Teaching Time

David and Jonathan
Text: 1 Samuel 18–20

Encourage children to participate as much as possible as you tell the Bible story from the bullets. Emphasize the words in bold text. The words correspond to an action you model that the children will imitate. Vary your facial expression, voice, and volume level to hold children’s attention and interest.

● David was a man who loved God with all his heart. Place both hands over heart and look up.

● David was a brave and strong soldier who won many battles. His strength and success came from God. Point to the sky with one hand and flex muscle on the other arm.

● God’s people loved David and often celebrated his victories. Cheer, clap, and dance.

● A young man named Jonathan became best friends with David.

● Jonathan loved David so much that he gave him his robe, belt, bow, and sword. Grasp shirt sleeve, put hands on waist, then hold up one arm and make a fist as if grasping a sword.

● David and Jonathan promised to always be best friends. Hold a hand in front of you and imitate a handshake with someone.

● David served King Saul, who wore a crown on his head. Hold an imaginary crown in both hands and place it on your head.

● King Saul often heard the people cheer and dance for David. Cheer, clap, and dance.

● This made the king angry and jealous. Make an angry face and clench fists.

● He wanted everyone to love him—not David! Point to self and nod head "yes."

● Saul had a son named Jonathan—David’s best friend! Put hands on cheeks and open mouth in surprise.

● This meant that Jonathan should be king one day. Place imaginary crown on your head.

● But this was not God’s plan. Shake head "no."

● God had chosen David to be king instead. Place imaginary crown on your head.

● David was Jonathan’s best friend for life. So, instead of being angry, he trusted God’s plan and was happy for David. Smile and jump up and down for joy.

● David was a musician. He often sang and played the harp for King Saul when the king was sad. Make a strumming motion and imitate singing.

● Saul became more and more angry about God choosing David to be king instead of Jonathan. Make an angry face.

● Saul became so angry that he threw his spear at David. Do throwing motion with one arm.

● David quickly jumped, and the spear missed him. Jump sideways.

● David told Jonathan what King Saul did. At first, Jonathan couldn’t believe it. Shake head "no."

● But Jonathan trusted David. He knew that David was his best friend, and best friends don’t lie to each other! Shake head "no!"

● Jonathan promised to help David escape and always to be his friend. Hold a hand in front of you and imitate a handshake with someone.

● David promised that when he became king, he would always take care of Jonathan’s family. Place imaginary crown on your head.

● David hid and ran from Saul for many years. Crouch, look around, stand up, and run in place.

● One day, David did become king, just like God planned. Place imaginary crown on your head.

● David remembered his promise to take care of Jonathan’s family. Hold a hand in front of you and imitate a handshake with someone, smile, and shake head "yes."

David and Jonathan were best friends in good and bad times. The good news is that we have an even better friend—actually, a perfect friend—who loves us, forgives us, and will never let us down! Can you tell me His name? Jesus! (God)

Optional Review Questions

Who did God choose to be king after Saul? Jonathan or David? David.

What did the people do that made King Saul angry? They danced and sang for David. They loved David.

What did David do for King Saul when he was sad? He played the harp and sang for him.

Who was Jonathan’s father? King Saul.

How did Jonathan show his friendship to David when King Saul was trying to hurt him? He helped him escape from King Saul.

After David became king, how did he demonstrate his friendship to Jonathan? He kept his promise to take care of Jonathan’s family.