Week of July 3, 2016: David and Jonathan Became Friends

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42

Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is the mighty friend of sinners.

Key Passage: Psalm 51:10

Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through David’s family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Following David’s slaying of Goliath, the Philistine warrior, King Saul’s son Jonathan dedicated himself to David. He loved David as much as he loved himself. Jonathan’s gifts to David—the robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt—indicated that Jonathan recognized David as God’s choice for the next king, a position Jonathan could have rightly expected as Saul’s son.

King Saul was jealous. Saul unsuccessfully attempted to kill David. Saul instructed his servants and his son Jonathan to kill David. But Jonathan loved David, and “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed,” Saul told Jonathan. With this promise, David returned to serving King Saul.

David came to Jonathan in a desperate situation. “What have I done? What did I do wrong? How have I sinned against your father that he wants to take my life?” David asked.

Jonathan laid down his rights as king and interceded on his behalf. Jonathan’s life gives us a glimpse of Jesus, the mighty friend of sinners. Jesus left His position in heaven to come down to us. He gave up His life to save us, and intercedes for us before God.