In this lesson, children learn that God takes care of us even when we are scared and make bad choices, and that we can always go to God for help. This lesson is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of us, even when we are scared and do the wrong thing. We can always run to God and ask Him for help.
Memory Verse
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall, then put one hand on their heart. When they say the words “I will trust you,” they lift both arms up toward the ceiling, like reaching for God. Practice it together three times.
The Story: 1 Samuel 21 for Kids
David was running away from King Saul. Saul was jealous and wanted to hurt him. David was tired and hungry, so he went to a town called Nob to find help. He met the priest there, whose name was Ahimelech. Ahimelech was surprised to see David all alone.
David was not telling the whole truth. He said the king had sent him on a secret job, and he asked for some bread. The priest did not have ordinary bread, but he had special bread that was set apart for God. He gave David that holy bread, because David was hungry and needed it.
David also asked for a weapon. The priest had the sword of Goliath, the giant David had defeated long ago. David said, “There is none like that. Give it to me.” So he took the sword and went on his way.
Next David went to Gath, a town of the Philistines, who were enemies of Israel. The servants of the king there recognized him. David was very afraid. So he began acting strange, scribbling on the gate and drooling into his beard, so they would think he was crazy.
The king of Gath looked at David and said, “Why did you bring this man to me? I do not need another madman.” So the king sent David away, and David got out safely. God protected him, even though David had made some poor choices along the way.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 21:1
Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech came to meet David trembling, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no man with you?”
(WEB)
Point out that David went to the priest to ask for help. Ask children who helps them when they need something. Remind them that the priest was a helper God had placed there.
1 Samuel 21:13
He changed his behavior before them, and pretended to be insane in their hands, and scribbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down on his beard.
(WEB)
Explain that David pretended to be someone else because he was scared. Tell children that being scared can make us do things we later wish we had not done, and that God still cares for us.
1 Samuel 21:15
Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Should this fellow come into my house?”
(WEB)
Point out the king’s surprise at David’s strange behavior. Show children that David’s plan worked, and that God kept David safe even through a difficult, tricky situation.
Talk About It
- What do you think David felt when he was running away from King Saul?
- Why do you think David lied to the priest about where he was going?
- When you feel scared, what is one thing you can do to remember God is with you?
- Why do you think God wants us to tell the truth, even when we feel afraid?
- How did God take care of David, even when David made mistakes?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Safe Place
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a place where they feel safe, then draw a small figure of God or a heart nearby. Explain that God is with us wherever we go, even when we are scared. Let children share their pictures with the group.
Run to the Shepherd
You will need a open space, a few cones or chairs, and one person to be the shepherd. Children start at one end and try to run to the shepherd at the other end, while the shepherd calls, “Come to me, I will keep you safe.” This shows how we run to God when we feel scared. Play a few rounds, then talk about it.
Safe Bread Snack Reminder
You will need a plate, some simple crackers or bread, and a small card. Share the snack with children and place a card on the plate that says, “God takes care of us.” As children eat, remind them that God provided for David, and that God also provides for us every day. Ask them to take the card home to read with their families.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is faithful even when His people are afraid and make poor decisions. David lied and acted foolishly, yet God preserved him and kept his promise to make David king. For adults, it is a reminder that God’s care does not depend on our perfect behavior.
Be careful not to suggest to children that lying or pretending is a good way to stay safe. Explain that David’s choices were not an example to copy, and that God protected him in spite of them, not because of them.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking care of us when we are scared. Help us to run to You and trust You, even when we feel afraid. Thank You for always being with us, wherever we go. Help us to tell the truth and to be brave. Amen.
