Lesson 13 - Samson
For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines (Judges 13:5)
Samson's Nazirite Vow
Parent Explanation:
Samson’s parents couldn’t have children, but an angel told them they would have a son who would be special to God.
Samson took a Nazirite vow, promising not to cut his hair and to follow God’s rules.
Questions:
What was special about Samson’s hair? (Answer: He couldn’t cut it)
Why was Samson’s hair important? (Answer: It was part of a promise to God)
Hand Motions:
Hair Gesture: Stroke your hair to signify its importance.
Strong Arm Gesture: Flex your muscles to show strength.
Activities:
Storytelling: Explain how Samson was chosen by God for a special purpose.
Interactive Question: Do you have something special that reminds you of a promise?
Samson's Strength
Parent Explanation:
God gave Samson amazing strength to protect his people from their enemies.
He did incredible things, like fighting a lion and beating many soldiers.
Questions:
What did Samson do with his strength? (Answer: Protected his people)
Can you remember one strong thing that Samson did? (Accept any correct answers like fighting a lion)
Hand Motions:
Fighting Gesture: Pretend to be strong and brave, like fighting off a pretend lion.
Protect Gesture: Hold your arms out wide as if protecting someone.
Activities:
Strength Game: Have fun activities that involve gentle 'feats of strength' like lifting a pillow.
Question: How can we help protect our friends?
Samson Meets Delilah
Parent Explanation:
Samson trusted Delilah, but she tricked him into telling her about his hair, which was the secret of his strength.
When Samson's hair was cut, he lost his strength because it broke his vow to God.
Questions:
Who did Samson trust with his secret? (Answer: Delilah)
What happened when Samson’s hair was cut? (Answer: He lost his strength)
Hand Motions:
Hair Cutting Gesture: Mimic cutting hair with scissors.
Weak Gesture: Slump shoulders and look sad to show loss of strength.
Activities:
Trust Discussion: Use simple examples to discuss trust and its importance.
Question: What should we do if someone asks us to share a secret?
Samson Captured
Parent Explanation:
When Samson lost his strength, his enemies caught him and were very mean to him.
This shows us what can happen when we don’t keep our promises, especially to God.
Questions:
What happened to Samson after he lost his strength? (Answer: Captured by enemies)
Why is it important to keep our promises? (Answer: To stay safe and make good choices)
Hand Motions:
Captured Gesture: Gently wrap your hands around your wrists as if bound.
Sad Face Gesture: Make a sad face to show Samson’s regret.
Activities:
Promise Craft: Create simple bracelets as a reminder to keep promises.
Question: Have you ever felt sad when things didn't go right?
Samson's Redemption
Parent Explanation:
While Samson was a prisoner, his hair grew back, and so did his strength because he prayed to God.
In the end, Samson pushed down the pillars of a big building, defeating his enemies and showing that God gave him strength one more time.
Questions:
What grew back while Samson was in prison? (Answer: His hair and strength)
What did Samson do with his strength in the end? (Answer: Pushed down the pillars)
Hand Motions:
Growing Hair Gesture: Move hands from head downwards as if showing growing hair.
Pushing Gesture: Extend arms outward, showing strength.
Activities:
Strength and Redemption Game: Use building blocks to create a simple structure that can be safely pushed over by your toddler.
Favorite Part: What did you like best about Samson’s story?