The Gospel Project at Home: Samson and the Philistines

Read Scripture

Read all or parts of Judges 13–16 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

Preschool Bible Story Video

Elementary Bible Story Video

Talk About Scripture

Have you ever been in the kitchen when your mom is icing a cake that smells and looks delicious? You’d give anything just for a bite, and then it happens—she lets you lick the icing off the spatula! As good as licking the icing is, it’s still nothing like getting to enjoy the whole cake. The icing is just a taste of something that will be better later! 

In the story of Samson, we can clearly see details that remind us of Jesus’ story—Samson’s birth was announced by an angel, he was betrayed by someone he trusted, he was taken away, mocked, and his death freed people from their captivity. But in the end, Samson wasn’t perfect and therefore his death didn’t give the people complete salvation. Only Jesus can do that!  

The freedom the people found in Samson’s death was just a taste of the greater freedom that comes through Jesus! Through Jesus’ death, we can have complete forgiveness and salvation. There is no sweeter name than the name of Jesus! 

Samson’s great strength came from God alone. Samson had no power to defeat the Philistines on his own. We cannot please God on our own. Through faith in Jesus, people are saved from sin and receive the Holy Spirit, who helps them live to please God.                   

Pray: God, thank You for giving us glimpses of Your plan through stories like Samson’s. Every story points us to the greatest story of how You sent Jesus to save everyone who believes in Him. Amen

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Learn Scripture

Preschool Scripture Music Video

Elementary Scripture Music Video

Family Prayer

Mornings: Ask God to keep your mind and heart focused on Jesus as the greatest treasure. Whenever you want food, water, or entertainment today, ask God to use that desire as a reminder that true satisfaction is found only in Jesus! What makes Jesus the greatest hero, greatest friend, and greatest treasure?

Evenings: Thank God for the greatest peace that comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus. Ask God to grow your faith in Jesus. How has Jesus brought ultimate peace for those who believe in Him? Have you trusted in Him for that peace?

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Family Activities

For Fun: Work as a family to make a cake. Let your kids choose the icing and decorations that will go on the cake. As you slice and enjoy the cake, talk about how each story you've been learning shows God’s love as He saves people from their enemies, but—like slices of a cake—those stories are meant to point us to the bigger story of God’s great love and His ultimate act of salvation through the work of Jesus.

To Serve: Volunteer to wash toys or clean furniture for your church’s preschool ministry. When finished, thank your kids for helping clean these areas so that ministry can happen on Sundays. Read 1 John 1:9 and discuss how Jesus’ work can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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