The Gospel Project at Home: The Kingdom Divided

Read Scripture

Read all or parts of 1 Kings 12–13 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

Preschool Bible Story Video

Elementary Bible Story Video

Talk About Scripture

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is one of America’s most famous symbols of freedom. It was meant to represent liberty and justice. When it rang for the first time, however, it cracked. No matter how many times workers tried to repair the bell, the crack remained. Eventually, the crack widened so much that the bell could no longer ring properly. 

The divided kingdom of Israel is like the broken Liberty Bell. Under King David and King Solomon, the nation was strong and united. But when Solomon turned away from God, cracks began to form. By the time Rehoboam came to power, the kingdom shattered into two.  

Rehoboam was prideful, selfish, and ignored God’s wisdom. Just as the bell couldn’t work due to the crack, the kingdom couldn’t remain strong when leaders chose their own way over God’s. Because people have chosen their own way and rejected God, our lives do not work as they should. Sin has broken our relationship with God, but Jesus came to fix all that sin has broken. By trusting in Him, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. 

Rehoboam rejected good advice, and his foolish pride led to a divided kingdom. Jesus, the truly wise King, unites all who trust in Him and brings them into His kingdom forever.                      

Pray: God, when we are tempted to listen to others or to trust in our own understanding, help us to trust Your Word and to follow Your wisdom. Thank You for giving us the Bible to be our guide and to point us to Jesus who is the Savior we need. Amen.

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Learn Scripture

Preschool Scripture Music Video

Elementary Scripture Music Video

Family Prayer

Mornings: Thank God for His Word and the wisdom it brings to our life. Ask Him to help you trust in Him and not to lean on your own understanding. How does the Bible help you make wise choices?  

Evenings: Ask God to help you choose friends who point you closer to Jesus. Why is it important to choose friends who point us to Jesus? How can a trustworthy friend help us to grow closer to Jesus?  

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Family Activities

For Fun: Tear newspaper, magazines, or colored paper into small pieces. Retell the story of Rehoboam and discuss the ways his decisions split the kingdom into two parts. Then, glue pieces of torn paper to a sheet of poster board or cardboard to create a mosaic or similar work of art. Talk about how Jesus offers new life to all who believe in Him and brings them into His forever kingdom.   

To Serve: Choose a stretch of sidewalk near your home and create a cheerful art walk by drawing pictures and writing encouraging messages and Scripture verses. If possible, encourage neighbors to continue the art walk in the area in front of their homes. 

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