Too often we judge things by what we see. In spite of efforts to instill broad acceptance and understanding in kids, it’s hard to fight the natural human tendency to base our thoughts on appearance. In this lesson, we see a new king selected by God, and a reminder of what God cares about most.
These Bible lessons are designed for children’s church or Sunday School. Please modify as best fits your ministry. Use the links below to download these teaching activities for your children’s ministry. The “complete” lesson includes teaching plan, object lesson, craft ideas, and a coloring page.
Bible Story Video
Object Lesson / Children’s Message
Modern culture places a lot of emphasis on outward appearance. When we look around at what is celebrated and “idolized”, it seems as though looks are most important. For kids, it’s easy to judge things based on what they look like. However, as we explore the story of David being anointed king, we recognize that God looks at our hearts, rather than what we are on the outside. It’s critical to communicate to children from early on that our looks are not nearly as special as who we are on the inside. This message provides a simple object lesson to demonstrate that superficial elements fade, but what’s inside counts more.
Craft Demonstration
It’s easy for kids (and adults!) to judge things based on outer appearances or to consider them the most important element of who we are. However, we know from the Bible that God looks at heart attitude and intent, not at the outer trappings. These crafts celebrate the anointing of David by Samuel. God had to guide Samuel to His choice of Jesse’s sons rather than the most impressive-looking one. The craft highlighting the importance of inner beauty is a collage card, which could be used as a decorative reminder or something to give away. To recount the life of David, a mobile is suggested to review events of the king’s life.
Sunday School Coloring Pages
This free coloring page illustrates several of the important life events of David. From his humble beginning as a shepherd boy, to his anointing as King of Judah. The overall theme is “God chooses and grows David.”
| Samuel anoints David | |
| Description | 1 Samuel 16:12-13 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. |