David Played for Saul

(1 Samuel 16:14-23)

November 16th, 2025

Sunday Recap

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Sunday Recap •

Hey Fams!

In 1 Samuel 16, we see how the newly anointed future king of Israel served his predecessor with humility and grace. Though David was promised the throne of Israel, his time had not yet come. Therefore, David returned to his life as a shepherd. God would use the period of waiting and the trials for David’s good and to point us toward the Suffering Servant, Jesus, in whom we place our ultimate hope.

How did God use David’s humility for His glory and David’s good?
How do we see this idea fully exemplified in Jesus?

When God rejected Saul as king, the Spirit of the Lord left him, and an evil spirit tormented him day and night. After one of Saul's young men heard David play the lyre, Saul sent his servants to retrieve the young David, believing he could relieve his distress. Previously, we learned that David was a man after God’s own heart, and here we see a humble, servant-like heart as David played the lyre in Saul's time of distress.

Saul didn’t know then that David would be his successor. Saul loved David so much that he even gave him the role of armor-bearer, asking Jesse for permission for David to remain in his service. David faithfully and humbly served Saul.

We see an even greater picture of service in Christ, depicted as the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. While David's humble service offered temporary relief for King Saul, Jesus' humble and sacrificial death offers eternal rescue from sin for all who believe in Him.

May a humble, obedient adoration of the Lord mark us as His faithful followers. Pray the children in your care see Christ’s humility both as our example and the means of our salvation through faith. Like Saul, we need the peace that only God can provide through Christ.

** Next week: David Defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-50)

Family Discipleship Plan

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Family Discipleship Plan •

• Read Scripture

  Read the 1 Samuel 16:14-23 from the Bible.

• Talk about the Scripture

  Have you ever heard of a lyre?
  No, not like the person who doesn’t tell the truth. The lyre is a stringed musical instrument with a distinctive horseshoe shape. In Bible times, lyres came in many different sizes, and they were commonly used to put music to poetry and storytelling. The lyre led to the creation of more well-known instruments like the harp, lute, and even the modern guitar.

  After God’s Spirit left Saul, he was troubled and distressed. His servants thought that some beautiful music might help calm him down. So, they went looking for someone who could play the lyre, and they found David.

  Even though David had already been chosen by God to be the next king, David didn’t act proud or say, “I’m too important to help!” Instead, he showed humility. He served King Saul by playing the lyre whenever Saul felt troubled. David’s music helped Saul feel peaceful again.

  David’s willingness to play music for Saul, even though he had been chosen by God to be the next king, shows great humility. David didn’t think about how great he was or how he was going to be king one day. Instead, he wanted to help and serve Saul. Jesus is the greatest example of humility. He left His throne in heaven to come serve those who needed forgiveness and salvation only He can provide. That’s music to our ears!

  Even though David knew he would be king one day, he served King Saul faithfully. Even though Jesus is God, He humbled Himself and took the form of a servant. He served His disciples by washing their feet, and He served His people by dying on a cross for their sin and rising again.

  Pray:
  God, thank You for showing us how to be humble through the story of David and even more through the life of Jesus. Help us remember that serving others is more important than being the best or most important. Teach us to love and serve others the way Jesus has loved and served us. Amen.

• Practice the Key Passage

  Preschool:

  The Lord has set up his throne in heaven. His kingdom rules over all.

  Psalm 103:19 NIrV

  Older Kids:

  The Lord has set up his throne in heaven. His kingdom rules over all.

  Psalm 103:19 NIrV

• Pray

  Mornings

  Ask God to help you serve others with grace and selflessness, just as Jesus did. Ask Him to show you the joy of putting others before yourself. What are some ways you can put others before yourself today?

  Evenings

  Thank Jesus for the countless ways He has served us. Thank Him for coming to walk among us, teach us, and ultimately give His life to save us. How does Jesus’ love and service to you motivate you to love and serve others?

• Family Activities

  For Fun
  Lead each family member to write down several acts of kindness or service they can do for others. These can be simple tasks like helping a sibling with their homework, writing a thank you note to a neighbor, or volunteering to help with dinner.

  Fold the papers and place them in a jar or can. Each day, draw one act of kindness from the jar. Make it a family event where everyone participates in completing the chosen task. After completing each act, gather as a family to discuss how it felt to serve others and how it might have impacted them.

  To Serve
  Make a list of items to put in a care package for a neighbor. Go shopping as a family to purchase the items and make the care packages. Encourage each family member to write a heartfelt note or card to include in the packages.

  Distribute the care package to your neighbor by delivering it personally or leaving it at their doorstep. Talk as a family about how it feels to serve others and do something that will brighten their day.