Unit 10, Session 4
Dear families,
In 1 Samuel 16, we come to a turning point in the storyline of God’s leadership over His people. What began with Samuel mourning for Saul’s rejection as king, soon becomes a celebration of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word in 1 Samuel 13:14: “The LORD has found a man after his own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over his people.”
While the young David did not have the same impressive appearance as Saul, he had something greater: a heart that honored the Lord.
What was God trying to teach Samuel and His people by selecting David as the next ruler over Israel? How does this story lead us to consider the state of our own hearts?
Samuel had a front-row seat to God’s rejection of the impressive King Saul. Yet, as Samuel looked upon the older, stronger sons of Jesse, he didn’t seem to truly grasp what God was doing. By mere outward appearance, one might assume one of David’s older brothers to be next in line for the throne. It would be David, however—the youngest son of Jesse—whom God would select as the next king of Israel. David was chosen, not because of his strength or stature, but because God saw his heart. As Psalm 147:11 reminds us, “The LORD values those who fear him, those who put their hope in his faithful love.”
Prepare to teach your children what it means to be someone after God’s own heart. Though David would not be a flawless leader, he would be faithful to trust in God, repent of his sin, and delight in God’s words. Yet, one greater than David would come. Jesus Christ, the sinless King, lived, died, and rose again to make righteous all who trust in Him for salvation.
Consider the state of your own heart—which only God can see. Thank God for the miraculous work of salvation He has done in your own life, as well as His desire to save those who will hear this story. Pray for the Lord to open your kids’ eyes to what He can do with ordinary people who believe in Him by faith.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: God chose David to be the king of Israel, and God sent Jesus to be the King of everything! Jesus is the perfect King who loves us.
- Younger Preschool: David was a surprising choice to be the king of Israel. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice to be king! Jesus is the perfect King who loves us.
- Older Preschool: God’s choice of David to be Israel’s next king was surprising. David was the youngest in his family, but God saw David’s heart. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice for a king. Jesus is the perfect King who saves us from our sin and reigns forever.
- Kids: David did not look like a king on the outside, but God saw his heart and chose him to be the next ruler. Jesus looked like an ordinary man to the people around Him, but He is God’s Son and the Savior of the world.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King.
- Older Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King and He rules over the world.
- Kids: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: The LORD is over all things. Psalm 103:19
- Younger Preschool: The LORD rules over everything. Psalm 103:19
- Older Preschool: The LORD … rules over all. Psalm 103:19
- Kids: The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19
** Next week: Jesus is Our Rescuer (Christmas Bonus)
Imago Dei Church Kids Ministry 