Session 13

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

© 2017 LifeWay Session 13: David and Jonathan 101

OVERVIEW

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

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

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

102 Explore the Bible: Older Kids © 2017 LifeWay

 BIBLE STORY

JONATHAN WAS A GOOD FRIEND TEXT CONNECTION

• Godly friendship seeks

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

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

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

© 2017 LifeWay Session 13: David and Jonathan 103

GET STARTED

GET STARTED (10 MINUTES)

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

BIBLE SKILLS SPOTLIGHT

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

104 Explore the Bible: Older Kids © 2017 LifeWay

 BIBLE STUDY

BIBLE STUDY (35 MINUTES)

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

EXAMINE THE TEXT EXAMINE THE TEXT

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

PLAY THE VIDEO

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

© 2017 LifeWay Session 13: David and Jonathan 105

BIBLE STUDY

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

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

106 Explore the Bible: Older Kids © 2017 LifeWay

 SMALL GROUP

SMALL GROUP (30 MINUTES) TOOLS:

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

TECH CONNECT (OPTIONAL)

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

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

MOVE

CATCH OR COMEBACK
s” (enhanced CD)
Tools: cups, aluminum foil ball, “Review Question
good at catch. You will have a
catch, but do not worry if you are not
• Say: “We are going to play a game of
a review question correctly.”
chance to make a comeback by answering the ball by using the cups to
e around the room. Instruct kids to pass
• Give each child a cup and form a circl drops, the pair is out unless
can be used to touch the ball! If the ball
both toss and catch the ball. Only cups
tion and make a comeback.
they can correctly answer a review ques w of our Text Truth: Godly
w our Bible story. Let’s do one more revie
• Conclude: “That was a fun way to revie
onal gain.”
friendship seeks God’s will above pers

instead of an aluminum foil ball.

Option: Use a table tennis ball or small foam ball

© 2017 LifeWay Session 13: David and Jonathan 107

SMALL GROUP
MAK
BEST FRIEND PUZZLE
Tools: puzzle with pieces at least 2 inches wide,
decorative tape (include boy friendly options),
permanent markers, loose-leaf binder rings,
scissors, envelopes, markers, ice pick (adult use
only)
¨¨ Prior to Bible study, use an ice pick or other
sharp object to poke holes in the top of
puzzle pieces wide enough for the key ring to
slide through. Match up pieces so that each
child gets 2 interlocking pieces.
• Give out interlocking pieces, 2 to each child.
Instruct kids to use the decorative tape
to cover their puzzle pieces, being careful
to trim the edge so that the pieces still fit
together. Then use permanent markers to
write Proverbs 17:17 on the front of the puzzle
pieces. They can also write BFF or their name
on one and their friend’s name on the other.
Then have them put the puzzle pieces on the
loose-leaf binder rings.
• Give out envelopes and ask kids to write
today’s Text Truth on it, reading it together:
Godly friendship seeks God’s will above
personal gain. Tell kids to put the key chains
in the envelope and seal it.
• Explain: “Next time you are with your closest
friend, give them this envelope and let them
read the Text Truth and then open it. Explain
to them that one of the key chains is yours
and one is theirs, and tell them what the
Bible verse (Proverbs 17:17a) says. Pray with
your friend that your friendship will seek God’s
will.”
108 Explore the Bible: Older Kids
EXPL
OR
E
HEART MATCH-UP
Tools: red construction paper, scissors, pens
• Instruct one half of the class to cut out hearts
from the red construction paper. Then let the
rest of the class cut the hearts in half, making
jagged lines like a broken heart. Collect all of
the halves, mix them up, and then pass them
out along with pens.
• Say: “You each have a half of a heart. Now
you need to check with each other until you
find your matching heart half. Once you find
your match, share with each other prayer
requests. Write each other’s requests on your
heart half. Pray together and then take your
half home and pray over the requests this
week.”
• Allow time for kids to complete the activity.
• Conclude: “We have learned a lot today about
friendship and what God sees when He looks
at us. This should be an encouragement for
us to look at each other the way God does.
Let’s say our Text Truth together again: Godly
friendship seeks God’s will above personal
gain.”
© 2017 LifeWay