The Gospel Project at Home: Saul Rescued Israel
- Sarah Davis
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Read Scripture
Read all or parts of 1 Samuel 11–13 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.
Preschool Bible Story Video
Elementary Bible Story Video
Talk About Scripture
The American Bison is the largest mammal in North America, weighing up to 2,000 pounds! While their size is impressive, the way they protect one another is even more amazing. When danger is near, the herd of bison will circle around the young calves and weaker bison to protect them. The herd sticks together to keep every member safe!
In 1 Samuel 11, the people of Jabesh were terrified when the Ammonite army surrounded their city. The men knew they were not strong enough to fight. Their only hope was for someone to come with help to save them, so they called on Saul. Saul gathered men from across Israel and Judah. Like bison who protect one another, the people came together to fight. God helped the men defeat the Ammonites and save the city of Jabesh.
Even though God had used Saul to keep the Israelites safe and deliver them from their enemy, Saul struggled to obey God. When he faced the Philistine army, Saul didn’t wait for Samuel and tried to make an offering to God—something that only a priest was supposed to do. Samuel told Saul that God would soon choose another king to replace Saul—a king who would be a man after God’s own heart.
God would give the people a new king, but the ultimate promise was to send Jesus who is the greatest King. When we needed an even greater rescue, God sent Jesus to save us from sin and deliver all those who believe in Him! When we realize all Jesus has done to save us, our response should be to worship Him as the King of kings!
Saul defeated enemy armies for Israel but failed to obey God. Jesus defeated our greatest enemies––sin and death––and always obeyed God. All who trust in Jesus will be saved and receive changed hearts that desire to obey God.
Pray: God, we praise You for sending Jesus to be our Deliverer. He has come to save all who believe in Him, and He offers victory over sin. Help us trust in Him as King. Amen.
Learn Scripture
Preschool Scripture Music Video
Elementary Scripture Music Video
Family Prayer
Mornings: Ask God to help you be aware of those you might encounter today who need love, encouragement, and to hear about Jesus. Ask God for boldness to serve those people today. How might God use your family to point others to Jesus?
Evenings: Thank God for sending Jesus to be the King over all kings! Think about all the ways Jesus is the perfect King. Make a list of the reasons and spend time praising Him for each one.
Family Activities
For Fun: Start a stopwatch and challenge family members to try and guess when two minutes has passed. Discuss how Saul waited much longer than two minutes for Samuel to arrive but gave in to impatience and failed to obey God.
To Serve: Talk with your church leadership about enlisting a group of families from your church to serve your community. This could involve serving at a food pantry or helping clean up a local park together. After serving with the group, discuss how people working together can have a greater result than everyone working alone.
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