of God stayed in a tent, the tabernacle. David wanted to build a temple for God, but God said David’s son would build Him a temple. In today’s Bible story, David’s son King Solomon built a temple for God.

Transition to Bible study To gain the attention of all the preschoolers to move them • countdown video to Bible study, show the countdown video, flip off the (optional) lights, or clap a simple rhythm for the children to copy. Use the cloud image from the earlier activity for preschoolers to follow as they move to Bible study.

God All-Wise 109 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story • interlocking blocks Before the session, build a structure with interlocking blocks. Display the structure for preschoolers to see. SAY • Check out this building I built! Today’s Bible story is about building a building, but this wasn’t an ordinary building—it was a temple for God.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 1 Kings in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “Solomon Built the SAY • Who can tell me what makes the Bible the most Temple” video • Bible Story Picture special book of all? Yes! The Bible is true and has God’s Poster words in it. Today’s Bible story is from 1 Kings. Show the Bible story video “Solomon Built the Temple” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • King David wanted to build a temple for God, but • Giant Timeline or God chose Solomon to build a temple. Solomon Big Story Circle built a beautiful temple, but even better than its beauty, God’s glory filled the temple in a cloud. Only

Preschool Leader Guide 110 Unit 11 • Session 3 the priests could go into God’s special place in the temple, and they had to follow many rules because they were sinful. Now, we don’t have to go through a priest to talk to God. Jesus took away our sin when He died on the cross. When we put our trust in Jesus, we talk to God on our own. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. How had God been with His people before the temple? (in a tent, the tabernacle) 2. Did it take a few men or many men to build the temple? (many) 3. What did God promise Solomon? (If Solomon obeyed God, God would never leave the Israelites.) 4. What ﬁlled the temple after the priests came out? (a cloud) 5. What was in the cloud? (God’s glory)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Remember the answer to our big picture question. • Big Picture Question Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes Poster from God. King Solomon was a wise king who led God’s people to love God and to do what He says.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Proverbs 2:6. Read the key passage • Key Passage Poster aloud several times. Sing together the key passage song, • “The Lord Gives Wisdom” song “The Lord Gives Wisdom.” SAY • Solomon prayed, “There is no God like You!” That is true! Our God is wise, and He alone gives wisdom.

Transition to small groups

God All-Wise 111 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Build a temple Invite preschoolers to work together to build a temple-like

LOW PREP structure. SAY • God chose Solomon to build a temple. Building a • blocks temple was a very big job! King Solomon had many men helping build the temple for God. The builders worked for seven years, and they did a very good job! Finally, the temple was ready! God’s people had a permanent place to worship Him.

Sort farm animals • plastic farm animals Set out an assortment of farm animals for preschoolers to sort and play with. Invite preschoolers to sort the animals by type or color. Point out the sheep and cows. SAY • God chose Solomon to build a temple. When the temple was complete, King Solomon and everyone who was there offered sheep and cattle to God. There were so many sheep and cattle; no one could count them! We do not offer sheep or cattle as sacrifices anymore because we don’t need to. Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice for sin when He died on the cross. When we trust in Jesus, we can talk to God directly.

Preschool Leader Guide 112 Unit 11 • Session 3 Paint with cloud paint Mix three parts shaving cream to one part glue in a bowl to • yellow construction paper create cloud paint. Provide a sheet of yellow construction • gold paper (optional) paper or gold paper for each preschooler. Show preschoolers • white glue how to dip a piece of batting in the cloud paint mixture • white non-menthol and then place it on their paper to create a cloud image. shaving cream • bowl Encourage creativity. Place the cloud pictures in a safe place • spoon to dry. • quilt batting SAY • God chose Solomon to build a temple. When the Tip: Make sure temple was complete, the priests moved the ark of preschoolers keep the God inside. When the priests came out, a cloud mixture away from filled the temple. God’s glory was in the cloud. God their eyes and mouths. wanted to be with His people, and He was!

Examine wood Gather small pieces of different kinds of wood for • wood pieces preschoolers to examine. Smooth any edges that could cause • magnifying glasses splinters. Invite preschoolers to smell the wood, touch the • sandpaper (not coarse) wood, and look at the lines in the wood with magnifying Tip: Stop by a home glasses. Show preschoolers how to use sandpaper to sand the improvement store and wood. If wood pieces are unavailable, gather branches from ask for wood pieces left different kinds of trees. over from cut boards. SAY God chose Solomon to build a temple. • King Option: Invite Solomon gathered special wood to build the temple preschoolers to paint including cedar and cypress wood. Many, many men the wood. worked to build the temple. The temple was a very special place. Only the priests could go into God’s special place in the temple, and they had to follow many rules because they were sinful. Jesus took away our sin when He died on the cross and came back to life. When we know and love Jesus, we talk to God on our own.

God All-Wise 113 Cover things with gold • gold wrapping paper Before the session, cut gold wrapping paper into large • tape • scissors sheets. Invite preschoolers to cover the room in gold by using the gold sheets to cover items in the room. Be prepared to provide assistance in using tape to secure the gold paper. SAY • God chose Solomon to build a temple. King Solomon covered everything on the inside of the temple with pure gold. Only the priests could go into God’s special place in the temple, and they had to follow many rules because they were sinful. Jesus took away our sin when He died on the cross and came back to life. When we know and love Jesus, we talk to God on our own.

Preschool Leader Guide 114 Unit 11 • Session 3 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve crackers and canned cheese for snack. Invite preschoolers to build a building using the crackers for walls and the cheese to connect the crackers. Remind preschoolers that God chose Solomon to build a temple. God was happy with the temple, and promised Solomon: “If you obey Me and do what I say, I will keep the promise I made to your father, David. I will live among the Israelites, and I will not leave My people.”

Transition When a child finishes his snack, guide him to throw away • books any trash. He may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • play dough • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw a • Bible Story Coloring picture of the temple. Remind preschoolers that we do not Page • crayons have to go to a temple or through a priest to talk to God. • Big Picture Cards for When we trust in Jesus to take away our sin, we can talk to Families: Babies, God on our own. Pray for the children. Toddlers, and Preschool SAY • God, thank You that You want to be with Your people. Thank You for sending Jesus to take away our sin so that we can talk to You on our own. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God All-Wise 115 UNIT 11 Session 4 Use Week of:

Solomon’s Sin Divided the Kingdom

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 11–12 MAIN POINT: God split Israel into two kingdoms. KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 120 PAGE 122 PAGE 124

4 Leader BIBLE STUDY

King Solomon loved God. He received wisdom from the Lord and was dedicated to building His temple. But early on, we see hints that Solomon’s heart was not completely devoted to God. He married foreign wives who turned Solomon’s heart away from God. (1 Kings 11:4)

Solomon gradually abandoned what he had believed. Israel had a history of turning away from God, and Solomon was no exception.

God was angry with Solomon. He had warned him twice not to turn to false gods. God planned to punish Solomon’s sin by taking the kingdom away from his family.

Preschool Leader Guide 116 Unit 11 • Session 4 God was going to take the kingdom from Solomon’s son Rehoboam—every tribe except for one. God graciously left one tribe for Rehoboam, keeping the promise He made to David. (See 2 Sam. 7:16.)

God raised up enemies against Solomon. He set apart one of Solomon’s servants, Jeroboam, to become leader over 10 tribes of Israel. Parts of the tribe of Benjamin followed Jeroboam, and some followed Rehoboam. When Solomon died, all of Israel gathered to make Rehoboam their new king. They asked Rehoboam to lighten the burden of service Solomon had given them, but Rehoboam refused. In fact, he promised to make their work even harder.

Israel rebelled against Rehoboam and made Jeroboam king. Only the tribe of Judah stayed with Rehoboam. So the kingdom was divided into two kingdoms—the Northern Kingdom was called Israel (ruled by Jeroboam) and the Southern Kingdom was called Judah (ruled by Rehoboam). 4 Every king failed to lead God’s people perfectly. God had a plan to send them a better king, a perfect king. God would use the house of David—the single tribe He reserved for Rehoboam—to bring into the world His Son, Jesus, to become King over all of God’s people forever and lead them back to God.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God All-Wise 117 The BIBLE STORY

Solomon’s Sin Divided the Kingdom 1 Kings 11–12

King Solomon loved God, but he did not love God with his whole heart. Some of the things he did were not what God wanted him to do. For example, God told the people of Israel to not marry people from other nations. God knew they would lead His people away from Him, the one true God. But Solomon had a wife from Egypt, and he had other wives. Solomon’s wives turned him away from God. Solomon began to worship the false gods that his wives worshiped. This made God angry. God told Solomon not to worship false gods, but Solomon did not listen. God said to Solomon, “Since you have done this, I will take away the kingdom from you. You will be king the rest of your life, but when your son becomes king, he will only be king over one tribe.” Now God planned to make Jeroboam (JER uh BOH uhm)—one of Solomon’s servants—king over most of Israel. Jeroboam turned against Solomon and was his enemy. When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam (REE huh BOH uhm) became the king. The people told Rehoboam, “Your father Solomon made us work too hard. We will be happy to serve you if you make our work easier.” Rehoboam asked his friends what he should do. Then he told the workers, “My father Solomon did not make you work hard enough! I’ll make you work even harder!”

Preschool Leader Guide 118 Unit 11 • Session 4 This was bad news for the people. They did not want to serve a king like Rehoboam, so they made Jeroboam king. Now Rehoboam was king over only one tribe, the tribe of Judah in the south. Rehoboam did not like being king of only one tribe. He planned to attack the Northern Kingdom of Israel, but God sent a prophet to stop him. The prophet had a message from God. “Do not fight them; the people of Israel are part of your family. I am the Lord, and I am in control of what is happening.” So Rehoboam went home. Now Jeroboam was the king of Israel. Jeroboam wanted to make sure the people never went back to their old king. Instead of letting them go to Jerusalem to worship WANT TO God at the temple, Jeroboam made two golden calves for DISCOVER the people to worship. GOD’S WORD? “Look!” he said. “These golden calves are the GET MORE! gods who saved your families out of Egypt. You can worship them.” Invite preschoolers to What Jeroboam did was a sin! Those calves did not check out this week’s devotionals to discover save God’s people. God led His people out of Egypt. that God told Solomon Jeroboam tried very hard to make Israel seem like a better that if he obeyed place to live than Judah. Jeroboam led all the people in God’s commands, He would be with worship to the false gods. him. (1 Kings 11:38) Solomon’s sin split Israel Christ Connection: No king led God’s people perfectly. into two kingdoms. Solomon sinned, and Israel was divided between two kings. Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase God’s people needed a perfect king. God would send His own individually. For more Son, Jesus, to be King. Jesus is a perfect King who brings God’s information, check out people together. www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God All-Wise 119 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: Solomon’s Sin Divided the Kingdom BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 11–12 MAIN POINT: God split Israel into two kingdoms. KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.

Activity page • “How Many?” activity Invite preschoolers to count the people and then draw a line page, 1 per child to divide them into two groups. • pencils or crayons SAY • There are 12 people in this picture, and you divided them into two groups. Israel was made up of 12 tribes, but something happened in today’s Bible story that made Israel separate into two kingdoms. Let’s discover what happened.

Stare down

LOW PREP Set up two chairs facing each other. Select a preschooler to sit in each chair. Explain to both preschoolers that they must stare at each other and not look away. Tell the other preschoolers in the group that their task is to try to make the children in the chairs look away from each other. They

Preschool Leader Guide 120 Unit 11 • Session 4 may do whatever they want to try to get the attention of the children in the chairs except touch them. The child who stares the longest without looking away is the winner. Select two more preschoolers and play again as time allows. SAY • Not turning away was difficult. In today’s story, King Solomon’s wives caused him to turn away from God. Solomon began to worship the false gods that his wives worshiped. Then something terrible happened. We will learn what that terrible thing was in today’s Bible story.

Play “Farmer in the Dell” Play this classic children’s game. Select a farmer to stand in • “Farmer in the Dell” lyrics printable the middle. Invite preschoolers to join hands and move in (optional) a circle around the farmer while singing. At the end of the first verse, the farmer chooses a wife, who joins him inside Tip: Consider downloading an mp3 the circle. At the end of the next verse, the wife chooses a of “The Farmer in the child, and so on, until the last verse when everyone is in the Dell” to play from your circle except the cheese, who stands alone. Whoever ends up mobile device. being the cheese becomes the farmer for the next round. SAY • This game reminds me of today’s Bible story. Each tribe of Israel had to choose who they would follow. Let’s find out which tribe chose which king in today’s Bible story.

Transition to Bible study • countdown video To gain the attention of all the preschoolers to move them (optional) to Bible study, show the countdown video, flip off the lights, or clap a simple rhythm for the children to copy. Form two groups. Then call one group at a time to Bible study.

God All-Wise 121 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story • tape Before the session, place a strip of tape down the middle of the Bible story area. Invite preschoolers to choose one side of the tape to sit on. SAY • In the beginning of today’s Bible story, Israel was one kingdom, but by the end of the story, Israel was divided into two kingdoms.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at 1 Kings in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “Solomon’s Sin Divided SAY • The Bible is God’s book for us. The Bible is true, and the Kingdom” video • Bible Story Picture it has God’s words in it. Today’s Bible story comes Poster from the Book of 1 Kings. Show the Bible story video “Solomon’s Sin Divided the Kingdom” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • Solomon disobeyed God, and God split Israel into • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle two kingdoms. Solomon’s son Rehoboam was the

Preschool Leader Guide 122 Unit 11 • Session 4 king of Judah. Jeroboam was the king of the other tribes of Israel. Jeroboam led God’s people to worship gods that were not real or true, like the one true God. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. Who led Solomon to turn away from God? (his wives) 2. What did God tell Solomon? (His son would be king of only one tribe.) 3. Did Solomon’s son Rehoboam tell the people he would make their work easier or harder? (harder) 4. Whom did the people make king? (Jeroboam) 5. What did Jeroboam make for the people to worship? (golden calves)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes • Big Picture Question from God. Remember that God made Solomon wise, Poster but Solomon did not always do wise things. Solomon sinned, and Israel was divided between two kings.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Proverbs 2:6. Read the key passage • Key Passage Poster aloud several times. Sing together the key passage song, • “The Lord Gives Wisdom” song “The Lord Gives Wisdom.” SAY • God is wise. There is no one like Him. Though Solomon’s sin divided the kingdom, our wise God had a plan to send His Son as the perfect King who would bring God’s people together once and for all.

Transition to small groups

God All-Wise 123 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Match paper pieces Tear different colored sheets of construction paper into

LOW PREP two pieces. Hide the construction paper pieces around the room. Invite preschoolers to find the hidden pieces and • construction paper then match up a piece with its torn counterpart. Invite • tape preschoolers to tape the pieces back together. SAY • These pieces of paper were torn and separated, but you put them back together. King Solomon sinned, and God split Israel into two kingdoms. But God planned to bring His people back together. One day, God would send His own Son, Jesus, to be King, not just King of Israel but King of the entire world. Jesus is a perfect King who brings God’s people together.

Count with 12s • counting items in sets Set out counting items in sets of 12. Provide muffin tins of 12 for preschoolers to sort the items as they desire. Guide • muffin tins preschoolers to practice math skills by taking items away and counting what is left. SAY • Israel was made up of twelve tribes, but because of Solomon’s sin, they did not stay together. Some of the people followed Jeroboam while the others

Preschool Leader Guide 124 Unit 11 • Session 4 stayed with Rehoboam. God split Israel into two kingdoms: one kingdom of Israel and one kingdom of Judah.

Decide which is easier Instruct preschoolers to complete tasks using different tools. • cotton balls Guide them to determine which tool makes the task easier • plastic spoon • foam bowl and which tool makes the task harder. • paper • Carry a cotton ball across the room. (Tools: plastic • sharpened pencil spoon or foam bowl) • unsharpened pencil • Draw a picture. (Tools: sharpened pencil or • books • foam plate unsharpened pencil) • backpack • Carry books. (Tools: foam plate or backpack) SAY • God split Israel into two kingdoms. The people told Rehoboam that Solomon made them work too hard. They said they would serve Rehoboam if he made their work easier. Rehoboam would not. The people made Jeroboam their king. Now Rehoboam was only king over Judah in the south.

Experiment with a compass Before the session, write the letters N, E, S, W on separate • “Map of Israel” printable sheets of paper. Post the N sign on the north side of the • compass room and so forth. Display the “Map of Israel” and point • paper out the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern • marker • tape Kingdom of Judah. Explain how the letter signs represent the directions: north, south, east, and west. Invite Tip: If a compass is preschoolers to walk alongside you as you carry a compass not available, consider using the compass in your hand. Point out the letter the compass points to function on your smart when as you walk toward each sign. phone. SAY • Solomon sinned, and God split Israel into two kingdoms. God’s people needed a perfect king. God

God All-Wise 125 would send His own Son, Jesus, to be King. Jesus is a perfect King who brings all God’s people together from all over the world: the north, south, east, and west.

Pray for the nations • globe Hold the globe for preschoolers to see. Show preschoolers where their country is on the globe. Then show preschoolers where Israel is on the globe. Invite preschoolers to come up one at a time. Guide a preschooler to spin the globe and then use her finger to stop it. Look at the name of the country where her finger is pointing. Pray for the people of that nation. Pray that God would help people there to know about His Son, Jesus, the perfect forever King. Thank God for ruling over that nation. SAY • Solomon sinned, and God split Israel into two kingdoms. Many nations today are divided. They fight among themselves and with other nations. One day, King Jesus is going to come back to earth and make everything right. Jesus will bring God’s people together once and for all.

Preschool Leader Guide 126 Unit 11 • Session 4 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve small crackers or pretzel sticks for snack. Invite preschoolers to count out 12 for the tribes of Israel. Remind preschoolers that God split Israel into two kingdoms. Solomon’s son Rehoboam was the king of the tribe of Judah. Solomon’s servant Jeroboam was the king of the other tribes of Israel.

Transition When a child finishes her snack, guide her to throw away • books any trash. She may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • play dough • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw • Bible Story Coloring a picture of a heart. Point out that a heart shape makes us Page • crayons think about love. Remind preschoolers that King Solomon • Big Picture Cards for loved God, but he did not love God with his whole heart. Families: Babies, Solomon’s wives led him to worship false gods. God split Toddlers, and Preschool Israel into two kingdoms because of Solomon’s sin. Pray for the children. SAY • God, we are sinners, and we do not love You with our whole hearts. Change our hearts to love and obey You. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our perfect King who rescues us from sin. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

God All-Wise 127 Unit 12: Wisdom Literature

Unit Description: Solomon wrestled with finding meaning in life. Job struggled to find meaning in his suffering. The meaning that they were both looking for is found in Jesus. Jesus gives us the reason and ability to praise God even when life is confusing or difficult.

Key Passage: Psalm 100:5

Big Picture Question: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good.

128 Unit 12: Wisdom Literature

Session 1: Bible Story: Solomon Thought About Life Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Main Point: God gives us purpose.

Session 2: Bible Story: Job Bible Passage: Job 1–42 Main Point: Job learned that God is in control.

Session 3: Bible Story: Praises of God’s People Bible Passage: Psalms 1; 100; 110 Main Point: People wrote songs to praise God.

Wisdom Literature 129 UNIT 12 Session 1 Use Week of:

Solomon Thought About Life

1 BIBLE PASSAGE: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 MAIN POINT: God gives us purpose. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 134 PAGE 136 PAGE 138

Leader BIBLE STUDY

What is the point? This doesn’t make any sense! Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Do I have purpose? Most people wrestle with these thoughts at some point; even wise King Solomon did. Thoughts like these are recorded in the Bible—in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

God made Solomon a wise king. He ruled over Israel for over 40 years. He wrote wise sayings in the Book of Proverbs and was respected by other kings and queens. Though Solomon was considered to be “wiser than anyone else in the world” (1 Kings 4:30-31), he pondered a key question: What is the meaning of life?

Preschool Leader Guide 130 Unit 12 • Session 1 The first chapter of Ecclesiastes describes the futility or vanity of life. The author declares that “everything is futile” (Eccl. 1:2) and makes observations about life: generations come and go, the sun sets and rises and sets again, the wind blows around and around, and streams flow without 1 ceasing. (See Eccl. 1:4-7.)

But why? Apart from God, what purpose do people have? While preschoolers may not spend much time considering deep, philosophical thoughts, use Ecclesiastes to build a foundation that will last into adulthood. Point them to God as Creator. God created everything for His glory, and He gives everything a purpose through His Son.

Jesus said, “A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). Ultimately, purpose and hope is found in Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again. The reality of the gospel makes life worthwhile. It answers the foundational questions about life. In Jesus, we find purpose in this life and look forward to eternal life with Him.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

Wisdom Literature 131 The BIBLE STORY

Solomon Thought About Life Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Solomon was the king of Israel. Solomon asked God to make him wise, and God did. God gave Solomon wisdom so Solomon could make right choices. Solomon was a good leader, and he taught other leaders how to make right choices too. Solomon thought about his life. He thought about how things work and wondered why. Sometimes Solomon did not know why things happened. He thought about what life would be like without God. Without God, life did not make sense. Solomon wrote down what he thought about life, and we can read Solomon’s words in the Bible. Solomon’s words are in the Book of Ecclesiastes. These are some of the words King Solomon wrote. “Meaningless! Meaningless! Without God, everything is meaningless. Nothing has meaning. “People work very hard on the earth, but why? Do they get anything from working so hard? People are born, and then they die.” Why? “In the morning, the sun comes up. In the evening, the sun goes down. The next day, the sun comes up. Then it goes down. Over and over. And the wind blows this way and that way. The wind blows around and around. The water in the rivers flow to the ocean, but the ocean never fills up. The rivers keep flowing.” Why? “Without God, everything makes me tired. We have nothing to say, and our eyes cannot see enough. We look around, but we are not happy. Our ears cannot hear

Preschool Leader Guide 132 Unit 12 • Session 1 enough. We listen, but we are not happy.” Why? Only God makes us truly happy. “Everything that happens has happened before, and it will happen again. Without God, nothing on earth is new. There is nothing new under the sun. No one can say, ‘Look! This is new!’ because it is not new. It was already there, before we were even born. “Without God, no one remembers the people who were born long ago. In the future, no one will be remembered after they die. They will be forgotten too.” Solomon thought about everything. Then he said, “God knows everything—even the secret things.

Everyone should respect God and obey Him.” WANT TO DISCOVER Christ Connection: God gives us purpose. God created GOD’S WORD? everything to give glory to Himself. Jesus gives us a reason to GET MORE! live. Jesus came so we might live for Him. (John 10:10) Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that Solomon wrote that life does not have purpose apart from God. God’s plans for us are good because He is good, and His love is eternal. (Ps. 100:5) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

Wisdom Literature 133 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: Solomon Tought About Life BIBLE PASSAGE: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 MAIN POINT: God gives us purpose. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good.

Welcome time • “Firm Foundation” song Play the unit theme song in the background as you greet • offering basket preschoolers and follow your church’s security procedures. • Allergy Alert download • favorite toys related to Set an offering basket near the door to collect offering at an the Bible story theme appropriate time. Post an allergy alert, if necessary. Set out a few favorite theme-related toys, such as puzzles and blocks.

Activity page • ”Color by Number” Invite preschoolers to use the guide to color each square the activity page, appropriate color to reveal a cross. 1 per child • pencils or crayons SAY • You colored a cross! The cross reminds us of Jesus. In our Bible story today, Solomon did some serious thinking about life. He realized that God is the only One who gives life meaning. We can know and love God because of Jesus.

Tip: Assign an adult Stump the leader to help younger Challenge preschoolers to compete with their adult leaders preschoolers form questions. in a game. Designate a leader to keep score. Explain to preschoolers that they will take turns coming up with Option: Invite a questions and asking their adult leaders to answer. If the pastor or leader for preschooolers to adult leader can answer the question, the adults get a stump. point. If the adult leader cannot answer the question, the

Preschool Leader Guide 134 Unit 12 • Session 1 preschoolers the point. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. SAY • You all had many questions! Today’s Bible story has many questions too. King Solomon thought about life. He had many questions about how things work and why things happen. Solomon didn’t learn the answer to all his questions, but he did learn what’s most important. Let’s find out what he learned.

What’s the purpose? Gather various items such as a pencil, toy, key, phone, • various items glasses, toothbrush, and so forth. Place the items in a • pillowcase pillowcase. Invite a preschooler to pull an item from the pillowcase without looking. Encourage her to hold up the item for the group to see. Ask the group, “What is the purpose of [the item]? Explain that a thing’s purpose is what it is used for or why it exists. SAY • These things all have a purpose. What about me? What about you? Do we have a purpose? Why do we exist? We will talk about our purpose today, and especially Who gives us purpose.

Wisdom Literature 135 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story Tell preschoolers to close their eyes and think. After a few seconds, invite preschoolers to open their eyes. Call on volunteers to share what they thought about. SAY • In today’s Bible story, King Solomon thought about life. He had a lot of questions and thought about a lot of things. Let’s hear what he had to say.

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at Ecclesiastes in your Bible. Invite a • Bible preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “Solomon Thought SAY • The Bible is the most important book of all. The About Life” video • Bible Story Picture Bible has God’s words in it, and all God’s words are Poster true. Today’s Bible story comes from Ecclesiastes. Show the Bible story video “Solomon Thought About Life” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • In all his thinking about life, King Solomon realized • Giant Timeline or that God is the One who makes life make sense. God Big Story Circle gives us purpose. God created everything to give glory to Himself. God’s Son, Jesus, gives us a reason

Preschool Leader Guide 136 Unit 12 • Session 1 to live. Jesus came so we might live for Him. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. In what Book of the Bible are the words Solomon wrote as he thought about life? (Ecclesiastes) 2. Who makes life make sense? (God) 3. Who gives life meaning? (God) 4. Who is the only One who can make us truly happy? (God) 5. Does anything new ever happen? (no) 6. Who knows everything? (God)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Listen to our big picture question and answer. Why • Big Picture Question can we trust God? We can trust God because He is Poster good. Sometimes we don’t understand how or why things happen, but we can trust that our good God has a purpose for everything that He does.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 100:5. Read the key passage • Key Passage Poster aloud several times. Sing together the key passage song, • “Yahweh Is Good” song “Yahweh Is Good.” SAY • Solomon said, “God knows everything—even the secret things. Everyone should respect God and obey Him” (Eccl 12:13-14). This same God who knows everything and gives us purpose is good and loves us. Our key passage tells us that God is good and His love is eternal. We can live for God because of His great love.

Transition to small groups

Wisdom Literature 137 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Work puzzles with missing pieces • puzzles Set out an assortment of puzzles. Remove one piece from each puzzle. Invite the preschoolers to work the puzzles. When a preschooler points out the missing piece, give the final piece to her. SAY • A puzzle with a missing piece does not make sense. You can’t complete the picture without all the pieces. These puzzles with missing pieces remind me of someone who lives his life apart from God. God gives us purpose. God created everything to give glory to Himself. Jesus gives us a reason to live. Jesus came so we might live for Him. Life just does not make sense without Jesus.

Make sun art • newspaper Lay a few layers of newspaper on a table. Provide a paper • paper coffee filters, coffee filter for each child. Invite preschoolers to use various 1 per child • red, orange, yellow, and red, orange, pink, and yellow markers to color their filters. pink markers Guide preschoolers to spray water on their filters using a • spray bottle spray bottle. Place filters in a safe place to dry or enlist an • hair dryer (optional) adult leader to dry them with a hair dryer.

Preschool Leader Guide 138 Unit 12 • Session 1 SAY • Your sun art is beautiful! King Solomon saw that the sun comes up and the sun goes down over and over again. He wondered why. King Solomon realized that God is the reason why. God gives everything purpose, including you and me. God gives us purpose.

Look at how things work Gather various non-functioning items such as a wall clock, • various non- landline phone, hand vacuum, remote control, camera, functioning items • any tools needed to keyboard, and so forth. Take out batteries and remove any take the items apart power cords. Invite preschoolers to help you take the items apart and discover how they work. Tip: Watch for small parts that may SAY • Solomon thought about how things work and present a choking wondered why. In all his thinking about life, hazard. Solomon discovered that God gives us purpose. God made us to show how amazing He is!

Look at books Provide an assortment of picture books or magazines that • books teach about nature, human growth or senses, or history • Bible for preschoolers to browse. Place a Bible among the books. Invite preschoolers to browse through the books. SAY • All these books teach us about life, but only one teaches us about the purpose of life. [Hold up the Bible.] Only the Bible tells us how God sent Jesus to earth so that we can live for Him. God gives us purpose. When we turn from our sin and find our joy in Jesus, we glorify God the way He created us to do.

Wisdom Literature 139 Play out daily routines • blankets Invite preschoolers to play out daily routines such as waking • pillows • toy food up, eating breakfast, brushing their teeth, brushing their • toy utensils hair, getting dressed, eating dinner, reading a book, putting • books on pajamas, and going to bed. Invite preschoolers to play • dress-up clothes out the daily routines multiple times. SAY • Solomon said people do the same things over and again. People work hard on earth. He asked, “Do they get anything from working so hard?” It is true we do the same things over and over again, but God gives us purpose. Each new day is a chance to live for Jesus and show the world how wonderful He is!

Preschool Leader Guide 140 Unit 12 • Session 1 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins As you serve snack, talk about the different purpose of each item used for snack. The purpose of food is to eat. The purpose of water is to drink. The purpose of a cup is to hold a drink and so forth. Remind preschoolers that God gives us purpose, too. God created us to give Him glory. Jesus came to rescue us from sin so that we might live for Him.

Transition When a child finishes his snack, guide him to throw away • books any trash. He may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • play dough • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw • Bible Story Coloring a picture of a way they can give glory to God. Encourage Page • crayons creativity but be prepared to offer suggestions. Remind • Big Picture Cards for preschoolers that God gives us purpose. Pray for the Families: Babies, children. Toddlers, and Preschool SAY • God, without You, life has no meaning. You make life make sense. You are the only One who can make us truly happy. God, help us to remember that our purpose is to give You glory in everything. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

Wisdom Literature 141 UNIT 12 Session 2 Use Week of:

Job

BIBLE PASSAGE: Job 1–42 MAIN POINT: Job learned that God is in control. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good. 2

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 146 PAGE 148 PAGE 150

Leader BIBLE STUDY

The story of Job helps believers see God alone is all- powerful, sovereign, and good. Job’s story is one all people can relate to, as everyone will suffer in his or her lifetime. God’s dialogue with Job reveals His characteristics clearly.

“Have you ever in your life commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place?” (Job 38:12) God is all- powerful! “Does the eagle soar at your command and make its nest on high?” (Job 39:27) God is sovereign. “Who provides the raven’s food when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?” (Job 38:41) God is good.

Preschool Leader Guide 142 Unit 12 • Session 2 Throughout all of Job’s suffering, Job never turned away from God. Listen to Job’s response to God’s questions: “I am so insignificant. How can I answer You?” (Job 40:4). Job didn’t understand his suffering, but he understood who God is.

While the Book of Job speaks volumes to the problem of human suffering, it is also an important picture of how a suffering person should relate to God. Though Job sometimes doubted God, he never turned away. Job’s 2 suffering actually brought him closer to God.

Pray that you will help the preschoolers you teach understand the story of Job and its implications. Point them to the true suffering servant, Jesus, who was truly innocent yet suffered greatly so that we could be brought closer to God in both our suffering and our joy.

Job reminds us that following Jesus will be worth it. God is good, present, and in control. We can trust Him when we don’t understand the pain we have to endure. At the cross, God used the ultimate pain to bring about the ultimate good: our future and final salvation from sin.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

Wisdom Literature 143 The BIBLE STORY

Job Job 1–42

Job (JOHB) was a good man who loved God. God even said so. But big troubles began to happen to Job, and Job did not know why. Robbers stole all the animals on his farm. Job’s children died in a storm. Job became sick with bad sores all over his body. He felt terrible! Job had been kind to people. He had helped poor people, he had earned respect from people in the city, and he had given good advice to others. But after all the bad things happened to him, people began to make fun of Job and were mean to him. Three friends came to visit Job. They told Job to obey God and tell Him he was sorry for doing wrong things. They said God was punishing Job for his sin. “But I did not do anything wrong,” Job said. Job was tired and angry. “I wish I could ask God some questions and prove to Him that I have been good,” he said. Then another friend came along. His name was Elihu (ih LIGH hyoo). Elihu told Job’s three friends that they were wrong. He said Job was wrong to complain that God was not treating him fairly. Then God came in a windstorm to talk to Job. God asked Job a lot of questions: “Where were you when I created the earth? Can you measure how big it is? Can you send out lightning bolts? Do you make horses strong? Does an eagle build its nest where you say?” God said, “I made the most powerful animal in the world. Can you capture it? Can you catch a crocodile?” Job realized that God is much greater than people. God is mighty and strong and wise. He knows how to

Preschool Leader Guide 144 Unit 12 • Session 2 make the world run right. He is more powerful than things people think are scary. People cannot always understand what God is doing, but people can always trust God. God is good. Job’s story ended happily. God made Job well, and Job became richer than he had been before. Job had more children. He lived a long and happy life and saw his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow up.

Christ Connection: The story of Job reminds us of Jesus. Jesus never sinned, but He suffered to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus comforts us when we suffer, and we can trust Him. WANT TO DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? GET MORE!

Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that Job was a man who loved God despite hardship. The Bible says the man who fears the Lord is blessed, and he delights in His Word. (Ps. 1:2) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

Wisdom Literature 145 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: Job BIBLE PASSAGE: Job 1–42 MAIN POINT: Job learned that God is in control. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good.

Activity page • “God Is in Control” Invite preschoolers to look at the pictures and circle the activity page, 1 per pictures of times we can trust God. child • pencils or crayons SAY • How many pictures did you circle? We can circle all three pictures because we can trust God all the time. Whether we are in happy times, sad times, or scary times, we can always trust God. He is in control of everything!

Guess who is in control

LOW PREP Form a circle. Select one preschooler to be the guesser. Lead the guesser to close her eyes or turn away from the group where she cannot see. Explain that you will tap one of the preschoolers in the circle to be the leader. When you say, “Go!” all the preschoolers in the circle must copy the action

Preschool Leader Guide 146 Unit 12 • Session 2 of the leader. The guesser will open her eyes and try to guess who the leader is. Select another preschooler to be the guesser and play again. SAY • The leader was in control of what the group was doing. Sometimes it was hard to figure out who was in control. In today’s Bible story, some really hard things were happening to a man named Job. Job did not understand what was going on, but he learned that God is in control. Let’s find out what happened.

Control balls on a parachute Spread out a parachute and guide the preschoolers to • parachute • lightweight ball spread out around it. If a parachute is not available use • bedsheet (optional) a bedsheet. Place a lightweight ball in the middle of the parachute and invite the preschoolers to hold on tightly to the edge. Choose two preschoolers beside each other and lead the group to work together to make the ball fall off the parachute between those two preschoolers. When the ball falls off, put it back on and try to make it fall off between two different preschoolers. For younger preschoolers, just try to keep the ball on the parachute. SAY • Keeping a ball under control on a parachute is challenging! Today we are going to learn about a man who could not control what was happening to him. His name was Job. Job learned that there is only One who is in control of everything.

Wisdom Literature 147 Large Group LEADER

SESSION TITLE: Job BIBLE PASSAGE: Job 1–42 MAIN POINT: Job learned that God is in control. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good.

Introduce the Bible story • video game controller Display the controller for preschoolers to see. or remote control SAY • The person holding the controller controls what is happening on the screen. In today’s Bible story, we will hear about who is in control of everything. He doesn’t need a controller to control things!

Watch or tell the Bible story • bookmark Place a bookmark at Job in your Bible. Invite a preschooler • Bible to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. • “Job” video SAY • All of the stories in the Bible are true stories because • Bible Story Picture Poster God’s words are in the Bible, and God’s words are always true. Today’s story is from the Book of Job. Show the Bible story video “Job” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • Job did not understand what was going on, but Job • Giant Timeline or learned that God is in control. Job’s story reminds Big Story Circle us of Jesus. Jesus did not deserve to suffer because He never sinned, but Jesus did suffer to take the

Preschool Leader Guide 148 Unit 12 • Session 2 punishment for our sin. Jesus’ suffering was all part of God’s plan so we could be saved from sin. Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. What hard things happened to Job? (Robbers stole his animals. His children died. Job became sick.) 2. What did Job’s three friends say was happening to Job? (God was punishing him.) 3. How did God talk to Job? (in a windstorm) 4. Can people always understand what God is doing? (No, but they can always trust God.) 5. How did Job’s story end? (Job was made well, he was richer than before, and he had more children.)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Why can we trust God? We can trust God because • Big Picture Question He is good. What was happening to Job did not seem Poster good, but God was in control of all of it and God is good. When we don’t understand what God is doing, we can remember God is so good He sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sin.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 100:5. Read the key passage • Key Passage Poster aloud several times. Sing together the key passage song, • “Yahweh Is Good” song “Yahweh Is Good.” SAY • Our key passage reminds us that God is good, and His love is forever. Whatever comes our way, we know that the God who loves us and sent His Son for us is in control of all of it. We can trust Him!

Transition to small groups

Wisdom Literature 149 Small Group ACTIVITIES

SESSION TITLE: Job BIBLE PASSAGE: Job 1–42 MAIN POINT: Job learned that God is in control. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good.

Sing “God Is So Good” Sing the classic song, “God Is So Good.” Add the following

LOW PREP verse: “ God’s in control. Tip: Look up the God’s in control. song online if you God’s in control, are unfamiliar with He’s so good to me.” the lyrics or tune. SAY • God is good to us. We can trust God because He is good. Even though Job did not understand what was happening to him, he never turned away from God. Job learned that God is in control. God is always working His good plan. When we don’t understand Him, we can still trust our good God.

Play with transportation toys • toy cars Provide an assortment of transportation toys. Identify a • toy trains spot and invite preschoolers to drive the transportation toys • toy boats • toy construction toward it. equipment SAY • With real cars, trains, and boats, people control where they go. People know how to control them because people made them. God made everything, and He is in control of everything! Everything that

Preschool Leader Guide 150 Unit 12 • Session 2 happens is a part of God’s plan. Sending Jesus to suffer and take the punishment for our sin was all part of God’s good plan.

Make windsocks Before the session, cut streamers into 2-foot lengths. Provide • construction paper a sheet of construction paper for each child. Write the main • tape point, key passage, or big picture question and answer • crepe paper streamers on each sheet of construction paper. Invite preschoolers • hole punch • yarn to decorate the paper with markers and stickers. Lead • scissors preschoolers to tape steamers along the bottom edge of • markers their paper. For a cleaner look, guide the preschoolers to • stickers tape their streamers on the back of the paper. Form the construction paper into a cylinder and use tape to secure it in place. Punch two holes on opposite sites of the cylinder and tie yarn through the holes. SAY • Tese windsocks remind us that God came to talk to Job in a windstorm. God asked Job a lot of questions. Job realized that God is much greater than people. God is mighty and strong and wise. He knows how to make the world run right. Job learned that God is in control.

Play with blocks Invite preschoolers to free play with blocks. Review the • blocks Bible story as they play. SAY • You control the blocks when you build things. You decide how you stack them and what block goes where. You don’t have complete control, though. Your blocks can fall down. You can run out of blocks. Someone can even come along and knock your blocks over. God has total control over everything.

Wisdom Literature 151 God had total control over everything that happened to Job. Job learned that God is in control.

Encourage suffering people • construction paper Explain to the preschoolers that many people are like (optional) • markers (optional) Job today. Hard things happen to people and they don’t • mobile device understand what is going on. Brainstorm ways to encourage (optional) people in your church who are suffering. Identify a ministry your church supports and identify people in that ministry to encourage. You may choose to make cards to send to a hospital or nursing home. You may collect stuffed animals to give to a children’s hospital. You may record your group singing a song, a special message, or praying for someone who has recently lost a loved one. SAY • Bad things happen in our world because of sin, but God is the best at turning bad things into good things. Job learned that God is in control. Job lost a lot, but God gave him back even more than he lost. God took the saddest thing that ever happened— Jesus dying on the cross —and turned it into the best news ever—Jesus paid for our sin. Because Jesus suffered, we can live forever with God.

Preschool Leader Guide 152 Unit 12 • Session 2 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food Thank God for the snack. • paper cups and napkins Serve sliced fruit for snack. Ask preschoolers if they can make fruit. Affirm that only God can make fruit. Remind preschoolers of some of the questions God asked Job. Explain that Job realized God is much greater than people. God is mighty and strong and wise. He knows how to make the world run right. Job learned that God is in control.

Transition When a child finishes her snack, guide her to throw away • books any trash. She may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • play dough • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to draw • Bible Story Coloring a picture of something God is in control of. Remind Page • crayons preschoolers that God is in control of everything. Pray for • Big Picture Cards for the children. Families: Babies, SAY • God, You are in control of everything. Even when we Toddlers, and Preschool don’t understand what You are doing, remind us that You are good. You are so good that You sent Jesus to pay the punishment for our sin. Help us to turn to Jesus and trust Him when we go through hard times. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

Wisdom Literature 153 UNIT 12 Session 3 Use Week of:

Praises of God’s People

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 1; 100; 110 MAIN POINT: People wrote songs to praise God. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good.

SMALL GROUP OPENING LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 1520 MINUTES 1015 MINUTES 2025 MINUTES PAGE 158 PAGE 160 PAGE 162 3

Leader BIBLE STUDY

When Jesus met two disciples on the road to Emmaus, He told them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).

How does the Book of Psalms point us to Jesus? While the book does contain some implicit Messianic psalms, what is the significance of the songs of lament, the proclamations of confidence, and the accounts of God’s mercy toward His people?

Preschool Leader Guide 154 Unit 12 • Session 3 King David wrote about half of the psalms, while the rest were written over time by Moses, Solomon, and others. These are the words of God’s people. These are heartfelt words poured out to the Lord by men in a wide variety of circumstances.

In Psalm 51, David cried out for forgiveness after Nathan the prophet confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba. In Psalm 90, Moses prayed for God’s mercy on His people. Psalm 100 is a psalm for giving thanks, “for Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal” (Ps. 100:5).

God responded to these expressions from His people with His Son, Jesus. Jesus provides the forgiveness David longed for. Jesus died on the cross to provide salvation for 3 undeserving sinners. God showed mercy and displayed His goodness and eternal love through Jesus. Jesus is the One our hearts long for. He is the answer to our prayers, our cries, and our praises.

People wrote songs to praise God because of who He is. The Book of Psalms is a treasured collection of verses meant to be sung. As you teach them to preschoolers, emphasize that God hears us when we cry out to Him. He has provided for the deepest longing of our hearts by giving us Jesus.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

Wisdom Literature 155 The BIBLE STORY

Praises of God’s People Psalms 1; 100; 110

In the Bible, people wrote psalms, or songs, to God to tell Him how they felt. We can read these songs in the Book of Psalms. Many different people wrote psalms over a long time. Sometimes, God’s people met together and sang these psalms to worship God. They sang songs to praise God when He gave them power to beat their enemies. They sang songs to praise God for the wonderful things He created. They sang songs to praise God when He took care of them. Sometimes people wrote songs when they were sad. They cried out to God and told Him how they felt. Sometimes people wrote songs to tell God that they had sinned and that they were sorry. They asked God to forgive them. The first psalm is about two ways to live: the right way or the wrong way. The two ways to live are like walking on two paths. The wrong path is dark and leads to death. The other path is bright and leads to life. The person who lives the right way loves God’s Word. He thinks about God during the day and at night. That person is like a strong and healthy tree that drinks from a stream of water. But the person who lives the wrong way is wicked. God will not let that person live. There is no place for wicked people with people who live the right way. Psalm 100 is a song people sang to say “thank You” to God. God’s people sang these words: “Shout to the Lord, everyone! Be glad when you serve Him. Sing happy songs. Yahweh is God. He made us, and we are His people! Say ‘thank You’ to Him and praise Him. He is good, and His

Preschool Leader Guide 156 Unit 12 • Session 3 love never ends.” King David wrote Psalm 110. David wrote about a king who is also a priest. David wrote that the king would rule over many lands, and his army would be strong. He wrote that God keeps His promises, and God will be with the king and make him strong. When the king goes to battle, God will give the king power to win.

Christ Connection: When God’s people prayed to God or praised Him, God heard them. He promised to answer them, and He did when He sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus died on the cross to give people what they need the most: to be rescued from sin.

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Invite preschoolers to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that David wrote that the man who fears the Lord is blessed, and the Lord watches over the path of the righteous. (Ps. 1:6) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

Wisdom Literature 157 Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: Praises of God’s People BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 1; 100; 110 MAIN POINT: People wrote songs to praise God. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is good.

Activity page • “Match the Invite preschoolers to draw a line connecting the musical Instruments” activity instruments that match. page, 1 per child • pencils or crayons SAY • You matched the musical instruments! Our Bible story today comes from the Book of Psalms. The word psalms means songs. The Book of Psalms is made up of songs people wrote to tell God how they felt.

Preschool Leader Guide 158 Unit 12 • Session 3 Thank you race

Form two teams. Assign an adult leader to each team. Set a LOW PREP timer for twenty seconds. Challenge preschoolers to call out things for which they can thank God for twenty seconds. As preschoolers call out items, the adult leader assigned to each team should hold up their fingers to tally the items. Accept all answers and give help as needed. The team who named the most items wins. For younger preschoolers, consider simply naming items with a timer rather than competing as teams. Play again as time allows. SAY • You all thought of many reasons to say thank you to God. In today’s Bible story, we will hear about some songs people wrote to say thank you to God.

Play with musical instruments Provide an assortment of musical instruments. Play music • instruments • “Yahweh Is Good” song as preschoolers experiment with the musical instruments. (optional) Encourage a preschooler to play along with the song or • “Firm Foundation” song make up lyrics to sing. (optional) SAY • Music is one way we can praise God. In our Bible story today, we will hear how people wrote songs to talk to God. People sang songs to thank God, to praise God, and to tell God how they felt.

Transition to Bible study To gain the attention of all the preschoolers to move them • countdown video to Bible study, show the countdown video, flip off the (optional) lights, or clap a simple rhythm for the children to copy. Invite the preschoolers to sing a song as they move to Bible study.

Wisdom Literature 159 Large Group LEADER

Introduce the Bible story Tip: Be prepared Invite preschoolers to tell you their favorite song. Encourage to redirect if a couple volunteers to sing a few verses from memory. preschoolers SAY sing songs with • We can sing songs any time whether we are happy inappropriate lyrics. or sad. Today’s Bible story is about songs that people wrote to God for all kinds of different reasons.

Watch or tell the Bible story • Bible Place a bookmark at Psalms in your Bible. Invite a • “Praises of God’s preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible. People” video SAY • What a great gift God gave us by putting His true • Bible Story Picture Poster words in the Bible for us to read and hear! Today’s Bible story comes from the Book of Psalms. Show the Bible story video “Praises of God’s People” or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. Use the bolded version for younger preschoolers.

Talk about the Bible story • Main Point Poster SAY • Some psalms are happy. Some psalms are sad. People • Giant Timeline or wrote songs to praise God. People had many Big Story Circle different reasons for why they wrote and sang psalms, but God heard every one of them.

Preschool Leader Guide 160 Unit 12 • Session 3 Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or big story circle as you ask the following review questions: 1. What are psalms? (songs) 2. Why did people write psalms? (to talk to God) 3. In what book of the Bible do we ﬁnd psalms? (the Book of Psalms) 4. Name some reasons people sang songs to God. (to praise Him when He gave them power to beat their enemies, for what He created, when He took care of them, to say thank you, to tell God why they were sad, to tell God they had sinned and they were sorry)

Learn the big picture question SAY • Our big picture question is Why can we trust God? • Big Picture Question We can trust God because God is good. The people Poster who wrote the psalms were not afraid to tell God how they felt because they knew God is good. They trusted God with their feelings. God loves His people and wants to hear from them.

Practice the key passage Open your Bible to Psalm 100:5. Read the key passage • Key Passage Poster aloud several times. Sing together the key passage song, • “Yahweh Is Good” song “Yahweh Is Good.” SAY • Our key passage reminds us that God is good and His love lasts forever. God showed us He loves us by sending Jesus to give us what we need the most: to be rescued from sin. Because God loved us enough to send Jesus, we know we can talk to God any time and about anything.

Transition to small groups

Wisdom Literature 161 Small Group ACTIVITIES

Sing songs Sing the unit theme song, key passage song, or other

LOW PREP preschool-friendly praise songs as a group. SAY • Remember that in the Bible, people wrote songs to • “Firm Foundation” song praise God. Sometimes, God’s people met together (optional) and sang psalms to worship God. We can sing songs • “Yahweh Is Good” song together to praise God, too. God hears us when we (optional) praise Him.

Make picture prayer books • paper Provide five sheets of paper for each preschooler. Invite • crayons or markers preschoolers to draw a picture to complete each sentence • stapler • colorful tape below. Guide a preschooler to draw one picture per page. 1. Today I feel … (picture of yourself so your face tells if you are happy, sad, etc.). 2. God, You made … (picture of something God made). 3. Tank You for … (picture of something you are thankful for). 4. I’m sorry for … (picture of something you did wrong). 5. Tank You for Jesus. (picture of Jesus or a cross) When preschoolers finish their prayer drawings, help them stack their pictures and place a blank sheet of paper on top

Preschool Leader Guide 162 Unit 12 • Session 3 to serve as a cover. Use a stapler to bind the pages together. Use colorful tape to cover the staples and make a binding. Invite preschoolers to decorate their covers. SAY • We drew pictures to pray to God and to praise Him. In our Bible story, people wrote songs to praise God. Anytime God’s people prayed to Him, He heard them. God promised to answer them, and He did when He sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus died on the cross and came back to life to give people what they need the most: to be rescued from sin.

Walk paths Place a Bible on a table. Create two paths that zigzag • Bible around the room by laying yarn on the floor and taping • yarn, 2 colors • tape it in place. Both paths should end at the Bible. Invite preschoolers to choose a path and follow it to the Bible. SAY • People wrote songs to praise God. The first psalm in the Bible is about two ways to live: the right way and the wrong way. The two ways to live are like walking on two paths. The person who lives the right way loves God’s Word. He thinks about God during the day and at night. But the person who lives the wrong way is wicked. Our two paths both led to the Bible. We can live the right way by loving God’s words in the Bible.

Make a joyful noise Invite preschoolers to thread bells onto chenille craft stems. • chenille stems Demonstrate how to wrap the ends together to create a ring. • jingle bells Once the noise makers are complete, invite preschoolers to shake them while you read Psalm 100 in a joyful voice. SAY • People wrote songs to praise God. Psalm 100 is a

Wisdom Literature 163 song people sang to say thank You to God. When God’s people prayed to God or praised Him, God heard them. He promised to answer them, and He did when He sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus died on the cross and came back to life to give people what they need the most: to be rescued from sin.

Explore the Book of Psalms • Bibles Provide several Bibles and bookmarks. Show preschoolers • bookmarks how to open up to the middle of the Bible to find the Book of Psalms. Point out the title Psalms at the top of the page. Invite them to place a bookmark in Psalms. Point out the chapter numbers. Flip to Psalm 119 and count how many pages it is. Explain that Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Flip to Psalm 117 and count the lines. Explain that Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible. Show preschoolers David’s name in the Book of Psalms. Invite them to look for David’s name on their own. SAY • People wrote songs to praise God. Many different people wrote psalms over a long time. King David wrote many psalms. David wrote about a king who is also a priest. The king who is also a priest is Jesus. God answered His people’s prayers when He sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus died on the cross and came back to life to give people what they need most: to be rescued from sin.

Preschool Leader Guide 164 Unit 12 • Session 3 Snack Play the countdown video to signal the end of activities. • countdown video Guide preschoolers to clean their areas. Take a restroom (optional) • Allergy Alert download break and wash hands. Gather preschoolers for snack time. • snack food As you serve snack, remind preschoolers that people • paper cups and napkins wrote songs to praise God. People sang songs to praise God when He took care of them. Explain that God cares for us by providing food for us to eat. Invite preschoolers to sing a praise song to thank God for their snack.

Transition When a child finishes his snack, guide him to throw away • books any trash. He may select a book or puzzle to examine, play • puzzles • play dough quietly with play dough or a favorite toy, or color the Bible • Journal Page printable, story coloring page. 1 per child Offer the journal page and invite preschoolers to pick a • Bible Story Coloring color of crayon that describes how they feel at that moment. Page • crayons Invite them to draw a picture using that color. Remind • Big Picture Cards for preschoolers that people wrote psalms, or songs, to God to Families: Babies, tell Him how they felt. When God’s people prayed to God Toddlers, and Preschool or praised Him, God heard them. Pray for the children. SAY • God, thank You that when we pray to You or praise You, You hear us. You show Your love and care for us in so many ways, but especially when You sent Your Son. Jesus died on the cross and came back to life to give us what we need the most: to be rescued from sin. Amen. If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

Wisdom Literature 165 HELP KIDS STUDY THE BIBLE ON THEIR OWN WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF KIDS Make Scripture CHOSE TO STUDY THE BIBLE ON interesting THEIR OWN? WHAT WOULD IT TAKE It should be a sin (it might be) to TO HELP KIDS MAKE THE DECISION bore kids with the Bible! TO SEARCH FOR THEMSELVES * Bring out interesting and unusual WHAT GOD WANTS TO SAY TO THEM facts and customs. THROUGH HIS WORD? * Use all five senses to teach Bible content. Model what’s important * Use a variety of teaching methods Kids learn more of what they see and approaches to teach kids in you do than they will ever learn by the way God created them to just hearing what you say. learn. * Model the importance of personal Bible study by having one Begin early yourself. Habits began early in life become * Model the importance of the life-long habits. Bible by using your Bible in front * Teach kids to treat the Bible with of them at church. Teach the respect. Bible story from your Bible (not * Teach kids that God’s Word is the curriculum) and read Bible important and eternal. verses from your Bible not just a * Teach kids that the Bible is God’s resource piece. letter to them. * Encourage kids to use their Bibles * Read the Bible to kids and regularly in class, too. encourage families to read the * Encourage families to make Bible together. family Bible study a priority at * Encourage them to read their home. Truth: parents really have own Bible with fun and easy the most influence over this … “homework” assignments. Follow encourage them to be on mission through and consider appropriate here! rewards.

Preschool Leader Guide 166 Unit 12 • Session 3 Give every child a Bible Teach kids to study their How can they study their Bible if Bibles daily they don’t have one? It’s a daily walk and a daily habit Choose an age appropriate Bible. that will have long lasting results. There are tons of Bibles out there. Help kids understand and value Find a Bible that meets the need of a daily time with God through the child. His Word. Here are some tools to consider: Teach children how to use * Devotional Books and Magazines their Bibles * “Through the Bible” reading plans The Bible is placed on the page * Family reading plans. differently than any other book they’ve been exposed to. Make sure Since 2003 Bill Emeott has served as a Kids Ministry Specialist for LifeWay. His passions they know how to use the Bible. include childhood ministry leadership * Help kids know how the Bible is training and development, leading children’s arranged (Testaments/Divisions). Bible Study, and being an Uncle! Bill has been * Help kids know how to find book, teaching children at First Baptist Nashville for ten years. chapter, verse (I’ve found that must kids get confused about the column found in many Bibles).

Teach children how to study their Bibles God has given us some great scholars who have developed some incredible tools for studying the Bible. Consider teaching kids about these tools: * Concordance * Bible Dictionary * Commentaries

Wisdom Literature 167 HOW TO KILL YOUR PRESCHOOL MINISTRY THE FACT THAT YOU ARE READING child in a dirty room or one that THIS INDICATES THAT YOU looks dirty? PROBABLY WANT TO GROW YOUR * Are your preschool rooms clutter- PRESCHOOL MINISTRY, NOT KILL IT. free? Unless you’re a certified HOWEVER, THERE MAY BE THINGS hoarder, would you want guests to YOU ARE DOING, OR NOT DOING, see your house in a mess? Perhaps THAT IN ESSENCE MAY BE KEEPING it’s time to close your eyes and YOUR PRESCHOOL MINISTRY FROM throw stuff away. And don’t give REACHING ITS POTENTIAL. it to another church. They don’t need clutter either! * Do all of your preschool rooms have at least two unrelated adult How did you do? If you teachers who have passed a answered, “yes,” to all five questions, background check? More than one congratulations, you’re on track qualified adult teacher in a room to attract young parents and keep protects children, teachers, and them coming to your church! the church. This is a must. If you answered, “no” to any of * Is every first-time-guest parent the questions, ask yourself what greeted either in the parking lot or is keeping you from creating a as soon as he enters the building? preschool environment that says, Do greeters know where the “We welcome you and your child preschoolers meet? to our church; we are ready for you; * When parents take their infant to and we value you and your child the baby room, is the lighting in because Jesus values you”? the room at an appropriate level? We may think that if a child is Landry Holmes is Manager of Kids Ministry Publishing, LifeWay Resources. He teaches sleeping, the room should be dark preschoolers and elementary kids at his or semi-dark. Keep the lights on. church in Middle Tennessee. Landry and * Are your preschool rooms clean, his wife Janetta have two adult sons and a and do they look and smell clean? beautiful daughter-in-law and a rat terrier Ranger (named after the Texas Rangers Who wants to leave their young baseball team).

Preschool Leader Guide 168 Unit 12 • Session 3 ENGAGE KIDS WITH THE GOSPEL PROJECT® FOR KIDS FAMILY APP!

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