Sunday Spotlight is where we share our Calvary Kids Bible lesson topic each week for kids of all ages. Use this lesson for a Family Night devotion or a review time to talk about what your children learned at Calvary on Sunday! We post a new lesson every Wednesday.

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Sunday, August 3

Lesson Title: Samuel Anointed David

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 16

Key Passage: Philippians 4:19

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

Lesson Summary

In 1 Samuel 16, we come to a turning point in the storyline of God’s leadership over His people. What began with Samuel mourning for Saul’s rejection as king soon becomes a celebration of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word in 1 Samuel 13:14: “The LORD has found a man after his own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over his people.”

While the young David did not have the same impressive appearance as Saul, he had something greater: a heart that honored the Lord.

What was God trying to teach Samuel and His people by selecting David as the next ruler over Israel? How does this story lead us to consider the state of our own hearts?

Samuel had a front-row seat to God’s rejection of the impressive King Saul. Yet, as Samuel looked upon the older, stronger sons of Jesse, he didn’t seem to truly grasp what God was doing. By mere outward appearance, one might assume one of David’s older brothers to be next in line for the throne. It would be David, however—the youngest son of Jesse—whom God would select as the next king of Israel. David was chosen, not because of his strength or stature, but because God saw his heart. As Psalm 147:11 reminds us, "The LORD values those who fear him, those who put their hope in his faithful love."

Prepare to teach your children what it means to be someone after God’s own heart. Though David would not be a flawless leader, he would be faithful to trust in God, repent of his sin, and delight in God's words. Yet, one greater than David would come. Jesus Christ, the sinless King, lived, died, and rose again to make righteous all who trust in Him for salvation.

Consider the state of your own heart—which only God can see. Thank God for the miraculous work of salvation He has done in your own life, as well as His desire to save those who will hear this story. Pray for the Lord to open your kids’ eyes to what He can do with ordinary people who believe in Him by faith.

 
Christ Connection

This is the big idea of how this week's Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: God chose David to be the king of Israel, and God sent Jesus to be the King of everything! Jesus is the perfect King who loves us.
   
• Preschool: David did not look like a king on the outside, but God saw his heart and chose him to be the next ruler. Jesus looked like an ordinary man to the people around Him, but He is God’s Son and the Savior of the world.
   
• Kids: God’s choice of David to be Israel’s next king was surprising. David was the youngest in his family, but God saw David’s heart. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice for a king. Jesus is the perfect King who saves us from our sin and reigns forever.

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 & Kids: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.

Key Passage

Psalm 103:19  This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Babies, Toddlers & Preschool: The LORD rules over everything. Psalm 103:19 
• Kids: The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19

Next week: David Played for Saul (1 Samuel 16)

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