This lesson teaches children that God is with those who trust him, even when others are jealous or unkind. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a short Bible reading, and one activity.
Big Idea
God takes care of us when we are good friends and when people are not kind to us. We can trust him even when things feel unfair.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 18:14
David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
(WEB)
Teach children to stand tall with both arms stretched wide, then bring their hands together over their heart as they say the verse. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, until they can say it with their eyes closed.
The Story: 1 Samuel 18 for Kids
David was a young shepherd boy who loved God. One day he went to see King Saul after he had won a big battle. Saul liked David so much that he asked him to stay in the palace and become one of his helpers. David said yes, and he became a close friend of Saul’s son, Jonathan. Jonathan loved David like his very own self, and he gave David his special robe, his sword, and his bow to show how much he cared.
David did everything King Saul asked, and he always did it well. Everyone liked him, and Saul made him a leader over many soldiers. When David came home from fighting the Philistines, the women of the land came out singing and dancing. They sang, “Saul has killed thousands, and David has killed ten thousands!” Saul did not like hearing this. He felt jealous and thought, “What more can David want than my kingdom?”
The next day, Saul was so upset that he threw his spear at David, trying to pin him to the wall. David ran away, and it happened again later. Saul was afraid of David because he could see that God was with him. God had stayed with David through every hard moment, and David kept doing what was right.
Saul then made David a leader over a thousand men, hoping David would get hurt in battle. But David kept winning, and everyone saw that God was helping him. Saul’s daughter, Michal, loved David, and Saul gave her to David as his wife. Saul still felt afraid and remained David’s enemy, but David went on serving God faithfully and became more respected than ever.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 18:1
When he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
(WEB)
Point out how Jonathan and David became close friends. Ask children what kind of friend Jonathan was, and how a true friend shows love by being kind and generous.
1 Samuel 18:12
Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and had departed from Saul.
(WEB)
Show children that Saul was afraid because God was with David. Explain that when we trust God, we don’t need to be afraid of what others can do to us.
1 Samuel 18:28
Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David; and Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him.
(WEB)
Point out that Saul could see God’s help on David’s life. Encourage children to notice how God’s presence can be seen in the way we live and treat others.
Talk About It
- How did Jonathan show that he was a good friend to David?
- Why do you think King Saul got jealous of David?
- What did David do when people said mean things about him or tried to hurt him?
- How can we tell that God was helping David during hard times?
- What is one way you can be a good friend to someone who is different from you?
Activity Ideas
Friendship Crown Craft
You will need paper strips, crayons or markers, tape, and some glue or stickers. Have each child write the name of a friend on one strip and draw something that friend does well. Tape the strips together into a crown or headband. Talk about how Jonathan gave David gifts to show love, and how we can show friendship by encouraging the people around us.
Spear and Shield Game
You will need a soft ball or a balloon and a small open space. Divide the children into two teams and have them pass the ball from one team to another without dropping it, cheering for each good pass. Explain that David stayed safe because God protected him, and that we can ask God to help us when we feel unsafe. Finish by reading the memory verse together.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a pencil or crayons. Ask each child to write or draw one way they can be a good friend this week, along with a short prayer asking God to help them. Encourage them to keep the card somewhere they will see it, like by the bed or on the fridge, and to share it with someone at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how God is faithful to his people even when they face jealousy, fear, and opposition. David’s success came not from his own strength but from the Lord being with him, and his character stayed steady under pressure. Jonathan’s loyalty also reflects a godly kind of friendship that puts another person’s good above one’s own position.
Avoid suggesting to children that doing right will always bring instant rewards or that trusting God means nothing bad will ever happen to them. Keep the focus on God’s presence and faithfulness rather than promising outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are with us every day. Help us to be good friends like Jonathan, to be kind even when others are unkind, and to trust you when we feel scared or unfair. Help us remember that you are always near. Amen.
