Samson and the Philistines
(Judges 13-16)
September 14, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
The life of Samson showcases the downfall of a mighty hero whose story draws some similarities to Jesus. Samson’s shortcomings, however, reveal the need for a greater deliverer. Only by faith in the Son of God can we please our Father in heaven and get a proper view of where true strength comes from.
What comparisons and contrasts can we make between Samson and Jesus? What can Christians glean about the source of their strength?
In Samson’s story, the angel of the Lord delivered the news that a woman who was unable to conceive would have a son. This has similarities to the New Testament’s even greater account of the miraculous conception of Jesus to the virgin Mary. We later read that Delilah, whom Samson loved, was bribed with silver to betray him into the hands of his enemies, just as Judas did to Jesus. Both Samson and Jesus were called to bring salvation to God’s people amid the oppression they faced, though only Jesus was able to do so in a lasting way by perfectly obeying God’s commands.
Samson’s strength came from the Spirit of God and Samson’s adherence to the angel’s command that he not cut his hair. As a Nazirite, Samson was called to be set apart in holy service to God, though he disobeyed God’s call to abstain from the unclean and idolatrous ways of the world. The downfall of Samson revealed the need for a greater hero who could fulfill God’s commands and deliver His people once and for all.
Though Samson was an esteemed warrior, his strength was not his own; it came from God who called him to walk in holiness. Like Samson, we cannot please God on our own. We need the power of His Spirit to help us walk in His ways (Galatians 5:16). Jesus is the better Samson—our perfect sacrifice who suffered in our place to create lasting transformation amid our helpless and hopeless state. Lead the boys and girls in your care to see that when we place our trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, allowing us to walk victoriously in faith.
** Next week: The Story of Ruth
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read Judges 13-16 from the Bible.
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Have you ever been in the kitchen when your mom is icing a cake that smells and looks delicious? You’d give anything just for a bite, and then it happens—she lets you lick the icing off the spatula! As good as licking the icing is, it’s still nothing like getting to enjoy the whole cake. The icing is just a taste of something that will be better later!
In the story of Samson, we can clearly see details that remind us of Jesus’ story—Samson’s birth was announced by an angel, he was betrayed by someone he trusted, he was taken away, mocked, and his death freed people from their captivity. But in the end, Samson wasn’t perfect and therefore his death didn’t give the people complete salvation. Only Jesus can do that!
The freedom the people found in Samson’s death was just a taste of the greater freedom that comes through Jesus! Through Jesus’ death, we can have complete forgiveness and salvation. There is no sweeter name than the name of Jesus!
Samson’s great strength came from God alone. Samson had no power to defeat the Philistines on his own. We cannot please God on our own. Through faith in Jesus, people are saved from sin and receive the Holy Spirit, who helps them live to please God.
Pray: God, thank You for giving us glimpses of Your plan through stories like Samson’s. Every story points us to the greatest story of how You sent Jesus to save everyone who believes in Him. Amen
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But they make themselves humble in my sight. They pray and look to me. And they turn from their evil ways. Then I will listen to them from heaven. I will forgive their sin. And I will heal their land. After all, they are my people.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NIrV
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Mornings
Ask God to keep your mind and heart focused on Jesus as the greatest treasure. Whenever you want food, water, or entertainment today, ask God to use that desire as a reminder that true satisfaction is found only in Jesus! What makes Jesus the greatest hero, greatest friend, and greatest treasure?
Evenings
Thank God for the greatest peace that comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus. Ask God to grow your faith in Jesus. How has Jesus brought ultimate peace for those who believe in Him? Have you trusted in Him for that peace?
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For Fun
Work as a family to make a cake. Let your kids choose the icing and decorations that will go on the cake. As you slice and enjoy the cake, talk about how each story you’ve been learning shows God’s love as He saves people from their enemies, but—like slices of a cake—those stories are meant to point us to the bigger story of God’s great love and His ultimate act of salvation through the work of Jesus.
To Serve
Volunteer to wash toys or clean furniture for your school, neighbors, church, anyone in need. When finished, thank your kids for helping clean! Read 1 John 1:9 and discuss how Jesus’ work can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.