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Unit 13, Session 1: The Kingdom Divided (1 Kings 11-13)

Dear families,

While King Solomon was known for his wisdom, he did not leave his kingdom better than he found it, for when he was old, his heart turned to other gods (1 Kings 11:4). In fact, the kingdom would now be divided because of his unfaithfulness to God. After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king and was confronted with a request from the people to lighten their labor. Rehoboam sought counsel from those who served with his father, and he also asked a group of his peers for advice.

King Rehoboam received wise counsel but then chose to ignore it. The elders who served with his father advised Rehoboam to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them. Surely this approach would have established trust. Rehoboam, however, disregarded the elders’ input and chose to listen to a young group of friends instead. Their suggestion was to tell the people that Rehoboam was even more powerful than Solomon and would make their lives more difficult.

The people didn’t appreciate their new king’s aggressive posture toward them, and they rebelled against him. Rehoboam’s selfish pride resulted in all of Israel except for those living in the cities of Judah to seek Jeroboam as their king. The kingdom was divided, just as God said it would happen.

Rehoboam sought to be served instead of choosing to serve the people. True leadership, however, stems from service. Jesus willingly chose to serve us while we were still far from Him. As Romans 5:8 tells us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Have you ever completely disregarded sound wisdom or godly advice? Who we listen to matters. As you lead the children in your care, pray for God to help you listen to the wise counsel of His Holy Spirit. Remind kids that we can choose to follow God’s ways through faith in Jesus. Pray for these children know the one true God and to look to Christ as the ultimate example of true, selfless leadership.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is our King who taught us to be kind and love others.
  • Younger Preschool: Rehoboam made a bad choice, and the kingdom split into two groups. But Jesus, our good King, showed us how to be kind and love others. He gave His life for us.
  • Older Preschool: Rehoboam made a wrong choice, and God’s people split into two groups. But Jesus, our good King, brings together all who trust in Him and welcomes them into His kingdom forever.
  • Kids: Rehoboam rejected good advice, and his foolish pride led to a divided kingdom. Jesus, the truly wise King, unites all who trust in Him and brings them into His kingdom forever.

 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

    • Younger Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
    • Older Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • Kids: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Know the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Younger Preschool: May all people know the Lord is God. There is no other!
  • 1 Kings 8:60
  • Older Preschool: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Kids: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60


** Next week: Israel’s Evil Kings (1 Kings 14-15; 2 Chronicles 12-13)

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Children's Ministry