In this lesson, children learn that God’s word is always true, even when the crowd says something different. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always tells the truth, so we should listen to what God says, even when it is hard to hear and everyone else is saying something else.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 22:14
Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak.”
(WEB)
Hold your hands in front of your mouth, then open them wide like a book. Say the words slowly together, moving your hands with each phrase, so children link the motion with the promise to speak only what God says.
The Story: 1 Kings 22 for Kids
King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah were friends who wanted to fight together. Ahab wanted to take back a town called Ramoth Gilead from the king of Syria. Jehoshaphat agreed to help, but he had a wise idea. He said, “Let us ask God first what we should do.”
Ahab gathered about four hundred prophets, men who said they spoke for God. They all said the same thing: “Go up, and God will give you the victory!” Ahab’s friends sounded happy about it. But Jehoshaphat was not sure. He asked, “Is there not one more prophet of the LORD we can ask?”
Ahab admitted there was a man named Micaiah. But Ahab said, “I do not like him, because he never says anything good about me.” Still, the king called for Micaiah. The messenger told Micaiah, “All the other prophets say good things. Please say the same.” Micaiah answered, “I will only say what the LORD tells me.”
When Micaiah came before the kings, he first said, “Go and win!” Ahab could tell he was not being honest. He said, “How many times must I make you promise to tell me the truth?” Then Micaiah told the truth. He said he saw Israel scattered like sheep with no shepherd, and that Ahab would not come back from the battle.
Ahab did not like this answer. He sent Micaiah to prison. Ahab still went to battle, but he hid his royal clothes so no one would recognize him. In the fight, an enemy archer shot an arrow at random, and it struck Ahab. That evening Ahab died, just as God’s word through Micaiah had said.
Read It Together
1 Kings 22:5
Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the LORD’s word.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from God before making a choice. Ask children what they can do before they make a big decision, such as praying or asking a parent or teacher for help.
1 Kings 22:19-20
19 Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the LORD’s word. I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the army of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. 20 The LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ One said one thing; and another said another.
(WEB)
Explain that Micaiah saw God sitting on His throne and in complete control. Tell children that nothing happens outside of God’s knowledge, even when people make foolish choices.
1 Kings 22:28
Micaiah said, “If you return at all in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” He said, “Listen, all you people!”
(WEB)
Show that Micaiah stayed faithful even when he was threatened. Encourage children that standing up for what is true is important, even when it makes others unhappy.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Jehoshaphat wanted to ask God before going to battle?
- How did the prophets who told Ahab what he wanted to hear feel about God’s truth?
- Why was Micaiah brave when he told the king something the king did not want to hear?
- What is one way we can listen for God’s voice in our everyday lives?
- When someone tells you what you want to hear, how can you check whether it is really true?
Activity Ideas
Truth Telling Scroll Craft
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Have them draw a simple scroll or open book and write or draw one thing they know God says is true, such as “God always keeps His promises.” Let them roll the paper up and take it home to remind them of God’s word.
Shepherd and Sheep Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and the rest to be sheep. The shepherd stands at one end of the room and calls out “Come home to me.” Sheep must follow only the shepherd’s voice and ignore a second child pretending to be a false prophet calling out different directions. This helps children practice listening for the true voice.
Truth Check Card for Home
Cut index cards and write “Is it true? Does God say it?” on each one. Send one card home with each child and encourage families to read it together at dinner. Ask family members to share one thing they heard that day and check it against what God says in the Bible. This turns the lesson into a regular habit of listening for truth.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s word stands firm even when many voices disagree with it. Ahab surrounded himself with prophets who told him only pleasant things, and he chose to ignore the one who spoke God’s truth. The chapter reminds us that God’s word can be trusted, and that faithfulness sometimes means speaking unpopular truth with humility.
Be careful not to suggest that the lying spirit mentioned in the chapter is something children should be afraid of or that God deceives people as a general rule. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and the value of listening to what is true.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that Your words are always true and always good. Help us listen for Your voice, even when it is hard to hear. Give us courage to tell the truth, and help us trust You more each day. Amen.
