In this lesson, children learn that God wants us to obey Him, not just give Him gifts. Ages 5 to 11 can follow it, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a few questions, and a short activity.
Big Idea
God cares most about us doing what He tells us. Doing what is right matters more than doing things that look good on the outside.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 15:22
Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the LORD’s voice? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like a bowl, then slowly lift them up toward the sky as you say the words. Then tap your heart with one hand. Doing this every time you say it helps children connect obedience with loving God.
The Story: 1 Samuel 15 for Kids
God sent a prophet named Samuel to talk to Saul, who was the king of Israel. God had a special job for Saul. The Amalekites had fought against God’s people long before, and God told Saul to defeat them completely. Saul was supposed to destroy everything that belonged to the Amalekites.
Saul gathered his army and went to fight. He won the battle and captured King Agag. But Saul and the people decided to keep the best sheep, cattle, and lambs for themselves. They only destroyed the things that were worthless to them. God was not pleased with this, and He told Samuel that He was sorry He had made Saul king.
Samuel was very upset. He stayed up all night praying to God. In the morning, he went to find Saul. Saul proudly said, “I did what the Lord told me to do!” But Samuel could hear sheep bleating and cattle mooing. Saul said the people had saved the animals to offer to God. Samuel answered with a question that you can ask your class: “Does the Lord want sacrifices more than He wants us to obey Him?”
Saul admitted he had sinned. He had been afraid of the people and listened to them instead of God. Samuel told Saul that God had taken the kingdom away from him. As Samuel turned to leave, Saul grabbed his robe, and it tore. Samuel explained that this was like the kingdom being torn away from Saul.
Samuel then took King Agag and put him to death. After that, Samuel went home, and he did not visit Saul again for the rest of Saul’s life. Samuel was sad about what had happened, and God was sad too.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 15:14-15
14 Samuel said, “Then what does this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?” 15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the cattle, to sacrifice to the LORD your God. We have utterly destroyed the rest.”
(WEB)
Point out how Samuel asked Saul about the sound of the animals. Ask the children to notice that Saul had an excuse ready. Explain that the excuse did not change what God had said.
1 Samuel 15:19
Why then didn’t you obey the LORD’s voice, but took the plunder, and did that which was evil in the LORD’s sight?”
(WEB)
Show the children that Samuel asked a direct question about why Saul did not obey. Point out that God wants honest answers, and that He already knew what had happened.
1 Samuel 15:24
Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
(WEB)
Help the children see that Saul admitted his sin. Explain that saying “I was wrong” is an important step, even though Saul still faced serious consequences for his choices.
Talk About It
- What did God ask Saul to do, and what did Saul do instead?
- Why do you think Saul was afraid of the people?
- What is a time when you wanted to do your own thing instead of what you were asked to do?
- How can we show God we love Him by obeying Him, not just by doing nice things?
- What can you do this week to choose obedience when it is hard?
Activity Ideas
Obedience Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large heart and write or draw one way they can obey God this week inside it. Let them decorate the heart and take it home to remind them of their promise.
Simon Says for Obedience
Play a version of Simon Says, but use a rule that children must follow carefully. Give simple instructions like “touch your nose” or “clap twice.” When someone does something without being told, they are out. Afterward, talk about how listening carefully and following directions shows respect.
Obedience Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen or pencil. Ask each child to write a simple act of obedience on a slip, such as helping at home or being kind to a sibling. Have them put the slips in the jar and draw one each day to practice together.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God values obedience more than religious offerings. Saul tried to make his disobedience look like worship, but God looks at the heart. Adults can see that partial obedience is still disobedience, and that God’s commands must be followed fully.
When teaching children, avoid making the story only about punishment. The focus should be on God’s desire for relationship and trust, not on fear of losing a position. Keep the emphasis on loving God through obedience.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we want to listen to You and do what You ask. Help us to obey You even when it is hard, and help us to be honest when we make mistakes. Thank You for loving us and wanting us to follow You. Amen.
