This is the story of David's Sin with Bathsheba and the parable the prophet Nathan told King David. This story demonstrates the slippery slope of sin.  

Key Concepts:
1. King David was a good man but still sinned.
2. Trying to cover a lie usually results in more lies/sin. 
3. The results of sin can hurt others, not just the sinner. 

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

Old Testament Books
Create In Me A Clean Heart
He's The King
Lord, My Desire
There Is A Flag
Only a Little Boy David
Three Kings of Israel
Oh Be Careful Little Eyes
Shake the Devil Off
Read Your Bible Pray Everyday

riBegin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. What Does I Do Mean to You? Show some wedding photos or pass out small, fake weddings rings. Talk about the promises that we make at weddings. Discuss how that we promise to stay faithful only to our mate. We promise to never have another girlfriend or boyfriend other than the person we marry. “In today’s story we are going to learn about a time when someone did not keep their marriage promises.”

2. Ripples of Sin: Prepare a kiddie pool or large bucket of water. Allow the children to drop small heavy objects in and watch the small ripples each object made in the water. Discuss how sin can get bigger and bigger. Discuss how the effects of sin can reach beyond the person who committed the sin. 

3. Dominoes: Bring back the dominoes from last week. Remind the children how kindness can create a chain reaction. Tell the children that sin can also create a chain reaction. 
 
Story: David was a good king. He loved God and he tried to be kind to people. David tried to do the things that God said. But he was not perfect. In today’s story we will learn about one time when King David did something very wrong.
 
READ 2 Samuel 11-12 in your Bible or tell the story of how David's sin with Bathsheba and Nathan's Parable
EMPHASIZE that:

• Lying, stealing and murder are all sins. 
• When we lie, we usually have to tell more lies to cover up the original lie. We should always tell the truth. 
• Even if we can cover up our sin from others, we can never hide our sin from God. 

Visual Aids
​Virtual Storybook-No Sound
​Printable Storybook

1. What was Bathsheba doing when David first saw her? Taking a bath on her roof
2. Why was it wrong for Bathsheba to be David’s girlfriend? She was married to Uriah, the Hittite
3. How did Uriah die? David ordered his general to put him in a battle and then leave him alone so that he would be killed.
4. What prophet told David a story about a little lamb? Nathan
5. What sins did David commit in trying to cover up his sin with Bathsheba? murder, lying, stealing
6. After their first baby died, what was the name of David and Bathsheba’s second baby? Solomon

Connect the story back to God and his character. God is just but God is also forgiving. Explain how this fits into God's overall story as David and Bathsheba are part of Jesus's family tree. 

Lost Lamb Game
Label lamb cut outs with different sins or scenarios such as lying, stealing, disobeying, etc. Hide them around the room. Tape them under chairs and tables, behind toys, etc. Let each child take a turn going to find a lost lamb. Read the sin and scenario aloud. Discuss who this sin could hurt. 

Mission Bible Class

David & Bathsheba Video

This is the story of how David kept his promise to Jonathan by showing kindness to his son, Mephibosheth. 

Key Concepts:
1. God keeps his promises and we should also. 
2. We honor God when we show kindness to others. 
3. David used his position as king to bless others. Saul used his position as king to bless himself. 

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

Old Testament Books
Jesus is My Best Friend
​Humble Yourself
He's The King
Lord, My Desire
There Is A Flag
Only a Little Boy David
Three Kings of Israel
Love is Like a Circle
Do Lord, Oh Do You Remember Me?
Love is Something if You Give It Away

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. The Kindness Zone: Mark out a zone within the classroom using chairs, tape or special carpet. Read out certain acts that are kind such as sharing a toy, helping to clean up, inviting someone to sit with them at lunch, etc. If someone did that kind action that week, they move into the kindness zone. If time allows, let them share the details of their kind act.  

2. The Domino Effect: Set up a chain of dominos. Discuss what a domino effect is and compare it to kindness. You can read more about this idea from Meaningful Mama. 
 
Story: Saul’s life came to an end in a battle with the Philistines on the plain of Jezreel. As the Israelites were being overcome, they fled up the slopes of Gilboa seeking refuge and it was there that King Saul and three of his sons, including Jonathan, were killed.
While David was deeply grieved by the death of Saul and his good friend Jonathan, upon their deaths David became king. He and his followers to return to Israel. They returned to Judah, the southern part of the country, and settled in the town of Hebron, which is fifteen to twenty miles south of Jerusalem. It was at Hebron that the leaders of Judah anointed David and proclaimed him their king.

Overall, David was a kind king who tried his best to follow God and lead the Israelites in a way that pleased the Lord. Sometimes, he made mistakes, but many times he did the right thing. This is a story of a time King David showed kindness. 
READ 2 Samuel 9 in your Bible or tell the story of how David Showed Kindness to Mephibosheth. 
EMPHASIZE that:

• A true friend is humble, kind and loyal.
• We should show kindness to others. 
• We must show courage and stand up for what is right. 

Visual Aids
Virtual Storybook 
Printable Story
​

1. Who was Jonathan’s son? Mephibosheth
2. Why was Mephibosheth unable to walk? His nurse had dropped him when he was little
3. Why did David take care of Mephibosheth? Because he had promised Jonathan
4. What did King David do for Mephibosheth? Gave him all of Saul’s land, invited him to come to the palace and eat whenever he wanted, and said he would always take care of him.

Connect the character trait of kindness, loyalty and humility to God's character. How did David's choices honor God? 

His Banner Over Us Is Love 

Mephibosheth Worksheet
Allow children to put bandages on his feet and glue popsicle crutches into his hands. 
Supplies: small bandaids, small popsicle sticks, glue

David Was King Match Game

Amazing Kindness Mazes 

Mission Bible Class

This is the story of David and Jonathan's friendship. Jonathan demonstrates the character traits of loyalty, kindness and humility. 

Key Concepts:
1. Jonathan submitted to God's will, even though it meant giving up the throne. 
2. Humility means putting others ahead of ourselves. 
3. Jonathan stood up for what was right, and protected his friend. 

​"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

​Old Testament Books
Jesus is My Best Friend
​Humble Yourself
He's The King
Lord, My Desire
There Is A Flag
Only a Little Boy David
Three Kings of Israel
​Samuel Song

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Brainstorm: Ask the kids to help you brainstorm character traits you look for in a friend. Ideas: Loyalty, Kindness, Fun, etc. 

2. Sin Take Over: Prepare a clear bowl of water. Slowly place a drop of food coloring in the water. Allow the kids to watch as the drop of food coloring slowly colors all the water. Continue to slowly add drops until the bowl is changed to a different color. Discuss how small sins can slowly grow and take over our lives. Use some bleach to make the water clear again. 

 
Story: We have been talking about Saul and how his actions did not please God. Today we are going to discuss how he allowed the sin of jealousy to cause him to try to kill David. His son Jonathan showed himself to be a true friend by rescuing David from the hand of his father, even though it meant giving up the throne. 
 
READ I Samuel 18:1-20; 42 in your Bible or tell the story of how Jonathan rescued David from the hand of Saul. 
EMPHASIZE that:

• A true friend is humble, kind and loyal.
• We should submit to God's plan, even at cost to ourselves. 
• We must show courage and stand up for what is right. 

Visual Aid Resources
Virtual Storybook
​Printable Story​​

1. Why did Saul ask David to come to the palace? To sing and to play his harp
2. Who was David’s best friend? Jonathan
3. What gifts did Jonathan give to David? Tunic, robe, belt, bows and arrows, and his sword
4. What did Saul feel towards David? Jealousy
5. When Saul got very jealous of David, what did he do to him? He threw a spear at him
6. When David left, what did he promise Jonathan? That they would always be friends.

Connect the idea that God is a true friend to us, just like Jonathan was a true friend to David. Challenge the kids to come up with a God is statement based on this lesson. For example, God is my best friend, God is loyal, God will protect me...

Friendship Bracelets
​Pick a bracelet craft kit or pattern that is age appropriate for you class.

Arrows and Arrow Bag Craft Printable by Ministry Ark
You will also need: scissors, glue, tape, markers or crayons and popsicle sticks

Find a Friend Game

Mission Bible Class

Trueway Kids

David and Jonathan Slapstick Theatre

David and Jonathan Video

David and Jonathan by ShareFaith

This is the story of how God helped a young shepherd boy defeat a giant named Goliath. 

Key Concepts:
1. All things are possible though God's strength. 
2. We can have courage when we are fighting on God's side. 
3. God uses small things to prepare his people for big things. 

​"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

Old Testament Books
Do Lord
He's The King
Lord, My Desire
There Is A Flag
Only a Little Boy David
Three Kings of Israel

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Measure Up-Create a large cut out or yard stick to demonstrate Goliath's height. (Reference: https://www.goliathsspear.com/how-tall-was-goliath/). Let the kids take turns measuring how tall they would be next to Goliath. 

2. Take Aim: Create a simple target game using Solo cups and a ping pong ball. Let the children test their aim. Discuss how difficult it would be to kill a giant with a sling. 

3. Scavenger Hunt Puzzle from Oriental Trading

Story: Last week, we learned how God chose his new king, David. Today we are going to discuss how David showed himself to be a true hero. His faith in God gave him the courage to stand up to a giant when even Israel's mightiest warriors were shaking in their sandals. 
 
READ I Samuel 17:1-58 in your Bible or tell the story of how God helped David defeat Goliath. 
EMPHASIZE that:

• Sometimes sin can feel like a giant to us. God is with us when we face our own giants-temptation, challenges, obstacles and persecution. 
• God can use the humblest servant to do mighty things. 
• David was confident he was prepared to face the giant because he had already faced a lion and a bear. God is always preparing us for work in his kingdom. 

Visual Aid Resources
​Virtual Storybook-No Sound
Printable Storybook from Trueway Kids

1. Who was the giant that made fun of God and the Israelite army? Goliath
2. Who killed Goliath? David
3. How did David kill Goliath? He used his sling to hit Goliath on the forehead with a small stone.
4. How was a boy able to kill a giant? He trusted in the Lord

Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc. 

David and Goliath Ornament from Oriental Trading

David and Goliath Scavenger Hunt Puzzle Game from Oriental Trading

Fleece Bag from Trueway Kids

Inspire the Mom David and Goliath Craft Kit (story wheel, color your own puzzle, memory verse craft and sheep)

Trueway Kids

Mission Bible Class

The Beginner's Bible David and Goliath Video

Slapstick Theatre David & Goliath Video

David & Goliath Video

This is the story of how God chose David to replace Saul as the leader of Israel and promised David that the Messiah would come through his descendants. 

​Key Concepts:
1. God does not judge a person based on outside appearances. The Lord looks at our heart. 
2. David was courageous, patient and faithful. He was described as a man after God's own heart. 
3. David was still a man and sinned. His sin shows us the amount of damage and heart than can be caused when we are not truthful. 

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

Old Testament Books
Do Lord
He's The King
Lord, My Desire
There Is A Flag
Only a Little Boy David
Three Kings of Israel
​Samuel Song

​Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1.Sweet vs. Salty: Have the children sample crackers with two types of icing. Mix some salt into one and the other leave with sugar. They should look alike but have a very different taste. Discuss how you can’t always judge something based on how it looks. (Check allergies before this activity).

2.Sheep Round Up: Blow up white balloons and spread them around the room. Challenge the kids to round them up using long poster tubes as staffs. Use this game to introduce the idea that God’s next king was a shepherd boy. 

 
Story: We have been talking about Saul and how his actions did not please God. Last Sunday, we discussed how God told Samuel that he had rejected Saul as King. Since God rejected Saul as King his attitude and choices became worse and worse. In fact, God chose a new King to take Saul’s place named David. Today, we are going to learn about David's anointing as Israel's' new king. 
 
READ I Samuel 16:1-23 in your Bible or tell the story of how David was chosen from among his brothers. 
EMPHASIZE that:

• God does not see people the way we see them. God judges people based on their heart. 
• David loved and believed in God's power. 
• We must be patient and wait on God's promises. 

Visual Aid Resources
​Virtual Storybook-No Sound
​Printable Story from Trueway Kids

1. Why was Samuel sad about King Saul? Saul did not obey God
2. Whose son did God say the next king would come from?  Jesse’s
3. Why did Samuel think Jesse’s oldest son would be the new king? He looked handsome and tall
4. Man sees how people look on the outside. What does the Lord see? The heart
5. David was not with his brothers. Where was he? In the pasture taking care of his father’s sheep

God Looks at the Heart Magnet Craft Kit from Oriental Trading

Fluffy Sheep Craft from Trueway Kids

God Looks at the Heart Magnifying Glass from Trueway Kids

What's Inside My Heart Craft by MinistryArk

Trueway Kids

Mission Bible Class

Samuel Anoints David Video

Samuel Anoints David by ShareFaith Video

David is Anointed Video