This lesson teaches children that Jonathan kept his promise to his friend David, even when it was hard and even when it cost him something. It is built for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God helps us keep our promises to our friends, and He keeps His promises to us. Good friends stand by each other, even when it is scary or hard.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 20:42
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in the LORD’s name, saying, ‘The LORD is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold up both hands with their pinkies linked, like a promise. Then have them wiggle their fingers together as they say the verse out loud. Repeat it three times, quickly, and see who can say it fastest.
The Story: 1 Samuel 20 for Kids
David was a young man who loved God, and he had a very good friend named Jonathan. Jonathan was the son of King Saul. One day David came to Jonathan with a worried face. He asked, “What have I done wrong? Why does your father want to hurt me?”
Jonathan did not believe his father would hurt David. He said, “You will not die. My father tells me everything.” But David knew that King Saul was angry, so he had a plan. He asked Jonathan to watch what King Saul said at the big feast the next day.
Jonathan made a promise to David. He said, “Whatever you need, I will do it for you.” The two friends went out into a field to talk. Jonathan said that if his father was angry at David, he would send a signal and tell David to run away.
At the feast, King Saul was very angry that David was not there. Jonathan spoke up for his friend, and his father became furious. Saul even threw a spear at Jonathan to hurt him. Jonathan felt very sad, because he saw that his father wanted to hurt David.
The next morning, Jonathan went into the field with a little boy and some arrows. He shot the arrows, and he called out a secret message to David. The little boy did not know what the message meant. Jonathan sent the boy away, and David came out from his hiding place.
David and Jonathan hugged and cried together. They said goodbye, and they promised that God would be between them and their families forever. David went away to be safe, and Jonathan went back home.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 20:13
The LORD do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do you evil, if I don’t disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace. May the LORD be with you, as he has been with my father.
(WEB)
Point out that Jonathan asks God to be with David, just as God was with King Saul. Explain that Jonathan trusted God to keep David safe, even though Jonathan was the one who had to be brave.
1 Samuel 20:17
Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jonathan loved David very much, as much as he loved himself. Ask them who they love like that, and talk about how friends can show love by being kind and loyal.
1 Samuel 20:41-42
41 As soon as the boy was gone, David arose out of the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times. They kissed one another, and wept one with another, and David wept the most. 42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in the LORD’s name, saying, ‘The LORD is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city.
(WEB)
Point out that David and Jonathan kissed and cried together before they said goodbye. Explain that it is okay to be sad when friends have to be apart, and that they can still trust God to take care of them.
Talk About It
- What did Jonathan do to help his friend David, even when it was hard?
- How do you think Jonathan felt when his father threw a spear at him?
- Why do you think David and Jonathan cried when they said goodbye?
- What is one promise you have made to a friend, and how can you keep it?
- How can God help you be a faithful friend, like Jonathan?
Activity Ideas
Friendship Promise Cards
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a picture of themselves with a friend, then write or draw one promise they will keep for that friend. Let them decorate the edges and take the card home to remember their promise.
Arrow Run Game
You will need a few soft balls or rolled-up socks, and an open space like a yard or gym. Set up a target and have children take turns throwing the balls, then send one child to run and fetch them, just like the little boy in the story. Cheer for each other as you play, and talk about how the boy had to listen carefully.
Promise Bracelet at Home
You will need yarn or string and a few plastic beads. Help each child tie a simple bracelet and talk about a friend or family member they want to show kindness to this week. Encourage them to wear it as a reminder to keep their promise and to pray for that person.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that loyal friendship is a gift from God, and that faithfulness can cost something, as it did for Jonathan. Adults can see that God keeps His covenant even when human plans fall apart. The chapter also shows real grief and real trust in God’s care, which are good things to notice together.
Avoid making the story sound like a simple lesson where obeying a promise always makes everything turn out well. Jonathan and David were separated and grieved, and the text does not say they were rewarded in this life. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on the courage of loyal friends.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for good friends who keep their promises. Help us to be faithful to the people we love, and help us trust You when things are hard. Thank You that You keep Your promises to us every day. Amen.
