Sunday School Lesson Directions
The Bible tells us little about the childhood of most Bible
characters. Samuel, however, is an exception. We've already studied
the events surrounding his birth and his dedication to service at
the tabernacle, and, in today's passage, we read of his first
personal encounter with God.
Both Samuel and Eli had lain down for the night when God called
out to Samuel. Perhaps Samuel was accustomed to calls for
assistance from Eli, who was losing his eyesight (1 Samuel 3:2). At
first, Eli might well have thought Samuel had been dreaming when he
heard a voice calling his name. First Samuel 3:7 explains that
Samuel "did not yet know the Lord." This doesn't mean that Samuel
didn't understand who the Lord is or hadn't really been serving
him; he simply had never before received a direct revelation from
God. So it is not surprising that the boy continued to return to
Eli when he was called.
When Eli realized that Samuel was hearing a call from God, he
didn't get up, go with Samuel, and hear what God had to say. He
knew that whatever God wanted to say to Samuel was between God and
the boy. The prophecy Samuel received echoed the words of a
prophecy Eli had received from a "man of God" earlier. Because
Eli's sons had dishonored God in their priestly duties, that
prophecy predicted the death of Eli's sons and their replacement by
a priest who would be faithful to God (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The
prophecy given to Samuel made it clear that Eli had not raised his
sons properly and that Eli would be punished. As difficult as it
must have been for Samuel to pronounce judgment upon the priest he
served, Samuel faithfully reported to Eli what God had said.
From 1 Samuel 3:19-21 it is clear that this was the first of
many times God spoke to Samuel. Samuel grew up listening to God.
The phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" (1 Samuel 3:20) was used to
describe the entire Promised Land. Samuel became God's mouthpiece
to the nation of Israel. He listened when God appeared to him, and
"Samuel's word came to all Israel" (1 Samuel 3:21b).
Getting Started
Listening Ears
When kids arrive, have them share with a partner how they
followed through on their Daily Challenges last week. Then randomly
hand out the index cards you prepared before class to kids as they
come into class, telling them not to share what's written on their
cards. When everyone has arrived and has an index card, have kids
stand in a circle.
SAY: We're going to play a game
to start class today. Each of you has a card that tells you what
you should do during this game. Look at your card to make sure you
understand your instruction.
Only half of the kids will be following the special instruction,
but the "speaking" half of the class won't know this.
If anyone has a question about what to do, take him or her
aside, and briefly explain that child's part in the game. When
everyone understands, have kids start to play. As kids play, you
will see kids begin to follow the instruction you've written on the
single card. When you see that almost half the class has followed
your special instruction, stop the game.
ASK: • One person gave a
special instruction during our game. Does anyone know who it
was?
• What was the special instruction? (To cross
my arms; to fold my hands.)
• How did you know which person was giving the special
instruction? (They told me what to do; there was only one
person giving directions.)
• Why do you think it was easier for those listening
rather than speaking to hear the special instruction?
(Because the people who were talking didn't hear the special
instruction.)
• How was trying to hear the special instruction like
trying to hear God's voice? (We need to listen to
God.)
SAY: Hearing God speak to us
can be hard sometimes. Today we're going to learn about a boy named
Samuel. We'll learn about how God spoke to him and how Samuel
responded to God. Then we'll learn that God wants us to listen and
follow when he directs us.
Bible Story Exploration
You Called?
Give each child a piece of paper, and ask kids to tear the paper
into four pieces. Have children write their names on each piece.
Have them fold the papers and give them back to you. Ask kids to
lie down on their backs as though they are sleeping. As they
"sleep," draw a child's name from the pile, and put it aside. Tell
kids you'll call out their names one at a time. When they hear
their names, each child will come to you and say, "Here I am; you
called me."
As each child comes to you, say, "I did not call; go back and
lie down." Do this until every child's name has been called.
After you read a child's name for the third time, say, "Go and
lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant
is listening.' " You may need to coach kids on their lines.
SAY: What we have just done is a lot
like what happened to a young boy in the Bible. The boy's name is
Samuel, and today's Bible story is about him. We'll find it in 1
Samuel 3:1-21.
Read aloud 1 Samuel 3:1-10.
ASK: • Why do you think Samuel
thought Eli called him? (Because he heard someone call his
name; because God was calling him.)
• How would you feel if you kept hearing a voice calling
you and you didn't know who it was? (I'd be afraid; I'd
wonder who it was.)
• How do you think Samuel felt when he found out that
God was talking to him? (He was probably surprised; he was
probably scared.)
• What would you do if you heard God speaking to
you? (I'd be happy; I'd be scared.)
SAY: God wants us to listen and
follow when he directs us. Let's take a look at what Samuel did
when God spoke to him.
I'm Listening
Open your Bible to 1 Samuel 3:10b, and read the verse aloud:
"Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10b). Have kids
repeat the verse after you.
SAY: Samuel's response was
pretty simple. He just listened. Today we're going to make
headphones to remind us to listen for God's voice just as Samuel
did.
Give three chenille wires to each child. Have kids twist them or
braid them together. Then give each child a piece of sturdy
construction paper and a piece of cardboard or Styrofoam. Have kids
cut out earpiece circles from the construction paper and cut out
the same size circles from the cardboard or Styrofoam. Then have
kids glue the earpieces to the cardboard or Styrofoam circles.
When kids have finished with their earpieces, have them glue the
earpieces to the chenille wire headbands.
ASK: • How do headphones help
you hear? (They make the sound louder; they're right on
your ears so you can hear better.)
• What helps you hear God's voice? (The Bible;
listening.)
SAY: Let's read the rest of our
story to hear what God had to say to Samuel.
Read aloud 1 Samuel 3:11-21.
ASK: • How do you think Samuel
felt when God told him to do something hard? (He was
probably worried; he probably knew God would help him.)
• What do you think you would do if God told you to do
something hard? (I'd do it; I'd ask God to help me.)
SAY: Samuel heard and responded
to God's voice. Even though we may not hear God speak to us with
our ears, we can hear and respond to God, too. You can use your
headphones as a reminder to listen for God's voice. God wants us to
listen and follow when he directs us.
Have kids repeat 1 Samuel 3:10b with you: "Speak, for your
servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10b).
ASK: • How did Samuel respond
to God? (Samuel told God he was listening; Samuel listened
to God.)
• How should we respond when God directs us?
(We should obey; we should follow God.)
SAY: We need to say the same
thing Samuel did: "Speak, for your servant is
listening."
Have kids again repeat the Key Verse with you.
SAY: Now let's listen to hear
what God may be saying to you right now.
Weaving Faith Into Life
What Did You Say, God?
Have kids turn to the "What Did You Say, God?" activity in
Lesson 6 of their Bible Truth Sleuth, and distribute pens and
scissors.
SAY: On your Bible Truth
Sleuth, you'll see a picture of a CD with our Key Verse written on
it. Form groups of three, and talk about ways you can listen
carefully for God's direction. For example, you could read your
Bible, listen to your parents, pray, or listen to your pastor or
Sunday school teacher.
When you've finished sharing with one another, write those
things on your CD and carefully cut it out.
After kids have finished writing and cutting, give them each a
5½x11-inch sheet of construction paper to fold in half as covers
for their CDs. Have each child write the Key Verse on the front of
the cover and tape closed two sides of the cover. Then have kids
place their CDs inside.
SAY: You can use your
headphones and your CD as a reminder to listen carefully for God's
voice. On the back of the CD, you'll find "The WORD for the Week."
Use these verses each day to help you listen to what God has to say
in his Word. Let's each also choose a Daily Challenge to help us
remember that God wants us to listen and follow when he directs
us.
• Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21 with a parent, and discuss ways you can
listen and follow God in your own life.
• Invite a friend who doesn't know God to come to church with
you.
• Start each day by listening to God: Pray when you wake up, and
listen for God's answer.
Make sure you choose a Daily Challenge as well, and tell the
kids what you chose. Kids will be more inclined to follow through
on their commitments when they see you doing the same!
Cue the CD to "God So Loved the World" (John 3:16), and let kids
put on their headphones as they sing along. Post the "Lyrics"
poster where kids can see it.
Then close in prayer.
SAY: Lord, thank you for
speaking to us. Help us to always listen for you so we'll know what
you want us to do. Help us to always be willing to say, "Speak, for
your servant is listening." In Jesus' name we pray,
amen.
