This lesson teaches children that God’s word must be obeyed even when a friendly invitation seems harmless, and that God keeps every promise He makes. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When God tells us clearly what to do, we obey Him, even if someone we trust tells us something different. God always keeps His word.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 13:9
For so was it commanded me by the LORD’s word, saying, ‘You shall eat no bread, drink no water, and don’t return by the way that you came.’”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are holding a message carefully. Then slowly bring them to your heart. Say the words together and do the motion each time you repeat them.
The Story: 1 Kings 13 for Kids
A long time ago, God sent a man from the country of Judah to the town of Bethel. King Jeroboam was standing by a big altar, where he was burning incense to false gods. God had given this man a message for the king and the altar. The man spoke loudly and said that a future king named Josiah would one day destroy the altar.
To prove his message was from God, the man said the altar would split apart right then, and the ashes would spill out. King Jeroboam was angry. He pointed his hand at the man and shouted, “Grab him!” But his hand suddenly dried up and he could not pull it back. At the same moment, the altar split open and the ashes poured out, just as the man had said.
The king begged the man of God to pray for him. The man prayed, and the king’s hand was healed. Then the king said, “Come home with me and eat with me. I will give you a gift.” But the man of God said no. God had told him not to eat or drink anywhere in that place, and not to go home the same way he came.
An old prophet in Bethel heard about this. He lied and told the man of God that an angel had said it was fine to come eat with him. The man of God believed him and went home with him. While they were eating, God spoke to the old prophet and told him that the man of God had disobeyed God’s word. On the way home, a lion killed him, but the lion did not eat him or hurt the donkey. The old prophet later buried him in his own grave.
Read It Together
1 Kings 13:1-2
1 Behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the LORD’s word to Beth El; and Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense. 2 He cried against the altar by the LORD’s word, and said, “Altar! Altar! The LORD says: ‘Behold, a son will be born to David’s house, Josiah by name. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and they will burn men’s bones on you.’”
(WEB)
Point out that God sent this man with a clear message, and that he spoke it boldly in front of the king. Ask the children to notice that God’s message was true and was about the future.
1 Kings 13:16-18
16 He said, “I may not return with you, nor go in with you. I will not eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 For it was said to me by the LORD’s word, ‘You shall eat no bread or drink water there, and don’t turn again to go by the way that you came.’” 18 He said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are; and an angel spoke to me by the LORD’s word, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’” He lied to him.
(WEB)
Show the children how the man of God first said no, and then was tricked by someone who claimed to speak for God. Explain that anyone who says something different from God’s word should not be trusted, even if they sound friendly or say they are a prophet.
1 Kings 13:21-22
21 And he cried out to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, “The LORD says, ‘Because you have been disobedient to the LORD’s mouth, and have not kept the commandment which the LORD your God commanded you, 22 but came back, and have eaten bread and drank water in the place of which he said to you, “Eat no bread, and drink no water”; your body will not come to the tomb of your fathers.’”
(WEB)
Point out that the old prophet’s words were a sign that the man of God had not obeyed. Explain that God takes His word seriously and that we must follow what He has clearly told us to do.
Talk About It
- What did God tell the man of God to do, and what did he say to the king?
- Why do you think the man of God said no when the king invited him to eat?
- How did the old prophet trick the man of God, and why was it wrong?
- What can we do when someone tells us something that does not match what God says in the Bible?
- How does it help you to know that God always keeps His promises?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Altar Splitting
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large altar with a crack running down the middle and ash spilling out of it. Let them add the king with his hand pointing and the man of God standing firm. Talk together about how God’s word came true in a dramatic way.
Follow the Word Game
You will need a few chairs and a small object like a toy car or a shoe. Set the chairs in a line to make a path. Give one child the object and have them walk the path while the others call out “Keep going, don’t turn back!” Then let a child pretend to be the friendly old prophet offering a snack, and see if the walker stays on track by saying no.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and tape or a pen. Have each child write the memory verse on the card and decorate it. Ask them to tape it to their bedroom door or bathroom mirror. Encourage them to read it each morning and say it out loud before they leave for school or play.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s word is trustworthy and must be obeyed, even when another believer seems to speak for God. The man of God’s tragic end is a sober reminder that disobedience has real consequences, and that we must test every message against Scripture rather than relying on a person’s claim to speak for God.
With children, avoid overstating the lion as a punishment that every child will face for small mistakes. Focus instead on the simple truth that God’s word is clear and must be followed, and that God loves us and gives us His word to guide us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us Your word. Help us to listen carefully and to obey You, even when it is hard. Help us to know Your truth and to say no to anything that goes against it. Thank You that You always keep Your promises. Amen.
