This lesson teaches children that a true friend keeps promises, even when it is hard. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God helps us keep our promises to our friends, and God sees when we do. Jonathan loved David and kept his word, even when it cost him something.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 20:42
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in the LORD’s name, saying, ‘The LORD is between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” He arose and departed; and Jonathan went into the city.
(WEB)
Have the children stand, hold out their pinkies, and link them together with a friend. Shake the linked fingers up and down once, then say the verse together as you shake. This helps them remember that a promise is something you hold onto.
The Story: 1 Samuel 20 for Kids
David was running away from King Saul. Saul was angry and wanted to hurt him. David went to find Jonathan, Saul’s son, who was his very best friend. He asked, “What have I done wrong? Why does your father want to kill me?”
Jonathan did not believe it at first. He said, “My father would tell me if he wanted to hurt you. You will not die.” But David did not give up. He said, “Your father knows I am your friend, and he is keeping this from you so you won’t be sad. Truly, I am in great danger.”
The two friends made a plan. Jonathan would watch his father at a special feast. He would shoot three arrows into a field and send a boy to find them. If Jonathan told the boy the arrows were near, David could come back safely. If Jonathan told the boy the arrows were far away, David would have to run away. Jonathan promised to tell David the truth no matter what.
At the feast, Saul was angry that David was missing. He shouted at Jonathan and even threw a spear at him. Jonathan was very sad, because he saw that his father really did want to hurt David.
The next morning Jonathan went out to the field with a little boy. He shot the arrow far past the boy and called out, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you? Hurry! Don’t delay!” The boy did not know the secret, but David knew. David came out of hiding, and the two friends hugged and cried together.
Then Jonathan said, “Go in peace, because we have both promised in the Lord’s name that we will be friends forever.” David went on his way, and Jonathan went back to the city. They kept their promise even though they were far apart.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 20:13
The LORD do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do you evil, if I don’t disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace. May the LORD be with you, as he has been with my father.
(WEB)
Point out that Jonathan promised to help David and asked God to be with him. Ask the children how a friend can show they care when they cannot be together.
1 Samuel 20:17
Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
(WEB)
Show that Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself. Explain that real love looks like caring for someone the way you care for yourself.
1 Samuel 20:23
Concerning the matter which you and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever.”
(WEB)
Explain that Jonathan and David asked God to watch over their promise. Remind the children that God sees every promise we make and keep.
Talk About It
- What did David ask Jonathan to do for him, and why was it hard?
- How did Jonathan show that he was a loyal friend?
- Can you tell about a time when a friend kept a promise to you?
- What is something you could promise a friend this week?
- How do you think God feels when we keep our word?
Activity Ideas
Friendship Arrow Craft
You will need paper, crayons, a pencil, and tape. Have each child draw a long arrow on paper and write the name of a friend on the feather end. On the other side, they can draw a picture of something they promise to do for that friend. Tape the arrows to the wall as a reminder of promises kept.
Arrow Hunt Game
Hide small paper arrows around the room before class. Have one child play Jonathan and call out “Hot” or “Cold” to a blindfolded or eyes-closed child who plays the boy. Each time the boy finds an arrow, cheer together, then switch roles. Talk about how Jonathan kept his promise to David even when it was tricky.
Promise Keeper Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each week, have the children write one promise they will keep for a family member or friend and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read a few promises aloud and ask whether they were kept. This helps children practice being faithful in small things.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows a deep friendship built on loyalty and covenant. Jonathan chose to protect David even though it meant giving up his own place in the kingdom. It also shows that faithfulness to a promise is an act of trust in the Lord.
Be careful not to suggest that the story teaches children to keep secrets from parents or authority figures. Jonathan kept his word out of love and courage, but the lesson is about faithfulness, not hiding things from those who care for us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for good friends who keep their promises. Help us be faithful to the people we love, even when it is hard. Remind us that you see every promise we make and keep. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
