The Friendship of David & Jonathan-1 Samuel 18:1-20; 42

9/22/2022

David And Jonathan (Presentation (16:9)) by Jennifer Tolbert

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.

Memory Verse

"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

Songs

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

Story

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

david_and_jonathan.pdf
File Size:	62792 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Review Questions

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

God is...

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...