Sunday Spotlight
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.
Lesson Title: The Israelites Wanted a King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 7–10
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
As the time of the judges came to an end, God's people grew discontent with the leadership of Samuel’s sons. The elders of Israel, desiring to be more like the nations surrounding them, commanded Samuel to appoint a king to rule over them. In His perfect wisdom, God would give His people over to their desire for an earthly king. Yet, God revealed how Israel's desire for an earthly king ultimately showcased their rejection of Him as their one true King.
What were the spiritual implications of the Israelites’ desire for a king? How does Christ fit into the narrative?
The Israelites once again found themselves in a season of discontentment — unhappy with their circumstances, as well as God’s provision and leadership in their lives. Like their ancestors before them, they forgot how He freed them from slavery and preserved and provided for them as His chosen people. Rather than seeking the Lord with hearts of worship, the Israelites placed their focus on the nations around them. They did not trust God to continue providing for them.
Consider the ways we are tempted to place our hope in earthly things rather than on the things above (Colossians 3:2). The people rejected God as their King, and we fall into the same pattern when we seek the things of the world in place of the God who created it.
Lead the children in your care to see how Israel had a divided heart toward God and how Christ came to free us from the power of sin that separates us from Him. When we trust in Jesus by faith, He gives us new hearts that worship Him alone as King. Pray for your children’s eyes to be opened to the love Christ has shown us through His life, death, and resurrection — freeing us to follow the God who rules and reigns with all power and care for His creation.
Christ Connection
This is the big idea of how this week's Bible story points to Jesus.
Big Picture Question & Answer
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Key Passage
Psalm 103:19 This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Next week: Saul Rescued Israel (1 Samuel 11–13)
At Calvary, we use The Gospel Project for Kids on Sunday mornings as our guide for Bible study. This curriculum provides a three-year chronological journey through the Bible, giving our children a Christ-focused foundation with lots of hands-on activities.
© LifeWay. The Gospel Project for Kids. Published in the USA. Used by permission.