The Gospel Project at Home: The Israelites Wanted a King

Sarah Davis
May 28
3 min read

Read Scripture

Read all or parts of 1 Samuel 7–10 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

Preschool Bible Story Video

Elementary Bible Story Video

Talk About Scripture

Have you ever visited a frozen yogurt shop that allows you to choose your own toppings? They have so many choices: crumbled cookies, fruit, sprinkles, and even whipped cream that makes 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. When it came time for Jesus to die on the cross, He chose to follow His Father’s plan even though it meant Jesus would have to suffer. Jesus trusted God’s plan and gave His life to save all who believe in Him!

The Israelites rejected God as King and chose Saul to be their king. When we sin, we also reject God’s rule in our lives as King. Jesus, the King of kings, died for our sin and rose again so we could be forgiven.

Pray: God, help us 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. Amen.

Learn Scripture

Preschool Scripture Music Video

Elementary Scripture Music Video

Family Prayer

Mornings: Ask God to help your family trust in His goodness and His plans—even when unexpected things happen. How does our faith grow in difficult situations? How does remembering God’s faithfulness help you to face the unexpected?

Evenings: Praise God for His faithfulness to you today. Thank Him for being with you all day—no matter what happened. Where did you see God’s goodness in your day? How does celebrating His goodness today help us prepare for tomorrow?

Family Activities

For Fun: Play “king for a day” throughout the week, allowing each family member to have a turn making decisions like what game the family will play, what movie the family will watch, or what dessert the family will eat. Discuss how earthly kings are often tempted to do things their own way, but Jesus, our heavenly King, rules over all, and always does what God the Father wants.

To Serve: Take time to pray for the leaders who serve your community. Write a letter to them letting them know your family has prayed for them and for the job God has given them to do.

This is a resource provided by LifeWay. For more great resources, click here.