David Becomes King / Mephibosheth
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 9:1-13
Theme: God’s kindness reaches the undeserving
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“God’s Love Song” “God is so good, He made a special house for Himself!” “When we give our best, He loves us so much!” (Encourage them with warm hugs and simple praise!)
Bible Story
“God’s House for Love”
Once, long ago, King Solomon built a special house for God. It was big and beautiful, made of wood and gold. God loved the people, so Solomon made this house just for Him to be near.
Inside, priests would help God’s people pray and thank Him. God always listens, so this house helped people feel close to Him. “God loves you!” we can say, just like He loves His house.
The temple was a place to worship, but God’s love never stops. He loves you, even when you’re little or tired. Your heart is His home too!
This story shows God wants us to feel safe and happy with Him. Just like the temple was a special place, our love for God makes our hearts special too!
Activities
- Gather the group in a circle. Say, “God loves to build His house where we worship Him, just like Solomon did!”
- Give each child a small piece of cardstock and ask them to fold it into a triangle (like a temple roof).
- Let them color it with crayons. Say, “God made His house to hold us close, just like He loves you!”
- Let them glue their temple to the table. Ask: “Where do we feel God’s love today?”
- 2. “Shine Like a Star” (Light & Love)
- Place paper plates in front of each child. Say, “God’s temple is like a big light, He shines love on everyone!”
- Let them paint their hands with bright colors and press them onto the plate (like hands holding candles).
- Once dry, let them color their “light hands” with crayons. Ask: “How can we share God’s love today?”
- Hang their painted plates up to dry. Say, “God’s house is full of light because He loves you!”
Discussion Questions
- Here are four simple, open-ended questions to explore God’s love through Solomon’s Temple:
- “God built a big house for Himself. What kind of things do you think He wants to share with you in that house?”
- (Let them name God’s presence, peace, or love in their lives.)*
- “When Solomon prayed, God answered, ‘I am here with you!’ How can you feel God’s love when you pray to Him?”
- (Encourage them to describe comfort or a happy feeling.)*
- “The temple was special because it was made for God to be close to people. Where do you feel God is near you every day?”
- (Let them name a time, place, or activity they feel His love.)*
- “Solomon built the temple to show God he loved Him. How can you show God you love Him with your words or actions?”
- (Ask for simple ways like praying, thanking Him, or sharing kindness.)*
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, you are love. You made us safe and bright, and Your house is full of light. Love is here, we rest in You. Thank You, God. Amen.” (Optional repetition:) “God is love, God is love, God is love with us!”
Missions Spotlight
In many parts of Southeast Asia, temple-building is a central part of religious life. Missioners working among the Khmer people of Cambodia use Solomon’s temple story to explain that God no longer lives in buildings made by hands, He lives in the hearts of those who trust in Jesus.
To the Cross
Solomon built a beautiful temple for God. But Jesus said, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days’ (John 2:19). He was talking about His body. Jesus IS the temple, the place where God and humanity meet. And now, through the Spirit, WE are God’s temple.
Family Take-Home
This Sunday school lesson teaches kids about King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, built as God’s sacred home. The story shows how God’s love and plan guided Solomon’s work, reminding families that worshipping in God’s presence brings joy and strengthens faith.