Israel Demanded a King
Watch the Bible story video or read all or parts of 1 Samuel 8–10 from the Bible.
grades 1-5 VIDEO PRE-K & K VIDEO
READ: Have you ever visited a frozen yogurt shop that allows you to choose your own toppings? They have hundreds of choices: crumbled cookies, gummy worms, fruit, sprinkles, and even candy that you can pour over to make your sweet treat even sweeter! It’s very tempting to want all the toppings, but that would only lead to a stomachache and lots of regret!
The people of Israel did not like the judges God had put in charge of leading them. When they saw how other nations around them had kings, the Israelites wanted a king of their own! Samuel warned the people that they would regret asking for a king, but the Israelites didn’t care. So, God gave the people what they wanted—a king named Saul.
The Israelites chose their own way and rejected God’s way. Sin is choosing anything that goes against God and His commands. We’ve all sinned because we thought our way would be better than God’s way. But God is so great that He had an even better plan to save us! God sent Jesus to be the perfect King. Jesus trusted God’s plan and gave His life to save all who believe in Him!
God intended for a heavenly king to rule over Israel, but the Israelites did not trust God’s plan. They wanted a king like the nations around them. God had a better plan: to eventually send His Son, Jesus, to be the perfect King forever.
PRAY: God, help us to trust in You and Your plans for us. When we want to choose our own way, give us the strength to follow You. And when we sin by choosing our way instead of Yours, remind us of the forgiveness that is found in Jesus!
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Big Picture Question
Why does sin separate us from God?
Answer: Because God is holy, sin has broken our relationship with God.
Abbreviated for young kids: Because God is holy.
Scripture Memory Verse
Isaiah 6:5
Then I said: Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Armies.
Abbreviated for young kids:
I said: Woe is me...because I am a man of unclean lips...and...my eyes have seen the...LORD.