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King Saul's Last Days by Jennifer Tolbert
King Saul was not a strong leader. He had disappointed God and was not rejected by God and cut off from Samuel. God directed Samuel to find someone new to be the king. Instead of asking for forgiveness, Saul's attitude becomes worse. Once he finds out about the new king, he becomes so jealous he is willing to murder God's anointed king.
Saul is characterized by his fear, lack of faith, jealousy and eventual downfall. HIs life is an illustration of poor leadership and a lack of integrity. Key Themes:
Memory VerseSongs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Hear, O Israel Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus My God is so Big There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart Who's the King of the Jungle Trust and Obey Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Pride vs. Humility Introduce children to the words "pride" and "humility." Ask the children: “What does it mean to be proud of something? Can being proud sometimes get us into trouble?” "What does humility look like?" Let them share their thoughts. Give them scenarios in which they can say what the prideful reaction would be and what a humble reaction would be. Explain that today, they will learn about a king who let his pride get the best of him, leading to serious consequences. 2."The Lost Message" Puzzle Help the children understand the chain of events that led to Saul’s downfall and how his choices affected him negatively. Description: Create a puzzle that represents King Saul's journey of disobedience. You can use one of the free blank puzzle printables. Write the key elements of the story on separate puzzle pieces (for example: “King Saul disobeys God,” “King Saul visits the witch,” “Saul hears Samuel's spirit,” etc.). The children will put the pieces together in order, and once the puzzle is completed, discuss the lessons from the story. Discuss how Saul’s actions impacted his relationship with God and what happens when we choose to disobey God or look for answers outside of Him. 3. Information Sources The Witch of Endor teaches us the danger of seeking answers from ungodly sources. Where do we go when we need advice? Brainstorm a list of sources such as: parents, phones, internet, books, magazines, the Bible. Discuss how you judge if something/someone is a good source of information. Story: In this story, King Saul needs advice. Instead of going to God, he seeks advice in a very strange way! He breaks God's law (and his own law) and seeks out a witch for advice. This is the last time Saul will disobey God. Just as predicted, Saul and his sons will die in his final battle. David will be the next king. SHOW the power point King Saul's Last Days or read 1 Samuel 28-31. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
Fingerprint Heart Craft by Oriental Trading
Discuss the idea of having a hard heart like Saul.
Warning Signs
Have the children make warning signs as a reminder to stay away from things that are not in line with God's Word, just as Saul should have avoided going to the Witch of Endor. They can draw a witch’s hat or a symbol of something that could represent anything in their lives that they should avoid (e.g., things like “bad advice,” “false teachings,” etc.). Reinforce the idea that some paths, like Saul’s decision to consult the witch, are dangerous and go against God’s commands. After crafting the signs, talk about what other things we should avoid as Christians (e.g., fortune-telling, occult practices, disobedience). Discuss how God wants us to follow His way, not our own way or the ways of the world.
Guidance Compass Craft
Materials Needed: Paper plates, markers, scissors, glue, brads, cardstock, pencils OR Compass Craft from Oriental Trading Help the children make a simple compass that represents God’s guidance in our lives. Use a paper plate as the base, and draw a compass on it. Cut out an arrow from cardstock that can spin in the center using a brad (fastener). Have the kids decorate the compass with symbols of God’s guidance, such as a Bible, prayer hands, or a cross. Discuss how the compass points toward the right direction, just like God’s Word and guidance lead us in the right direction when we listen to Him.
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Saul's Jealousy by Jennifer Tolbert
King Saul was not a strong leader. He had disappointed God and was not rejected by God and cut off from Samuel. God directed Samuel to find someone new to be the king. Instead of asking for forgiveness, Saul's attitude becomes worse. Once he finds out about the new king, he becomes extremely jealous and tries to kill David.
Key Themes:
Memory VerseSongs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Hear, O Israel Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus My God is so Big There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart Who's the King of the Jungle Trust and Obey Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Sleeping Saul Game: Place an item on the floor along with a cushion. One child should play the part of Saul. The child should be blindfolded, lie on the cushion, and pretend to sleep. Choose one child to come and take the item away quietly. The child who has picked up the item should lay it down in an agreed-upon place and then join the rest of the group. When he or she says “mercy”, the “sleeping” child removes their blindfold and guesses who took the item. Children will quickly learn to disguise their voices. (From Mission Bible Class) 2. Jealousy Emotion Chart Have kids create a "Jealousy Emotion Chart" where they list situations where they feel jealous. Discuss positive ways to deal with those feelings, such as praying for others or being grateful for what they have. Discuss the consequences of acting on feelings of jealousy in a negative way. 3. Green Eyed Monster Mash SAY: Some people call the emotion of jealousy "the green-eyed monster." Sometimes when we act in jealousy, it is like a monster has taken over! Today, we are going to talk about how Saul's jealousy took over him so much that he tried to have someone killed! We have to keep the jealousy monster out of our heart! Discuss ways to mash the feelings of jealousy and keep the green eyed monster from taking over! Story: In this story, King Saul knows that he has messed up with God! God has rejected him and as a consequence, King Saul's son Jonathan will not get to be the next king. Instead, God has chosen a shepherd boy to be the next king of Israel. This makes Saul feel disappointed, angry and worst of all, jealous of David. As usual, Saul allows his feelings to get the better of him, and he makes some very bad choices. SHOW the power point David and King Saul or read 1 Samuel 23-24. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
Jealousy Journals: Decorate inexpensive journals from the Dollar Store. Have the kids write or draw about a time they felt jealous and how they could have responded better.
Jealousy vs. Friendship Chart:
On the whiteboard or a large piece of paper, create a "Jealousy vs. Friendship" chart with two columns. In the "Jealousy" column, write negative behaviors associated with jealousy (e.g., complaining, getting mad, feeling bitter), and in the "Friendship" column, write positive behaviors (e.g., cheering others on, saying “well done,” being kind).
Saul the Warrior by Jennifer Tolbert
God has a special plan for Israel. This plan set them apart from the nations around them. Even though God warned the people of Israel that an earthly king would come with consequences, they insisted on having one. God gave them King Saul. However, King Saul was not a strong leader.
Key Themes:
Memory VerseSongs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Hear, O Israel Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus My God is so Big There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart Who's the King of the Jungle Trust and Obey Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. A Recipe for Disaster Bring a recipe and its ingredients, as well as other silly ingredients that are not in the recipe. Talk to the children about adding things not required by the recipe, or leaving out things that are required. Discuss the results. (Source: Apologetics Press) 2. Playing with Fire Object Lesson
3. Excuses Bee Have an “excuses bee.” Children stand in a line. One at a time, the children must make an excuse people might say for doing something wrong (Example: I disobeyed my mum because I didn’t hear her.) If any child cannot think of an excuse, they sit down. The answers might get silly, but so do excuses. (From MissionBibleClass.org) Story: In this story, King Saul goes into battle against the Amalekites. God gives Saul a few very clear directions about what he is to do after he wins the battle. Saul disobeys God and then tries to justify his actions instead of admitting he disobeyed. This story reveals that Saul lacked the courage and faith to lead the Israelites in a way that pleases God. God rejects him as king. SHOW the power point King Saul Attacks the Amalekites or read 1 Samuel 15:1-35. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual Aids
Video: King Saul and the Battle of Against the Ammonites (a good video if you want to tell the story of another incident with Saul)
God is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
King Saul Happy vs. Sad Puppets by Danielle's Place
Saul Becomes King of Israel by Jennifer Tolbert
God has a special plan for Israel. This plan set them apart from the nations around them. They were to be a unique people, pointing to the true and living God and living their life for Him. However, like so many times people do, they looked at the people around them and decided they would rather blend in than stand out.
Key Themes:
Memory Verse
I John 5:3a
“This is love for God: to obey His commands.” Songs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Hear, O Israel Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus My God is so Big There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart Who's the King of the Jungle Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Kings and Queens Show some photos of famous kings and queens. You may share if they were a good ruler or a bad one. Talk about how much power that person has. Discuss what it would be like to be a king or queen. What kind of rules would you make? SAY: In today's story, we are going to learn about Israel's first king. Remember, they didn't have a king like the nations around them because God was their king. 2. Follow God's Voice
Story: In this story, Israelites decide they want a king to lead them. In doing so, they reject God as king. The Israelites are warned of the consequences of having an earthly king but still choose to go their own way. Saul is chosen as Israel's first king, primarily based on his outward appearance. He is reluctant to take up the task but eventually becomes the king. SHOW the power point Samuel Anoints Saul as King or read 1 Samuel 8:1-10:27. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
Game: The Kings Challenge
In order to lead Israel, Saul needed to trust God, and demonstrate wisdom and leadership. Create a series of "kings challenges" to demonstrate what it would look like to "train" Saul to become a good king. Here are some ideas: A blindfolded obstacle course (trust), trivia about Bible characters who showed wisdom/trusted God, a puzzle with the memory verse, Bible verse find with verses about trust and wisdom.
Molded in His Image
Supplies: clay or playdough Challenge the kids to make something out of playdough that represents them. (They may make a basketball, or a video game controller, etc.) Read Isaiah 64:8 For older kids, this may be a good time to discuss peer pressure and the power of influence. Who do they look up to? Who are they modeling? Who or what is "king" of their life. Who is "molding" or has influence over their life?
Judges: Gideon by Jennifer Tolbert
In the stories of the judges, and later in the kings, we see the importance of leadership. With strong, godly leaders, the Israelites please God and prosper. We also see how weak and worldly leaders lead the people away from God and the consequences of those actions.
In Judges, we see the results of strong, but flawed people leading the Israelites. Like Moses, Gideon was hesitant to lead as God called him, but in faith did defeat the enemies of God and His people. Key Themes:
Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Songs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Hear, O Israel Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus I'm in the Lord's Army My God is so Big The Judges Song The Battle Belongs to the Lord The Judges Song Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Gideon's Fleece Introduce this story by telling/reminding the children about Gideon's backstory and how he asked God for a sign to make sure he was doing the right thing. If possible, show the children a lamb's fleece. 2. Gideon’s 300 Challenge – Obstacle Course
Story: In this story, Gideon is called by God to lead the Israelites. But, Gideon is hesitant at first. He wants to make sure that God was actually giving him this message. He makes a deal with God using a lamb's fleece. Both times, God showed Gideon that he was calling Gideon and promised him success. Leadership requires faith and courage, but as we see over and over again, the Israelite people are only as faithful as their leaders. SHOW the power point Gideon's Battle with the Midianites or read Judges 7:1-25. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
Gideon’s Army Banner Activity: Let children create a banner or poster representing Gideon’s army. This is a craft that helps them reflect on how Gideon’s army was small, yet God used them to win the battle.
Materials: Poster board or shield, markers, crayons, fabric scraps (to symbolize the army’s gear), stickers, and glue. Instructions: Have the children draw or glue fabric pieces to make a banner or shield representing God’s victory through Gideon’s small army. As they do this, remind them how God used the little things to accomplish great things.
Judges: Deborah and Barak go into Battle by Jennifer Tolbert
God has rescued and provided for the children of Israel. They have experienced his miracles, wonders, provision and protection. Over and over, he has proven himself to be true and faithful to them. Over and over, they continue to doubt and fail. Even as they dwell in the Promised Land, they forget the God who brought them there!
In this story, the children of Israel have turned from God and have again started worshipping idols. God sends them judges, like Deborah to guide them and lead them back to God. This is the story of how Deborah and Barak lead the Israelites in battle against the Canaanites. Key Themes:
Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Songs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands Hear, O Israel Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus I'm in the Lord's Army My God is So Big The Judges Song Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Stuck in the Mud This is a take on the classic game of freeze tag by Trueway Kids. Use this game to discuss being stuck in sin and what it looks like to help pull a friend out of sin. 2. Palm Tree Court Set up a make believe court for the kids and give them silly scenarios to "judge" between. Let the kids argue their case before the judge. You can find more information at Rotation.org. Story: In this story, the children of Israel have again fallen away from God. They have started worshipping idols and forgotten about all that God has done for them. As a consequence, God allowed them to be conquered by the neighboring Canaanites. This is the story of how Deborah and Barak faithfully lead the Israelites into battle against the Canaanites. SHOW the power point Deborah and Barak Go Into Battle or read Judges 4-5. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual Aids
Video: Deborah and Barak by My First Bible
God is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
12 Tribes Are Given Canaan by Jennifer Tolbert
The Promised Land finally belongs to the children of Israel, just as God had promised Abraham that it would! The journey was long and lots of hard lessons were learned in the wilderness.
In this story, the long journey is over, and Joshua's life is also coming to an end. Joshua, like Moses, leaves a final message and wisdom from his lifetime of partnering with God. Key Themes:
Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Songs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. The Castle of My Heart Hear, O Israel Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho My Father's House Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus Make Me a Servant This is My Father's World The Judges Song Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Service Project Have a simple service craft that the kids can help you assemble like soup in a jar or a decorating the bag and adding things for a small care package. SAY: In our story today, Joshua declares that he and his household will serve the Lord. That means that for as long as he lived, his family was going to serve God. How can we serve God together as a family? Brainstorm ways that you can serve. At the end of class, challenge the kids and their families to give their care package to someone in need. 2. Family Pictures Allow the children to spend some time drawing a picture of everyone in their family. If time allows, let each child share their drawing with the class and "introduce" their family to the class. Story: In this story, we see how Joshua was a leader to the Israelite people, up to the end of his life. Joshua's life began as a slave in Egypt, and he was very young when the Israelites left. He had seen the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and God's deliverance and provision as they wandered in the wilderness. Due to his faith, he was one of the very few Israelites who lived from the time of Egypt to the gates of the Promised Land. As Joshua's life is coming to an end, he has an important message for his fellow Israelites. SHOW the power point Joshua's Final Challenge or read Joshua 23:1-24:33. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
Rahab by Jennifer Tolbert
Fall of Jericho by Jennifer Tolbert
God has rescued and provided for the children of Israel. They have experienced his miracles, wonders, provision and protection. Over and over, he has proven himself to be true and faithful to them. Over and over, they continue to doubt and fail. Joshua is now the new leader of the Israelite people.
In this story, God tells Joshua that he is going to give the city of Jericho into their hands. Instead of making the same mistake their mothers and fathers do, they follow God's specific directions and find their first victory. All the people of Jericho are destroyed except a woman named Rahab, whose faithfulness to God and His people rescues her and all the people in her household. Key Themes:
Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Songs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Hear, O Israel Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus I'm in the Lord's Army My God is so Big 12 Men Went to Spy on Canaan The Judges Song StoryBegin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Hide-A-Spy Choose a small figure to represent a spy. Hide the spy somewhere in the classroom and let the children find him. Let the child that finds him have a turn hiding him. Play a few rounds depending on the amount of time you have. 2. Build a City Wall Use cardboard blocks or boxes to build wall and talk about how that represents the city. This is a great story to have the children role play. Use the city you built to act out the story later. 3. Follow the Leader This story is all about following directions! Play a game of follow the leader. Let the children take turns being the leader. SAY: In today's story, God gave Joshua very specific directions about what he needed to do to defeat Jericho. The spies told Rahab exactly what she needed to do to rescue herself and her family. How important is it to follow directions? What do you think would happen if the people did not follow directions? Story: In this story, we are reminded that God wants to have obey Him! The Israelites were going to try to take the Promised Land once again! After wandering in the wilderness due to their lack of faith, they were ready to do exactly what God asked them to! SHOW the power points The Spies and Rahab and Joshua and Jericho or read Joshua 2:1-24 and Joshua 6:1-27. Note: This is a really fun story for the children to act out. Gather as many props as you can and let them help you tell the story! EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
12 Spies by Jennifer Tolbert
God has rescued and provided for the children of Israel. They have experienced his miracles, wonders, provision and protection. Over and over, he has proven himself to be true and faithful to them. Over and over, they continue to doubt and fail.
In this story, the long journey is over. The children of Israel have arrived at the Promised Land. However, given another opportunity to trust God, they falter. Key Themes:
Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Songs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Hear, O Israel Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus I'm in the Lord's Army My God is so Big 12 Men Went to Spy on Canaan The Judges Song Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. I Spy Play a game of I Spy in your classroom. You can also make I Spy jars or use an I Spy book at circle time. Introduce the idea of a spy. SAY: It is a spy's job to secretly look and learn, to collect information and help someone make an important decision. Moses gave 12 spies a very important job on behalf of the people of Israel. They examined the situation using their earthly eyes. Joshua and Caleb looked using their spiritual eyes. They knew what God could do! 2. Taste Test Food is always a good way to get kids attention. Bring grapes, pomegranate and figs. Let the kids taste test the different fruit. SAY: In today's story, these foods were used to show how good the Promised Land was. 3. God Glasses Supplies: cheap reading glasses, magnifying glass or binoculars, sun glasses, etc. Ask the kids: "what do all of these things have in common?" They affect the way we see. Some make us see more clearly, others help us see far away things up close. Sun glasses help us see things a little darker if it is too bright. None of these items change the thing we are looking at, they only change the way our eyes see it. In today's story, Moses sent 12 men went to spy on the Promised Land. All 12 men saw the same things, two of the men had a very different report to give Moses than the other ten. Why? Because they were looking at things with their "God glasses" on! Discuss how knowing God changes how we see things around us. Story: In this story, we are reminded that God wants to have faith in Him and that when we partner with Him, nothing is impossible. Apart from Him, we can do nothing! The Israelites must be so excited! After a long journey, God has finally brought them home. However, the land God has promised him is inhabited by lots of other people--big, strong people! SHOW the power point Twelve Spies Sent into Canaan or read Numbers 13:1-14:45 EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
Moses and the Brass Serpent by Jennifer Tolbert
As the Israelites wander in the wilderness, they continually prove their sinful nature as God continually demonstrates his forgiving and faithful nature.
In this story, God send serpents to punish the people for their rebellion. However, he also demonstrates his mercy by instructing Moses to create a brass serpent and set it up on the pole with the promise that anyone who looks upon it will not die. Those who were obedient were rescued and those who were too prideful to look perished. In this story, God also gives us a clue as to how he will ultimately save us from spiritual death as well. Key Themes:
Memory Verse
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” John 3:14-15
Songs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Sons of Jacob Song Baby Moses My God is So Big Pharoah, Pharoah, Let My People Go Go Down Moses 10 Commandments Song We Shall Assemble Humble Yourself in the Sight of the Lord Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace Jesus, Lamb of God Make Me a Servant Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Snakes Brainstorm other stories in the Bible that have snakes in them. (Eve sins, Moses and Aaron's staffs become snakes? Share some interesting snake facts with the kids or show this video. 2. Gratitude Should Be Our Attitude! Create a gratitude jar, tree, or chain. Allow the kids to take turns listing things they are thankful to God about! SAY: I am so glad that you have an attitude of gratitude! That pleases God! We know that because in today's story, we learn what happened when the children of Israel complained against Moses and even worse, against God! Story: In this story, we are reminded that God wants us to be grateful for the blessings he gives us. We also learn that complaining is actually a form of disobedience! This story teaches us how to please God and shows us about God's compassion and forgiveness. It also gives us a special clue about Jesus and how he would eventually save his people forever! SHOW the power point Moses and the Serpent of Brass or read Numbers 21:4-9. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities |
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