Lesson 15: Samuel
And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:19-20)
Samuel's Birth and Dedication
Parent Explanation:
Samuel’s mother, Hannah, wanted a child very much. So she prayed to God for help. Then God gave her Samuel and she was so thankful. She promised God that Samuel would serve Him all his life.
Samuel was taken to the temple as a little boy to live there and learn about God.
Questions:
Who was Samuel’s mother? (Answer: Hannah)
What promise did Hannah make? (Answer: That Samuel would serve God)
Hand Motions:
Prayer Gesture: Clasp hands together as if praying.
Dedication Gesture: Point upwards to signify dedicating Samuel to God.
Activities:
Storytelling: Explain how Samuel was a special gift to Hannah from God.
Interactive Question: Do you have something special that you are thankful for?
Samuel Hears God's Call
Parent Explanation:
One night, Samuel heard someone calling his name. He thought it was Eli, but it was actually God speaking to him.
With Eli’s help, Samuel learned to listen and respond to God, saying he was ready to listen.
Questions:
Who did Samuel think was calling him? (Answer: Eli)
What did Samuel say when he realized it was God? (Answer: Speak, for your servant is listening)
Hand Motions:
Listening Gesture: Cup hand to ear.
Speaking Gesture: Open hands outward as if speaking from the mouth.
Activities:
Listening Game: Play a "Simon Says" type of game to practice listening and responding.
Question: How can we show that we are ready to listen?
Samuel as a Prophet
Parent Explanation:
Samuel grew to be a wise man who told people what God wanted them to know. Everyone in Israel trusted him because he was good and fair.
He helped people understand how to follow God and do what was right.
Questions:
What job did Samuel do when he grew up? (Answer: Prophet)
Why did people respect Samuel? (Answer: Because he was wise and fair)
Hand Motions:
Prophet Gesture: Hold a scroll pretend reading it.
Helping Hand Gesture: Extend one hand out as if offering help.
Activities:
Role-Play: Act out a simple scenario where Samuel helps someone make a good choice.
Question: What are some ways we can help others?
Samuel Anoints Saul
Parent Explanation:
The people of Israel wanted a king, so they asked Samuel. Even though Samuel wasn’t sure it was a good idea, he listened to God.
God chose Saul to be the king, and Samuel anointed him with oil.
Questions:
What did the Israelites want? (Answer: A king)
Who did Samuel anoint as king? (Answer: Saul)
Hand Motions:
Anointing Gesture: Pretend to pour oil from a small flask over someone’s head.
King Gesture: Pretend to crown someone.
Activities:
Anointing Craft: Create a simple crown from paper and decorate it during the session.
Question: Why is it important to listen to what God says?
Samuel's Leadership
Parent Explanation:
Even after Saul became king, Samuel kept teaching people about God and helping them make good decisions.
Samuel is remembered for being faithful to God all his life and helping his people.
Questions:
What did Samuel continue to do after Saul became king? (Answer: Teach about God)
What can we remember about Samuel? (Answer: He was faithful to God)
Hand Motions:
Teaching Gesture: Hold open palms up as if holding a book.
Faithful Gesture: Place hand over heart.
Activities:
Legacy Discussion: Talk about good traits to be remembered for and how Samuel is a role model.
Favorite Part: What did you like best about Samuel's story?