In this lesson, children learn that when God gives a clear command, we obey it, even when someone we respect tells us something different. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God’s words are true, and we should obey Him even when it is hard or when someone tells us a different thing to do.
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 flat, palms up, like you are carrying something important. Then cross your arms over your chest and nod your head slowly as you say the words together. Repeat this three times so the motion helps the words stick.
The Story: 1 Kings 13 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Jeroboam. He had built an altar in a town called Bethel, and he wanted people to worship there instead of at the Temple in Jerusalem. One day, Jeroboam stood beside that altar, ready to burn incense. Suddenly, a man of God came walking out of the land of Judah. God had sent him with a message.
The man of God shouted at the altar. He said that a king named Josiah would be born one day, and that he would destroy the altar. Then the man gave a sign to show it was true. The altar split apart, and the ashes spilled out onto the ground. King Jeroboam was angry. He pointed at the man and said, “Grab him!” But his hand dried up and he could not pull it back.
Then Jeroboam asked the man of God to pray for him. The man prayed, and the king’s hand was healed. The king wanted to reward him with a meal, but the man of God said, “No, thank you. God told me not to eat or drink in this place, and not to go home the same way I came.” So he went home a different way.
An old prophet in Bethel heard about the man of God. He rode his donkey to find him, and he said, “Come home and eat with me.” The man of God told him no, because God had said so. But the old prophet lied and said an angel had told him it was okay. So the man of God went with him and ate bread and drank water in his house.
While they were eating, God spoke to the old prophet. He told the old prophet that the man of God had disobeyed God’s command. On the way home, a lion attacked and killed the man of God. The lion did not eat him, and it did not harm the donkey. Then the old prophet buried him in his own tomb and asked to be buried beside him.
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 the man of God came because the Lord sent him. Ask the children to notice that God’s message was clear and bold, even when a king was standing right there.
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 how the man of God clearly explained what God had told him. Point out that the old prophet said something that was not true, and that the man of God believed him instead of God’s clear word.
1 Kings 13:24
When he had gone, a lion met him by the way and killed him. His body was thrown on the path, and the donkey stood by it. The lion also stood by the body.
(WEB)
Explain that a lion met the man on the road as a consequence of his disobedience. Help the children understand that the story is serious, and that God’s commands matter very much.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the man of God was willing to say no to the king’s reward?
- What did the old prophet say that was not true, and why was it wrong?
- How can we know what God wants us to do when someone tells us something different?
- What is one time you had to choose between what you wanted and what you knew was right?
- How can we help each other remember to listen to God’s voice?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Broken Altar
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw an altar on the paper and then draw a crack down the middle. Next, have them draw ashes spilling out onto the ground around the altar. Let them color it in and talk about what the altar’s breaking shows about God’s word being true.
Freeze Like the Lion
Gather the children in an open space and say “God’s word is true” as a call. When you say “Freeze,” everyone must stop completely still, like the lion standing by the body. Then say “Obey” and they move to a new spot. Repeat several times to practice listening and responding to God’s voice quickly.
Obedience Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, paper, and a pen. Each time a child obeys God’s word in a small way at home, such as helping a sibling or speaking kindly, write it on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together and thank God for helping each child listen to Him.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s word is trustworthy and that disobedience carries serious consequences. The man of God was faithful to God’s command until he listened to someone who claimed to speak for God but was lying. Adults can learn that God’s clear word should guide our choices, and that we must test what others tell us against Scripture.
Be careful not to make the story sound like children are punished by lions when they make mistakes. The chapter is a strong warning about deliberately disobeying God’s clear commands, and it is best presented as a reminder of God’s holiness rather than a threat to children.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that Your words are true and can always be trusted. Help us to listen closely to You and to obey You, even when it is hard. Give us wisdom to know the difference between Your voice and the voices of others. We love You and want to follow You every day. Amen.
