In this lesson, children learn that God wants people to do what is right and trust Him, even when their leaders do not. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sees our hearts, and He is with us when we choose to love and obey Him. We can trust Him even when others around us make bad choices.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 15:5
Because David did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, and didn’t turn away from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up like you are holding a book, then open them slowly as you say the words “did what was right.” Repeat the motion together three times so the children remember the phrase by their hands as well as their voices.
The Story: 1 Kings 15 for Kids
A long time ago, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. Jeroboam ruled the northern kingdom of Israel, and his son Abijam became king of the southern kingdom of Judah. Abijam did many of the same wrong things his father had done, and his heart was not fully loyal to God.
After Abijam died, his son Asa became king. Asa did something very different. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his great-great-grandfather David had done. Asa wanted people to worship God and not idols, so he removed the false idols from the land. He even removed his own grandmother Maacah from being queen because she had made an idol.
Later, a king named Baasha came to attack Judah. Asa was scared, so he took silver and gold from the Temple and the king’s house and sent it to Ben Hadad, the king of Syria. Asa said to him, “Let us make a deal.” Ben Hadad listened and attacked the cities of Israel, so Baasha had to stop building his city and go home.
Asa was not perfect. He made some mistakes, and in his old age his feet were sick. Still, the Bible says his heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days. When Asa died, his son Jehoshaphat became king in his place. The story reminds us that God remembers the people who choose to serve Him.
Read It Together
1 Kings 15:11
Asa did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, as David his father did.
(WEB)
Point out that Asa did what was right, just as his father David had done. Ask the children who they think of as good examples and why those people are good examples to follow.
1 Kings 15:14
But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with the LORD all his days.
(WEB)
Explain that Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days, even though he made mistakes. Tell the children that God looks at our hearts and that we can ask Him for forgiveness when we fall short.
1 Kings 15:15
He brought into the LORD’s house the things that his father had dedicated, and the things that he himself had dedicated: silver, gold, and utensils.
(WEB)
Show how Asa brought gifts he had promised to God into the house of the LORD. Talk about ways the children can give back to God, such as through kind words, helping others, or bringing an offering to church.
Talk About It
- What did King Asa do that pleased God, and how can you do the same thing this week?
- Why do you think God cares more about our hearts than about the mistakes we make?
- When someone around you makes bad choices, how can you still choose to follow God?
- What is one idol or thing in your life that might take the place of God in your heart?
- How did Asa show that he trusted God when he was afraid of the king who came to attack?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large heart on the paper and write or draw one way they can love God inside it. Let them decorate the edges of the heart with colors that remind them of God’s love. Display the hearts in the classroom or at home as a reminder that God looks at the heart.
Stand Up, Sit Down Game
Ask the children to stand up when you name something that is right in God’s eyes, like helping a friend or telling the truth, and sit down when you name something that is not, like lying or being mean. Use a cheerful tone and let the children take turns calling out their own examples. This game helps them practice telling right from wrong in a fun way.
Family Heart Check Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small piece of tape or a clip. Write “Did I do what is right today?” on the card and place it somewhere the child will see it at bedtime, such as on the fridge or a bedroom door. Each evening, talk together about one way the child showed love to God or others that day. This simple habit helps children reflect on their choices.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God judges leaders and individuals by their devotion to Him, not by their perfection. Asa is remembered as a good king even though he made serious mistakes, because his heart stayed faithful to the LORD. The chapter also shows that the same kings can mix faithfulness with poor choices, which reminds us to keep examining our own hearts.
Avoid telling children that doing right always leads to easy results. Asa faced a war and had to pay the Temple treasures to a foreign king. Help children see that God is faithful even when the situation is hard, without promising that obedience will always make life simple.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, help us to do what is right in Your eyes. Please give us hearts that love You and trust You every day. When we make mistakes, help us come back to You. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
