Unit 11, Session 1

David Defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17)

Dear families,

The story of David and Goliath reveals more than a battle between a shepherd boy and a giant. Through this showdown, we recognize how the powers of this world set themselves in opposition to the one true God. While Israel needed someone to face Goliath on their behalf, we too, need a Savior to defeat our enemies––sin and death.

Where did David find strength to fight against Goliath? How does the story point us to the true Hero, Jesus?

David was no stranger to the faithfulness and protection of God. He said to Saul, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” David saw the threat of Goliath, yet recognized he had what Goliath didn’t—the favor of the Lord of Armies. David trusted that God would secure the victory for His own name’s sake. Just as God had proven Himself faithful in David’s battles against lions and bears, David knew that Goliath posed no threat to those whose faith is in God.

David’s faith in the Lord of Armies encourages us to remember how God has provided us with victory through His Son, Jesus. The true hero of this story is Jesus––the foreshadowed victor in the battle against sin and death––who took to the cross to defeat the grave and rose again so we may find new life in Him.

Lead the children in your care to see that, like David, we can trust in God for salvation and in every circumstance we face. While we may not find ourselves going to war with a giant like Goliath, we do face the reality of sin and death and cannot save ourselves. We need a Savior who has already won the battle! Pray that your children place their hope not in themselves or the things of this world but in Christ alone.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God sent David to help the Israelites. God sent His Son, Jesus, to help all of us. When we trust in Jesus, we have life with God forever.
  • Younger Preschool: God sent David to help the Israelites fight their enemies. God sent His Son, Jesus, to help all of us. Jesus fought against sin and death and won. When we trust in Jesus, we have life with God forever.
  • Older Preschool: God provided judges to rescue His people from their enemies. God provided Jesus to rescue us from our sin. When we choose to trust in Jesus and follow Him, we are forever saved from our sin.
  • Kids: The Israelites needed God’s help to defeat Goliath, so God sent David. We all need help to fight against sin. God sent His Son, Jesus, to win against sin so we can have life with God forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: Is anything greater than God? No, God is greater than everything.
  • Older Preschool:Is anything greater than God? No, God is greater than everything.
  • Kids: Is anything or anyone greater than God? No, God is greater than everything and everyone.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Babies & Toddlers: LORD, no one is like you. You are great. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Younger Preschool: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Older Preschool: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great; your name is great in power. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Kids: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great; your name is great in power. Who should not fear you, King of the nations? It is what you deserve. Jeremiah 10:6-7a

** Next week: David Showed Mercy (1 Samuel 24)