Saul Rescued Israel (1 Samuel 11-13)
Dear families,
The beginning of Saul's reign as king over Israel brought great promise. He was a fierce warrior, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, was moved to defeat the Ammonite army. However, Saul's foolish choice revealed that he was not the king the people needed. We see Samuel’s warnings come true: an earthly king could never fulfill the role of the eternal God.
What did Saul’s disobedience reveal about his view of God? How do we see the need for Jesus in this passage?
Saul's willingness to defend the people of Jabesh and secure a victory over the Ammonites only served to encourage the people's hope in him as their king. All the people went to Gilgal, where they made Saul their king.
After Saul's victory over the Ammonites, Samuel gathered the people of Israel for a final public speech. Samuel acknowledged the callousness of the people’s hearts after the threats of Nahash, going so far as to call their actions evil in the sight of God (1 Samuel 12:17). Samuel reminded the people to continue walking in obedience if they wanted God’s protection over them. However, Samuel also added the warning that if they disobeyed God or turned away from God, both they and their new king would be swept away.
A wise proverb reminds us, “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18), and Saul's pride led him to a foolish choice. Saul sinned against God by offering a burnt sacrifice on his own accord, rather than waiting for Samuel to perform this duty as priest. Saul did not honor God as holy and ultimately revealed that his heart was not after the things of the Lord but his own selfish desires as king.
Samuel condemned Saul for his foolishness and spoke of the king who would replace him—one who would be a man after God’s own heart. Though in the short term, we see this prophetic word fulfilled through King David, its ultimate fulfillment would come through his lineage to bring us King Jesus.
Lead your kids to see that only Jesus has ever been able to perfectly obey God and change the hearts of His people. By placing faith in Him as Savior and Lord, we can receive the gift of salvation that leads us to desire the things of the Lord instead of our own selfish gain. Jesus is the perfect King our hearts were made to worship.
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: Jesus is the king who always obeyed God. When we trust in Jesus, He saves us from sin and death and gives us life with God forever.
Younger Preschool: Saul was a good king sometimes, but he disobeyed God. Jesus always obeyed God. Jesus saves us from our greatest enemies—sin and death. He gives us life with God forever.
Older Preschool: Saul was a strong king who won battles—but he disobeyed God. Jesus is the perfect King and always obeyed God. Jesus came to save us from our sin by dying on the cross and coming back to life. All who trust in Jesus receive life with God forever.
Kids: Saul defeated enemy armies for Israel but failed to obey God. Jesus defeated our greatest enemies––sin and death–– and always obeyed God. All who trust in Jesus will be saved and receive changed hearts that desire to obey God.
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: Saul Disobeyed God (1 Samuel 14-15)