In this lesson, children learn that God’s words are 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 listen to Him even when many people say something else.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like you are holding something precious. Then slowly open your hands and lift them up as you say the verse together. Do this motion each time you say it so the words stick.
The Story: 1 Kings 22 for Kids
King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah were friends. King Ahab wanted to take back a city called Ramoth Gilead from the king of Syria. He asked King Jehoshaphat to go to battle with him. King Jehoshaphat said yes, but first he wanted to ask God what to do.
King Ahab gathered about four hundred prophets. These men were supposed to speak for God. They all said the same thing: “Go up, and God will give the city to you!” But King Jehoshaphat was not sure. He asked, “Isn’t there another prophet of the LORD we can ask?”
King Ahab said there was one more man named Micaiah. King Ahab did not like him, because Micaiah never told the king what he wanted to hear. The messenger told Micaiah, “Please say what the king wants to hear.” Micaiah answered, “I will only say what the LORD tells me.”
When Micaiah came to the king, he first said, “Go and win!” But the king knew he was not telling the truth. So Micaiah told them what he really saw. He saw the people scattered like sheep with no shepherd. He also told them that God had let a lying spirit trick King Ahab’s prophets. One of the false prophets, Zedekiah, got angry and hit Micaiah. The king put Micaiah in prison.
King Ahab went to battle anyway. He wore a disguise so the enemy would not know who he was. But one enemy soldier shot an arrow at random, and it hit King Ahab. He died in his chariot that evening. God’s word came true, just as Micaiah had said.
Read It Together
1 Kings 22:14
Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak.”
(WEB)
Point out that Micaiah refused to change his message to please the king. Ask the children why it is hard to say the truth when people do not want to hear it. Explain that Micaiah trusted God more than he trusted the crowd.
1 Kings 22:19-22
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. 21 A spirit came out and stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ 22 The LORD said to him, ‘How?’ He said, ‘I will go out and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ He said, ‘You will entice him, and will also prevail. Go out and do so.’
(WEB)
Show the children that Micaiah saw God sitting on His throne and in complete control. Explain that nothing happens without God knowing about it. Help the children see that God is always in charge, even when wicked people make plans.
1 Kings 22:34-35
34 A certain man drew his bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armor. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn your hand, and carry me out of the battle; for I am severely wounded.” 35 The battle increased that day. The king was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians, and died at evening. The blood ran out of the wound into the bottom of the chariot.
(WEB)
Point out that King Ahab tried to hide from what God had said, but he could not escape it. Remind the children that we cannot hide from God or change what He has said. Encourage them that God’s words always come true.
Talk About It
- Why do you think King Ahab did not like Micaiah even though Micaiah told him the truth?
- What is one time when it was hard for you to tell the truth or do the right thing?
- How can you tell when someone is speaking for God and when they are only saying what people want to hear?
- What did King Jehoshaphat do that was wise when he asked for another prophet?
- How does it feel to know that God is always in control of everything that happens?
Activity Ideas
Crown and Helmet Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw King Ahab in his disguise and then draw Micaiah standing before him in plain clothes. Talk together about how the two pictures are different. Let the children color their pictures and take them home to remind them that God’s truth is always the strongest.
Truth or Lie Relay
You will need two chairs and some small toys or pieces of paper. Set the chairs at opposite ends of the room. Have children run one at a time to the far chair, where you read a short true or false statement about the story. If the statement is true, the child carries a toy back. If it is false, the child stays put and waits for the next one. Keep the game fun and short.
Truth Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a pencil. Have each child write or draw a simple picture of Micaiah telling the truth, along with the words “God always tells the truth.” Encourage them to tape the card to their bedroom door or lunchbox. Let them show the card to their family during the week.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s word stands above popular opinion and the desires of powerful people. Many prophets gave a pleasant message to please the king, but only Micaiah spoke what God revealed, even at personal cost. Adults can learn from Micaiah’s courage to stay faithful to God’s word when it is unpopular.
Avoid suggesting that the lying spirit means God is the author of deceit in a simple way. Keep the focus on God’s sovereignty and the reliability of His true word. Children should come away knowing that God’s truth is trustworthy, rather than leaving with confusion about how God works in the spiritual world.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that Your words are always true. Help us to listen to You and trust what You say, even when others tell us something different. Give us courage to speak the truth with kindness, just like Micaiah did. Amen.
