Saul's Downfall

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:

1. Integrity is doing what is right, even when no one is looking. 
2. Obedience is a choice that requires faith and submission to God. 
3. Saul's pride led to his downfall. 

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
​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:

• God wants us to go to him for advice. 
• We should trust God and seek his advice when we need to make tough decisions.
  
• Saul's pride led to his downfall. 

Visual Aids

Printable Story Board from Cathy's Corner

Video: Saul and the Witch of Endor by Bible Pathways Kids

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

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.