unit 10 session 1 -...

1 UNIT 10 // SESSION 1 // CYCLE 1 YOUNGER KIDS K/1

UNIT 10 Session 1YOUNGER

Session Title: Israel Demanded a King

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 8–10

Main Point: God chose Saul as Israel’s first king.

Key Passage: Sing a song of wisdom, for God is King of all the earth. God reigns over the nations;

God is seated on His holy throne. Psalm 47:7-8

Big Picture Question: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.

BIBLE STUDYSamuel had judged Israel throughout his lifetime, but he was getting old. So Samuel appointed his sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges over Israel. But like many sons, Joel and Abijah did not follow the example of their father. They were unfair and dishonest. They disobeyed God and caused problems for Israel.

Until this time, Israel had relied on God to give them judges to lead them. The elders of Israel spoke to Samuel about his sons, and they demanded a king. They pointed out that all the other nations around them had kings. Samuel wasn’t happy with their request, and he prayed to God.

God replied, “Give them what they want. They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king.” God pointed out that His people had been doing the same thing ever since He brought them out of Egypt: turning from God and worshiping other gods. He told Samuel to warn the Israelites about the consequences of having a king.

So Samuel explained to the Israelites what rights a king would have. He warned that when they regretted asking for a king—and they would regret it—God would not help them. The people still insisted on having a king, so God told Samuel to appoint a king.

Through a series of events, a young man named Saul came to Samuel. God had chosen Saul to be the king, so Samuel told Saul about God’s plan. Samuel anointed Saul by pouring oil on his head, and then Samuel presented Saul to Israel. “Long live the king!” the people replied.

God knew Israel would want a king, but the kind of king Israel wanted was not the kind of king they needed. They wanted a king like the other nations. The problem was that every human king would fail them. God had a plan to give them Jesus—fully God and fully man. Jesus would be a perfect King who would reign with justice and righteousness forever. (Isa. 9:6-7)

SUGGESTED THEME DECORATING IDEAS: Simulate a king’s court by covering the wall with gray paper and drawing round shapes like a stone wall. Arrange wooden chairs or benches at the front of the room. Hang flags or banners from the ceiling and position a throne as a focal point.Use bright, royal colors such as red, purple, emerald green, or metallic tones to decorate your space. You may also use the theme background slide.









KEY PASSAGE SONGPlay the Key Passage song as your kids arrive.

WORSHIPWorship leaders sing two songs with the children and collect offering.

INTRODUCE THE SESSION (3 MINUTES)[Large Group Leader enters wearing a crown and royal robe, and/or carrying a scepter.]Leader • Greetings, loyal subjects. It is so good of you to come today to hear wonderfully wise words

from me, your king [queen]. [Strike a royal-looking pose and wait for the children to respond.]Leader • OK, OK. I’m not really a king [queen], but it’s fun to pretend. I love the stories of kings and

queens in their royal castles having all sorts of fun adventures. It must be grand! Do you think being a king or queen is an easy job? What would be difficult about being a king or queen? [Allow children to share ideas.]

GIANT TIMELINE (1 MINUTE)Leader • Those are very interesting answers, and they lead us right into the next unit on our timeline.

Let’s see what today’s story is. [Point to today’s Bible story.] It’s called “Israel Demanded a King.” Wow, the first king of Israel! I wonder why they wanted a king. Do you remember who led God’s people before this? [Briefly review a few of the judges.] That’s right. God chose men and women called judges to lead His people, but God was their King. God had given His people His laws to help them live holy lives in obedience to Him as their King.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION (2 MINUTES)Leader • That makes me think of our big picture question that we’re going to be learning over the

next several weeks. Our big picture question is, Who is our King? As we listen to our Bible story we will hear the answer. Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.

• Key Passage song “God Alone”

• Theme Slide

PROPS• crown• robe• scepter

• Giant Timeline

• Big Picture question slides

PROPS• crown• robe• scepter

• Theme Slide


WATCH THE BIBLE STORY (10 MINUTES) Open your Bible to 1 Samuel 8–10. Tell the Bible story in your own words, or show the Bible story video “Israel Demanded a King.”

OPTIONAL BIBLE STORY SCRIPT

Israel Demanded a King1 Samuel 8–10

Samuel was a judge over Israel. At this time, Israel had no king, but they wanted a king.Samuel had two sons, Joel and Abijah. Because Samuel was getting old, he let his sons be rulers

over Israel. There was a problem, though. Joel and Abijah were not good judges like their father was. Joel and Abijah were unfair and dishonest.

The leaders of Israel went to Samuel. “You were a good judge,” they said, “but your sons have not followed your example. We don’t want them to lead us; we want a king like the nations around us!”

Samuel wasn’t sure how to respond, so he prayed to God.God said, “Samuel, they are not rejecting you; they are rejecting Me as king. Give them what

they want, but make sure you warn them what it will be like to have an earthly king.”Samuel explained to the Israelites what rights an earthly king would have. A king could make

their sons serve in the army, he could make their daughters work for him, or he could take away their fields and servants. Samuel warned the people that they would regret asking for a king, but the Israelites didn’t care. “Give us a king!” they said.

Meanwhile, a wealthy man named Kish was looking for some of his donkeys that had wandered off. Kish told his son Saul to take a servant with him and search for the missing animals. Saul searched, but he was unable to find the donkeys. He was ready to give up.

“Wait,” his servant said. “There is a man of God in this city. Let’s talk to him; maybe he knows where we can find the donkeys.” Saul and his servant found the man of God—it was Samuel.

“Don’t worry about the donkeys,” Samuel said. “They have been found.”Samuel invited Saul to have dinner with him. The next morning, Samuel told Saul that

God had chosen Saul to be the king of Israel. Saul was surprised because he was from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel.

Samuel used oil to anoint Saul. “You will be king!” Samuel said. Samuel gave Saul some instructions and sent him home. The Spirit of God was with Saul.

Some time later, Samuel gathered the Israelites to introduce Saul, their new king. But no one could find Saul. God said, “There he is, hidden among the supplies.” The people ran to get Saul, and Saul stood among all the people. “Long live the king!” they said.

Christ Connection: God intended for a heavenly king to rule over Israel, but the Israelites did not trust God’s plan. So God chose Saul to be their king. God had a plan to one day send His Son, Jesus, to rule the entire world. Jesus would be the perfect King who would bring peace and salvation to the world.

TALK ABOUT THE BIBLE STORY (1 MINUTE)Leader • Samuel was a good prophet, priest, and judge, but his sons were not good leaders. The

Israelites wanted a king like the other nations around them. They did not trust God and His plan. The best part of this story is that even though the people turned from God, He didn’t turn

from them. God told Samuel to warn the people what having an earthly king would be like, the ups and the downs. The people didn’t care.

God intended for a heavenly king to rule over Israel, but the Israelites did not trust God’s plan. So, God chose Saul as Israel’s first king. But, Saul was not a perfect king. God had a plan to one day send His Son, Jesus, to rule the entire world. Jesus would be the perfect King.

• Bible Story Video “Israel Demanded a King”

• Bible Story Picture Slide• Bible

• Timeline Poster• Main Point Slide


One of the main responsibilities of a king is to protect his people from their enemies. That’s true of Jesus too! Because Jesus came to earth and died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice, He alone can save us from sin and death. When we trust Jesus as our King and Savior, we can have eternal life with Him.

Ask the following review questions:1. Why did the people want a king? (Samuel’s sons were dishonest. The Israelites wanted to be

like other nations; 1 Sam 8:3,5)2. Who were the people really rejecting as their leader? (God, 1 Sam 8:7)3. What were Saul and his servant searching for? (donkeys, 1 Sam 9:3)4. Where was Saul hiding when Samuel was ready to announce him as King? (among the

supplies, 1 Sam 10:22)5. Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.

KEY PASSAGE (4 MINUTES) Show the key passage poster. Lead the boys and girls to read together Psalm 47:7-8.Leader • Our key passage comes from the Book of

Psalms. When most of the psalms were written, they were meant to be sung, like the first part of our verse says. Let’s read our key passage twice.

MISSION VIDEO

Leader • Kings take care of the people in their kingdom. Often, they will do that by assigning their loyal subjects different tasks to help things run smoothly. King Jesus calls people to take care of other people, too! Let’s watch this video to learn more!

Show “Blessed Hope” missions video.Leader • Wow! That’s so cool! Let’s all pray for Sonam to reach her friends and family with the news

of Jesus!

PRAYERInvite kids to pray before dismissing to small groups.Leader • So what is our big picture question and answer for today? Who is our King? Jesus is our

King forever, and He rules over the world. Let’s pray for God to rule as King over our lives.

DISMISS TO SMALL GROUP

• Key Passage slide

• Mission Video “Blessed Hope”









Break into groups of 10 or less children for Small group

SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY (10 MINUTES) Option 2: Rules for the peopleForm two teams of kids, preferably with an adult leader in each group. Assign one group to make a list of rules that a king might make for his people. Assign the other group to make a list of rules that God has made for His people. Allow the groups to compare their lists when they are done.

Examples:Do not steal (both)Do not murder (both)Pay your taxes (earthly king)Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (God)Deciding on a national anthem (earthly king)Love your neighbor as yourself (God)

Greet each kid as he or she arrives and help new kids connect to your group. As kids arrive, ask them to name people who are leaders in their lives. Then ask how we show that we follow our leaders. Allow each child the opportunity to respond.Say • God places leaders in our lives to help us. Today we’re going to learn about a new leader for

God’s people.

SESSION STARTER (5 MINUTES) If I were king...Ask the children to sit in a circle. Play a version of “Hot Potato” using the crown with kids passing it around the circle while the music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the crown should stand up, put on the crown, and say, “If I were king, I would...” and state one thing they would do as king. Repeat as time allows. Say • It’s fun to think of all the things we might do if we were king or queen. In today’s Bible story,

God’s people wanted a king. We’re going to find out what kind of king God chose for His people.

10 minutes after the start of service

• paper• pencils

• child-size crown• music


Say • Great job, everyone. What is similar in each list? What is different? Why are some of God’s rules different than rules of kings or leaders on earth? We know that God gave us His rules because He loves us and knows what’s best for us. God’s ways are best, but we don’t always trust His perfect leadership. We have sin in our lives that keeps us from God.

That’s why Jesus came to earth. He died so that we could be made right with God. When Jesus rose again, it proved that Jesus’ sacrifice was enough to pay for our sin. Jesus is the only way to God, because Jesus is the only perfect person, the only one who could pay for our sin!

JOURNAL AND PRAYER (5 MINUTES) Distribute each child’s journal and instruct the kids to write about or draw pictures on the journal page of what it means to keep Jesus as King in their lives.Say • Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world. When we put our

trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live with us and make us new. He helps us to obey Jesus, our King of kings!

Pray, thanking God that He is always in charge and we can trust Him.

THE GOSPEL: GOD’S PLAN FOR MEUse Scripture and the guide provided in the classroom to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, leader, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

• Journal Page• Pencils

Tip: Give parents this week’s Big Picture Cards for Families to allow families to interact with the biblical content at home.

The gospel is the good news, the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use these prompts to share the gospel with your kids.

GOD RULES.Ask: “Who is in charge at home?” Explain that because God created everything, He is in charge of everything. Read Revelation 4:11.

WE SINNED.Ask: “Have you ever done something wrong?” Tell kids that everyone sins, or disobeys God. Our sin separates us from God. Read Romans 3:23.

GOD PROVIDED.Explain that God is holy and must punish sin. God sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment we deserve.Read John 3:16.

JESUS GIVES.Ask: “What is the best gift you’ve ever received?” Say that Jesus took our punishment for sin by giving His life, and He gives us His righteousness. God sees us as if we lived the perfect life Jesus lived. This is the best gift ever! Read 2 Corinthians 5:21.

WE RESPOND.Explain that everyone has a choice to make. Ask: “Will you trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord? You can turn from self and sin and turn to Jesus.” Read Romans 10:9-10.









Israel Demanded a King1 Samuel 8–10

Samuel was a judge over Israel. At this time, Israel had no king, but they wanted a king.Samuel had two sons, Joel and Abijah. Because Samuel was getting old, he let his sons be rulers over Israel. There

was a problem, though. Joel and Abijah were not good judges like their father was. Joel and Abijah were unfair and dishonest.

The leaders of Israel went to Samuel. “You were a good judge,” they said, “but your sons have not followed your example. We don’t want them to lead us; we want a king like the nations around us!”

Samuel wasn’t sure how to respond, so he prayed to God.God said, “Samuel, they are not rejecting you; they are rejecting Me as king. Give them what they want, but make

sure you warn them what it will be like to have an earthly king.”Samuel explained to the Israelites what rights an earthly king would have. A king could make their sons serve in the

army, he could make their daughters work for him, or he could take away their fields and servants. Samuel warned the people that they would regret asking for a king, but the Israelites didn’t care. “Give us a king!” they said.

Meanwhile, a wealthy man named Kish was looking for some of his donkeys that had wandered off. Kish told his son Saul to take a servant with him and search for the missing animals. Saul searched, but he was unable to find the donkeys. He was ready to give up.

“Wait,” his servant said. “There is a man of God in this city. Let’s talk to him; maybe he knows where we can find the donkeys.” Saul and his servant found the man of God—it was Samuel.

“Don’t worry about the donkeys,” Samuel said. “They have been found.”Samuel invited Saul to have dinner with him. The next morning, Samuel told Saul that God had chosen Saul to

be the king of Israel. Saul was surprised because he was from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel.Samuel used oil to anoint Saul. “You will be king!” Samuel said. Samuel gave Saul some instructions and sent him

home. The Spirit of God was with Saul.Some time later, Samuel gathered the Israelites to introduce Saul, their new king. But no one could find Saul. God

said, “There he is, hidden among the supplies.” The people ran to get Saul, and Saul stood among all the people. “Long live the king!” they said.

Christ Connection: God intended for a heavenly king to rule over Israel, but the Israelites did not trust God’s plan. So God chose Saul to be their king. God had a plan to one day send His Son, Jesus, to rule the entire world. Jesus would be the perfect King who would bring peace and salvation to the world.

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