This lesson teaches children that God’s kindness reaches people who cannot earn it, and that we can show that same kindness to others. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
King David showed kindness to someone who could never repay him, just as God shows kindness to us. We can be kind to others in the same way, even when they cannot do anything for us.
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 the children to cup both hands together, then open them wide like a gift being given away. Say the verse with the motion each time, so they connect the words with a generous, open-handed kindness.
The Story: 2 Samuel 9 for Kids
Long ago, King David had a dear friend named Jonathan. Jonathan had died, but David remembered his promise to be kind to Jonathan’s family. David asked his servants, “Is anyone left from Saul’s family? I want to show them kindness for Jonathan’s sake.”
A servant named Ziba came to David. Ziba told him that Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth could not walk well because he was lame in both of his feet. He had been living in a far-off house in a place called Lo Debar.
David sent men to bring Mephibosheth to the palace. When Mephibosheth arrived, he was scared. He bowed low to the ground. David looked at him kindly and said, “Don’t be afraid. I will surely show you kindness for your father Jonathan’s sake.”
David made a promise. He would give back to Mephibosheth all the land that had belonged to his grandfather Saul. He also said, “You will eat bread at my table every day.” Mephibosheth could not believe such a great king would be so good to him. He said, “Why would you even look at someone like me?”
David called Ziba and told him to take care of Mephibosheth’s land. Ziba and his fifteen sons and twenty servants would work the fields for Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth, however, would live in the king’s house and eat at the king’s table, just like one of the king’s own sons.
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 asked a question before he did anything else. He wanted to find someone to be kind to, and he kept looking until he found Mephibosheth. Ask children how they can look for people who might need kindness.
2 Samuel 9:6
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!”
(WEB)
Show the children how Mephibosheth bowed down when he met David. Explain that he was humble and unsure of himself. Ask them what it feels like to be nervous around someone important.
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)
Point out that Mephibosheth lived at the king’s table for good. His lameness did not stop him from being welcomed as a member of the family. Remind children that God welcomes us into his family too.
Talk About It
- What did David want to do for Jonathan’s family, and why did he want to do it?
- How do you think Mephibosheth felt when the servants came to take him to the king?
- Why do you think Mephibosheth was afraid when he first saw David?
- What did David say to Mephibosheth to help him feel safe?
- Who is someone in our lives who might need a kind friend like David was?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Table Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons, glue, and construction paper. Have each child draw a small picture of themselves sitting at a table, then glue it onto a paper plate. Write “Kindness at the Table” at the top. Let them take the plate home to remind them of David’s welcome to Mephibosheth.
Hands Open Game
Gather the children in a circle and have them stand. Call out “Open hands!” and everyone opens their arms wide. Call out “Close hands!” and they fold their arms. Play several rounds, then tell them that open hands show kindness the way David’s did. End by reciting the memory verse together with the motions.
Kindness Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask the family to write one kind thing they did for someone each day on a slip and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together at dinner. This helps children see kindness as a daily practice, like David’s choice to care for Mephibosheth.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that David’s kindness was rooted in his covenant love for Jonathan, and it foreshadows the way God shows grace to people who have no claim on his favor. Mephibosheth’s position at the table is a picture of how grace makes outsiders part of the family.
Avoid suggesting to children that God’s kindness depends on their behavior or that they must earn kindness. Keep the focus on David’s generosity as a picture of God’s grace, and let the children simply enjoy the happy ending.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for being kind to us even when we do nothing to deserve it. Help us to show kindness to others, just as King David did for Mephibosheth. Help us to notice people who need a friend and to welcome them with open hands. Amen.
