Saul's Jealousy

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:

1. Jealousy does not please God. 
2. We need to show mercy to others. 
3. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. 

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. 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:

• God wants us to obey Him. 
• We need to have the courage to do what is right. 
• Instead of being jealous, we can celebrate others' successes.

Visual Aids

Video: David and Saul by God's Story

Video: David Serves Saul by Saddleback Kids

Video: David and Saul by Saddleback Kids

Video: What happened after David Defeated Goliath? by Minno

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

David and Saul in a Cave Printable by 10 Minutes of Quality Time

Green Eyed Monster Craft

​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).