Materials Needed to Teach
For further reference, see today’s lesson from Boyd’s Commentary, and The New National Baptist Hymnal, 21st Century Edition.
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Suggestions for Effective Teaching . . .
SEEKERS FOR JESUS
Step 1: — Begin class with prayer. Review last week’s lesson.
Step 2: Intro Activity — Ask students to think of their best friend or best friends. Have them describe why they are loyal to their friend(s) without sharing their names. Ask them what makes their friends good friends? Would they stand up for their friends if their friends were in trouble?
Step 3: Today’s Word — Invite a volunteer to read the print passage for today. After reading the passage, discuss how Jonathan, David and Saul must have felt.
Step 4: Consider This — Ask a volunteer to read the “Consider This” section. Discuss with the class and explore how the story relates to today’s lesson. Ask students to share any questions they might have around advocating for others.
Step 5: Last Thoughts — Ask a volunteer to read the “Last Thoughts section”. Write the word “Friendship” or “Best Friend” on the board. Have them define these words in their own words. “What is friendship?” or “What is a best friend?” Refer back to the Intro Activity—What makes a good friend?
Step 6: Closing — Allow for prayer requests, and close in prayer.
TEEN SCENE
Step 1: — Begin class with prayer. Review last week’s lesson.
Step 2: Intro Activity — Ask students if they have ever had to go against a family member to stand for justice. Invite volunteers to share what happened if it is not too personal.
Step 3: Dissect and Digest — Read the section together as a class and discuss the lesson passage.
Step 4: Heart of the Matter — Ask a volunteer to read and discuss the “Heart of the Matter” section found in the student books. Discuss how the story could be relatable to a situation in their lives.
Step 5: Activity — Ask students to think of their best friend or best friends. Have them describe why they are loyal to their friend(s) without sharing their names. Have them list traits of a good best friend. Ask the students if there was ever a time they had to stand up for the friend? If they have not, ask the students if they had to stand up for their friend, would they and why?
Step 6: Closing — Ask students if they have any questions or prayer requests. Close in prayer.
— Lesson Overview —
Introduction
Today’s lesson celebrates truth, justice and love. Through the relationship of Jonathan and David, we see how both men follow what is righteous and true even when Jonathan’s father, King Saul, tries to get rid of David. The story of David and Jonathan show us how we should stand up for what’s right regardless of the situation and how our actions can show true devotion and loyalty. David and Jonathan’s friendship is a beautiful example of how we are called to love.
I. Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 19:1–3)
| KJV | NRSV | |
| AND Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. | SAUL spoke with his son Jonathan and with all his servants about killing David. But Saul’s son Jonathan took great delight in David. | |
| 2 But Jonathan Saul’s son delighted much in David and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: | 2 Jonathan told David, “My father Saul is trying to kill you; therefore be on guard tomorrow morning; stay in a secret place and hide yourself. | |
| 3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee. | 3 I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you; if I learn anything I will tell you.” | |
David had served King Saul when Saul needed him to play his lyre to soothe his spirit (1 Samuel 16:21–23); David was committed to protecting the King even though David knew he’d succeed him. David didn’t rush this succession, but instead did as he was called to do—protect and serve Saul. David apparently knew his time would come and he didn’t do anything to rush God’s hand. He had already been anointed yet his integrity came through as he waited on God’s timing. Discuss with the class how important it is to always wait on God. Let them know that God doesn’t need any help and that He may not come when we want Him, but He is always on time.
Jonathan and David’s friendship was a special one. Friendship or any relationship requires communication. It also requires being there for one another and sometimes taking risks.
During David’s service to Saul, David developed a close relationship with Saul’s son Jonathan. Scripture says the love and admiration between the two men was mutual. Discuss with the class, “what is a best friend” or “what is friendship”. Have them define these terms in their own words. After discussing what is a best friend, ask the class to think about their best friend. Ask them how much they love them? Jonathan, although he was a part of Saul’s family, loved David. Jonathan’s love was not one of affection only. His actions in verses 2–4 demonstrate how to utilize love as a verb not just as a feeling. Ask the class if they knew some information regarding their best friend, would they tell them? Why or why not?
II. Jonathan goes to Saul (1 Samuel 19:4–7)
| KJV | NRSV | |
| 4 And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee–ward very good: |
4 Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him, “The king should not sin against his
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