This lesson teaches children that King David kept his promise of kindness to Jonathan’s family, and that God shows kindness to us in the same way. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Keeping promises is what good friends and good kings do, and God always keeps His promises to us. David showed kindness to a boy named Mephibosheth because he had promised his friend Jonathan he would.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 9:7
David said to him, “Don’t be afraid; for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your father. You will eat bread at my table continually.”
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both hands out flat, palms up, like they are receiving a gift. Then cross their arms over their chest, as if giving the gift to a friend. Say the verse together while doing the motions, then repeat it three times faster.
The Story: 2 Samuel 9 for Kids
King David had a good friend named Jonathan. Jonathan’s father was King Saul, and Jonathan had promised David that he would always be kind. Long after Jonathan had died, David remembered that promise and asked, “Is anyone left from Saul’s family that I can be kind to?”
A servant named Ziba came to the king. Ziba told David that Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth. This boy could not walk well because both of his feet were hurt. He was living in a faraway house in a place called Lo Debar.
David sent his helpers to bring Mephibosheth to the palace. When the boy arrived, he was scared and bowed low to the ground. David smiled and said, “Don’t be afraid! I will be kind to you because of your father Jonathan.” David gave him back all of his grandfather’s land.
Mephibosheth could not believe such a great king would care for him. He said, “Why would you look at someone like me, who is nothing?” But David did not treat him like a nobody. David said that Mephibosheth would eat at the king’s table every day, just like one of the king’s own sons.
Ziba and his many sons and servants were told to farm the land and grow food for Mephibosheth. Ziba agreed to do everything the king asked. So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem and ate at the king’s table for the rest of his life.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 9:1
David said, “Is there yet any who is left of Saul’s house, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
(WEB)
Point out that David started by asking a question about kindness. Ask children who they think David was looking for and why he wanted to find someone from Saul’s family.
2 Samuel 9:6-7
6 Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, and fell on his face, and showed respect. David said, “Mephibosheth.” He answered, “Behold, your servant!” 7 David said to him, “Don’t be afraid; for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your father. You will eat bread at my table continually.”
(WEB)
Show how Mephibosheth bowed down, and how David kindly told him not to be afraid. Point out the words “Don’t be afraid,” and talk about how God says the same thing to us.
2 Samuel 9:13
So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem; for he ate continually at the king’s table. He was lame in both his feet.
(WEB)
Explain that Mephibosheth got a seat at the king’s table even though his feet were hurt. Remind children that God welcomes everyone to His family, no matter what they can or cannot do.
Talk About It
- Why did David want to be kind to someone from Saul’s family?
- How do you think Mephibosheth felt when he first saw the king?
- What did David promise Mephibosheth, and did he keep that promise?
- Who is someone who has been kind to you, even when you didn’t expect it?
- How can we show kindness to someone who is different from us or who feels left out?
Activity Ideas
Paper Table Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, glue, and a small paper plate. Have each child draw a small picture of themselves sitting at a table. Then glue the picture onto the plate to make a place setting. Talk about how David made room at his table for Mephibosheth, and how there is always room at God’s table for us.
Promise Keeper Game
Gather the children in a circle and have one child start by making a simple promise, such as “I will hop three times.” Everyone else must copy the promise, and the child must keep their promise by doing it. Take turns making promises. This shows how keeping our word matters, just as David kept his word to Jonathan.
Kindness Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a pen, and a rubber band. Have each child write the words “God keeps His promises” on one side and draw a heart on the other. Let them take it home and place it somewhere they will see it, like on a bedroom door. Encourage them to show kindness to someone during the week and tell you about it next class.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how David’s kindness to Mephibosheth reflects God’s own faithfulness and grace. Mephibosheth had no claim to the king’s favor, yet David honored his covenant with Jonathan and brought him into the royal household. This points to the way God receives those who come to Him in humility and need.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God will always give us what we want or that we will never face hardship. Mephibosheth remained lame, so keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and kindness, not on guaranteed physical healing or easy circumstances.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping Your promises to us every day. Help us to be kind like King David, and to make room at our tables for others. Thank You that You welcome us into Your family. Amen.
