The Israelites Wanted a King
(2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51)
December 14th, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
David was a king after God's own heart, but he was also a sinner. As we study 2 Samuel 11–12, we learn how David fell into temptation and sinned against God and others. Yet, we also witness the incredible mercy offered to those who repent of their sin. Out of David’s brokenness, we see what it looks like to have a broken and contrite heart, and we gain a glimpse of the redemption offered to us through faith in Christ.
What transformations do we see in David’s life? How do these passages lead us to walk in restoration rather than in sin?
In our previous session, we read that David was established as king over Israel. Yet from the start of 2 Samuel 11, we see how David's temptation to follow his heart led to sin. As other kings and soldiers went to war, David idly passed his time in Jerusalem. Rather than lead his men in battle, David allowed the lust of his eyes to rule him. Through one choice at a time, David plummeted into covetousness, adultery, lying, and murder.
Only after being confronted by the prophet Nathan did David repent of his sin, leading him to pen the words of Psalm 51. In this psalm, David declared God’s righteousness in contrast to his own unrighteousness. He begged God to cleanse him of his sin. He asked for a new heart and spirit to be able to teach sinners the way of repentance.
This psalm models repentance to us, showing us what it looks like to turn from sin and to receive the mercy only God provides. David’s hope was in the God of His salvation who promised a future descendant to rule with justice and righteousness. Unlike David, Christ lived a perfect, sinless life and died for sin so that our hearts may be made clean.
Through confession of sins and profession of faith in Christ, we are saved, forgiven, and cleansed of our unrighteousness. Lead the children in your care to see the weight of the sins that separate us from God and the gift of grace that reunites us with the Father who sent His Son to redeem us. Pray your kids will see their need for the Savior and to cling to the hope only He provides.
** Next week: Solomon Became King (1 Kings 2-3)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read 2 Samuel 11:1–12:14 and Psalm 51 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 Every year, more than 62,000 wildfires erupt in the United States. These wildfires destroy more than 7 million acres of land each year. The worst part of all is that human carelessness is the main cause for these devastating fires. Many of them start with just a spark and burn for months!
The thought of one spark leading to a devastating wildfire reminds us of what happened in King David’s life. David sinned against God by inviting Bathsheba to his palace. This was the spark of sin that fanned into a wildfire of sin. David’s disobedience continued as he took another man’s wife, had the man killed in battle, and tried to cover up his sins with lies.
David tried to hide his sin from God, but nothing is hidden from Him. Like the devastation caused by wildfires, David’s sin had major consequences in his life.
Sin continues to wreak havoc in our lives too. We face consequences here and now when we disobey, but the greatest consequence is that sin separates us from God. It causes us to miss out on the relationship with God that we were created to have. But there is good news! The good news of Jesus is that He came to take our sin and all its consequences on Himself. He died in our place and then came back to life to offer eternal life to all who trust in Him.
When David admitted his sin before the Lord, he was forgiven. When we confess our sins to the Lord and believe in Jesus, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Pray: God, You are great, and nothing is hidden from You. Even when our sin deserves to be punished, You loved the world enough to send Jesus. Help us confess our sin and seek the forgiveness You offer to us through Jesus. 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 God for the forgiveness He made available through Jesus. Think of Jesus’ sacrifice and the peace it brings to those who trust in Him. How can we share the hope found in Jesus with others? Why is it important for us to tell others about Jesus’ sacrifice?
Evenings
Ask God to guard you from sin and the consequences that come with sin. Ask Him to give you delight in His Word so that it can help you not sin against Him. How does reading God’s Word help you to grow closer to Him? How can staying near to God help you to avoid the temptation of sin?
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For Fun
Re-enact Nathan’s story of the rich man, the poor man, and the sheep, using marshmallows or a favorite treat to represent the sheep and two family members to represent the rich man and the poor man. Discuss how the story represents David and what he did when he took another man’s wife.
To Serve
Gather toiletry items and non-perishable snacks that can be donated to meet the needs of a homeless shelter or handed out to individuals you might encounter as a family. Remind kids that God has provided for our greatest need by sending Jesus to save us from our sin.