Saul Disobeyed God (1 Samuel 14-15)
Dear families,
Rather than follow the instructions of the Lord, King Saul relied on his own strength, wisdom, and timeline to achieve success. God had promised to extend favor to Saul on the condition that he remain obedient to His commands. The devastating impact of King Saul’s disobedience, however, and its effect on his legacy is seen in 1 Samuel 14—15. Through the disobedience of Saul, we see our need for the sinless, sacrificial Savior—Jesus.
How did Saul’s disobedience impact God’s people? How did Jesus show His desire to always obey His Father?
Saul’s hasty decisions in leadership led the Israelites to pursue uncleanliness and irreverence toward the Lord. Saul placed his troops under a strict oath not to eat until the battle was over. The rashness of his oath led to the attempted execution of his son, Jonathan, and the sin of consuming impure food. Later, Saul led his men to disobey God’s commands by not completely destroying the Amalekites and everything they had. Saul led his people down a path of destruction, not seeming to care how his disobedience impacted the nation he led.
While Saul, led by pride and impulsiveness, was willing to execute his son to make an example of him, we see a stark contrast between his actions and God’s love for us. Jesus, God in flesh, laid down His own life to make redemption possible for those who trust in Him.
Consider Saul’s disobedience, which was motivated by foolishness and selfish ambition. Now, reflect on the redemption we receive through Christ’s pure and perfect obedience. While Saul’s poor leadership and disobedience led to God rejecting him as king, the perfect King Jesus leads us toward redemption and forgiveness of sin. Lead the children in your care to see the reward of obedience to God—yet to see with even greater clarity, the gift of grace we don’t deserve through Christ’s sacrificial love.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: Our sin keeps us from God. Only Jesus has no sin. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin so we can be with Him forever.
Younger Preschool: Like Saul, our sin keeps us from God. Only Jesus has no sin. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin so we can be with Him forever.
Older Preschool: Saul disobeyed God and was rejected as king. Sin is disobeying God. Only Jesus perfectly obeyed God. When we believe in Jesus and ask Him to forgive our sin, He forgives us.
Kids: Saul disobeyed God’s commands and was rejected as king. We all disobey God’s commands when we sin. Only Jesus perfectly obeyed God at all times. When we believe in Jesus, we are made right with God and accepted by Him.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King.
Older Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King and He rules over the world.
Kids: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: The LORD is over all things. Psalm 103:19
Younger Preschool: The LORD rules over everything. Psalm 103:19
Older Preschool: The LORD ... rules over all. Psalm 103:19
Kids: The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19
** Next week: Samuel Anointed David (1 Samuel 16)