David Defeated Goliath
(1 Samuel 17:1-50)
November 23rd, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
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.
** Next week: David Defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-50)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read the 1 Samuel 17:1-50 from the Bible.
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For centuries, people have used levers and pulleys to make life easier. The lever and pulley are simple machines that use the laws of physics to lift and move massive amounts of weight. By using these machines, a single person can lift heavy weights that no human could move with their strength alone. When the Israelites stood against the Philistine army, they were terrified. They knew they had no power to defeat Goliath or the Philistines with their own strength. David came to the battlefield just in time to hear the large Philistine warrior mocking the Israelite army. He knew God was with him and would defeat his enemy, so he stepped up to fight Goliath. When David approached to fight, Goliath mocked his size and his choice of weapons. David replied, “You come to fight with a spear and sword, but I come to fight in the name of the Lord! God always wins His battles!” God used David and the stone from his sling to defeat Goliath and save the Israelite army!
The Israelites were helpless to defeat the giant enemy Goliath, but God sent David to save them. We are helpless to defeat our enemies of sin and death, but God sent Jesus to save us by dying for our sin and rising again.
Pray: God, thank You for being our Defender! When we had no hope to save ourselves, You sent Jesus to defeat sin and give eternal life to all who choose to believe and follow Him. Amen.
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Preschool:
LORD, there is no one like you. You are great.
Jeremiah 10:6
Older Kids:
Lord, there is no one like you. You are great; your name is great in power. Who should not fear you, King of Nations? It is what you deserve.
Jeremiah 10: 6-7a NIrV
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Mornings
Thank Jesus for defeating sin through the cross and conquering death through His resurrection. Think about this battle He has already won and how you can face today with courage because He is victorious!
Evenings
Ask God for courage to step out in faith and do what He calls you to do. Why can you trust God to be with you when you serve Him?
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For Fun
Work together to build a cardboard box tower that is nine feet, nine inches tall. Use a small pillow or beanbag to try to knock the tower over. Discuss how intimidating a warrior that tall would have been.To Serve
Visit a city park on a hot day to pass out bottled water. Talk with people to form new friendships. Invite them to your church if the opportunities arise. Remind kids that water is a basic need of all people—especially on a hot day—but our greatest need is Jesus! Like God used David to defeat the giant enemy, God sent Jesus to conquer sin and death for us!