David Showed Mercy
(1 Samuel 24)
November 30th, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
In 1 Samuel 24, we see the tension between Saul and David come to a head, as David turns down an opportunity to rid himself of King Saul once and for all. We see David’s heart for the Lord as he chose to pursue obedience over safety. David’s mercy in this story gives us a glimpse of Christ’s incredible mercy toward sinners who place their faith in His name.
Why did David spare Saul’s life? How do we see an even greater pardon for sin in the lives of Christ followers?
Back in chapter 18, Saul had grown jealous of of David’s popularity after his many victories in battle. By chapter 24, Saul had attempted to kill David multiple times and refused to give up the fight. In fact, he brought 3,000 men on a mission to search for David in the wilderness of En-gedi. David soon found himself in a cave with his own men, who tempted him to kill the vengeful King Saul.
Yet, David knew what the Lord called him to do (1 Samuel 24:6). He extended honor to Saul, though he did not deserve such mercy. David even swore to never harm his king, an oath that would continue to be tested as Saul would go back on his word to preserve the life of his young successor.
David trusted God to deliver him from Saul and refused to take matters into his own hands, believing God’s word would come to pass and that David would become king in God’s perfect timing. David’s willingness to grant mercy came from his trust in God's perfect justice and righteousness (v. 15). Rather than seeking vengeance, David extended mercy, recognizing God alone would enact judgment on Saul's sin.
In an even greater act of mercy, Christ died for sinners. He prayed for forgiveness for those who nailed Him to the cross, and He took the judgment for our sin. The mercy of God is available to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). Lead the children in your care to see the immeasurable gift of Christ’s mercy, that they, too, might experience forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ Jesus.
** Next week: David Became King (2 Samuel 5; 7)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read the 1 Samuel 24 from the Bible.
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After the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln became known for his mercy by issuing pardons to many soldiers who had fought in the war. President Lincoln wanted to reunite a divided country, and he knew that showing mercy was the way to peacefully move forward. It’s unknown how many pardons Abraham Lincoln issued, but his actions left an impression on history and brought healing to the United States.
Saul was out to kill David. When David had the chance to get revenge, he showed mercy. David’s act of mercy demonstrated that he was committed to doing what was right, even when it was difficult. He trusted that God would handle the situation.
When someone wrongs us, it can be tempting to get even, but God calls us to trust Him. Trusting God means believing that He has a plan and that He will work things out in His time. Therefore, we can choose to show kindness and mercy. And the greatest help in showing mercy is remembering that God has shown us such great mercy by sending His Son, Jesus, to die in our place.
Saul was trying to kill David, but David chose to show Saul mercy. When the people were killing Jesus, He showed them mercy and said, “Father, forgive them.” We all sin, but God shows us mercy through Jesus, who died for our sin and rose again.
Pray: God, help us trust You with our problems and reflect Your love in our actions. Thank You for Your mercy towards us through Jesus. Help us to extend that same mercy to others. 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
Ask God to help you reflect His mercy today. Ask God to give you opportunities to show kindness and forgiveness to others and ask Him to also give the strength you need to do so.
Evenings
Praise God for His unmatched kindness and mercy towards us. How have you seen God’s mercy in your life? How can you remember His kindness and reflect it to others?
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For Fun
Set up an obstacle course through your house or backyard that includes four stations where family members must stop in the course. At each station, give a scenario such as “Your friend accidentally spills soda on you”; “A classmate cuts in line”; or “Someone forgets to return your toy.” Ask the family member to tell how they would show mercy in the situation. Consider tailoring the scenarios to current struggles your children may be facing. Encourage each family member to think of a different answer to the scenario. If your family has older kids, allow them to provide additional scenarios for the game.
To Serve
Organize a neighborhood food drive to collect donations for a local food pantry. Set a date for the food drive and create flyers and posters to promote the event. Ask neighbors to simply put food on their porch or beside their mailbox on the given date. As a family, walk through the neighborhood and collect the food donations to give to the food pantry.