Golden Text
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, BSB) · Read in the Bible
Samuel, now an old man, saw the people ask for a king. Heavenly Father, though sad, granted their request and chose Saul — a tall, handsome young man from the tribe of Benjamin. The lesson teaches children that God has a good plan for each of us and that knowing His will is the best path.
We are beginning a very special quarter in the Preschool class: we are going to meet kings and queens who appear in the Bible, Heavenly Father's Book! Some of these people listened to the voice of God and did what was right; others disobeyed and suffered the consequences. In this first lesson, we will discover how the first king of the people of God came to be — and learn that Heavenly Father always has the best plan for our lives.
If you bring a toy crown to the classroom, you will see the children's little eyes light up. "Who wears a crown?" — this simple question already opens the door to the story. And the answer that matters is this: it was Heavenly Father who chose the king.
The story: Heavenly Father chooses the first king
A long, long time ago, the people of God had a helper named Samuel. Ever since he was very little, Samuel loved Heavenly Father and did His will. He spoke God's message to the people, prayed for the people, and helped everyone.
But Samuel grew very old. So he called his two sons — Joel and Abijah — to be his helpers. Yet the two of them did not follow the example of their daddy Samuel. They disobeyed God and did wrong things. How sad!
The people became worried and went to talk to Samuel: — Samuel, your sons do not obey God! We want a king, just like the other peoples who live near us!
Samuel was sad. He went to talk with Heavenly Father, and God answered: — Do not be sad, Samuel. They have not rejected you — they have rejected Me. I wanted to take care of them as King, but they asked for another. Give them what they are asking for.
In the tribe of Benjamin there was a young man named Saul. He was tall, handsome, and caught everyone's attention. One day, Saul's father sent him to look for some donkeys that had gotten lost. Saul looked and looked, and did not find them. Then a friend said: — Let's go talk to the man of God who lives nearby. He can help us!
But Heavenly Father had already spoken to Samuel: "Tomorrow a young man will arrive, and he will be the king of My people." When Saul arrived, Samuel poured oil on his head and said: — Heavenly Father has anointed you as king!
And so Saul became the first king of the people of God. Everyone was happy! But the most important thing to remember is: it was Heavenly Father who chose him. He always knows what is best.
❤ For the child's heart. Did you know that Heavenly Father also has a wonderful plan for your life? He knows you by name, knows what you like, and has prepared very good things for you. He wants you to listen to His voice and do what is right — just as Samuel did ever since he was very little.
Christ in the Lesson
The people of God wanted a human king, and God allowed it. Yet the Father's heart always desired to care personally for His people. Centuries later, God sent the perfect King: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born in Bethlehem as a little baby and grew up to save the whole world. No human king is perfect — but Jesus is. He never disobeyed the Father, never did anything wrong, and loves us with an endless love. When we teach the children that "Heavenly Father chose the king," we are preparing their hearts to one day understand that the true King is Jesus — and that following His will is always the best way (Philippians 2:9-11).
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being so good and for having a special plan for every child in this classroom. Help each one to grow up loving Your Word and obeying Your voice, just as Samuel did ever since he was very little. May they discover, from an early age, that following Your will is the most beautiful path there is. In Jesus' name, amen.
Soli Deo Gloria — Scripture governs; everything else, on its knees.
Frequently asked questions about this lesson
What is the central truth of Preschool Lesson 1 in the 3rd quarter?+
That God chose Saul as the first king of Israel. Heavenly Father wanted to care for the people directly, but the people asked for a king. God, in His goodness, granted the request and anointed Saul through the prophet Samuel. The key verse is Romans 12:2.
How to teach the story of the first king to 3- to 4-year-old children?+
Use large, colorful pictures, a toy crown, and plenty of interaction. Tell the story briefly, with short sentences and questions like 'Who wears a crown?' and 'Who chose the king?'. Let the children hold the crown and repeat that Heavenly Father is the one who chooses and cares for us.
Who was Samuel and why did the people ask for a king?+
Samuel was the last judge of Israel. He served God since childhood, spoke Heavenly Father's message to the people, and helped others. When he grew old, his sons Joel and Abijah did not follow his example — they were disobedient. That is why the people asked for a king, just like the other nations had (1 Samuel 8).
What hands-on activity can the teacher do in this Preschool lesson?+
The children can decorate a large crown drawn on a sheet of paper by tearing crepe paper, rolling it into little balls, and gluing them onto the picture. While they work, the teacher asks questions: 'Who was the first king?', 'Who chose Saul?'. The activity exercises motor coordination and reinforces the content.
Teacher's Guide
The Preschool class learns through story, repetition, and movement. Here is the class plan:
Welcome. Greet each child with joy. If possible, have a toy crown at the door and say: "Welcome to Heavenly Father's kingdom!" Let each child try on the crown for a moment — this builds excitement for the story.
Praise. Sing a song about obeying God. Use simple gestures that the children can imitate. Music prepares their hearts and channels their initial energy.
Verse (Romans 12:2). Cut out the silhouette of a crown from poster board and write the verse on it with colorful markers. Read the verse from the Bible first, showing the children that this sentence comes from the Book of God. Then repeat it with the class three times, pointing to the crown: "Heavenly Father wants us to know His will — and His will is good, perfect, and makes our hearts happy!"
Bible story (1 Samuel 8–10). Use the pictures from the quarterly. Show Samuel, then the disobedient sons, the people asking for a king, and finally Saul being anointed. Ask questions during the story: "What did Samuel's sons do wrong?", "Who chose the king?". Encourage the children to repeat the name "Saul" out loud.
Activity / Playtime. Draw a large crown on a sheet of heavy craft paper. Sit with the children in a circle around the sheet. Hand out colorful crepe paper for them to tear and roll into little balls with their fingers, gluing them onto the crown. While they work, ask: "Who was the last judge? What were the names of Samuel's sons? What was the name of the first king?" Encourage participation and listen carefully to their answers.
Student activity. Hand out the quarterlies and pencils. Ask them to look at the pictures and number them in the right order. While they do the activity, reinforce that Samuel loved and obeyed Heavenly Father ever since he was little, but his sons were disobedient — that is why the people wanted a king.
Prayer. In the prayer corner, give thanks: "Heavenly Father, thank You for having a good plan for each one of us. Help us to listen to Your voice and do Your will. In Jesus' name, amen."
Closing. Ask the children to help put away the supplies. If possible, hand out the verse of the day for them to take home. Repeat the Bible text one last time. Say a warm goodbye to everyone, telling them that next Sunday we will learn more about this king named Saul.
