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Unit 13, Session 2

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

Dear families,

When we hear the word idolatry, we might think about the golden calf in Exodus 32. While today’s story includes King Jeroboam crafting two physical golden calves, it points to the invisible idolatry of the heart. What is idolatry? Idolatry is a sin in which we love and value something above God. 

 Rehoboam had been cruel to God’s people, and because of his harsh treatment, ten tribes rejected him as king and sought out Jeroboam to be king of Israel. Rehoboam’s domain in Judah was smaller but held an important status because it was the location of the temple.   

  Jeroboam feared the people would eventually abandon him and return to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. Taking matters into his own hands, Jeroboam led the people to break the law of Moses and worship two golden calves. God was angry with Jeroboam and sent the prophet Ahijah to tell Jeroboam that he had behaved wickedly, that God was going to bring disaster upon his house, and that there would be a new king over Israel. 

  After Jeroboam, Israel had other evil kings––Nadab and Baasha. Like Jeroboam, they led Israel to turn away from God and worship idols. All three of these kings were eventually judged for their sin. 

  The first three kings of Israel led the people to disobey God. We all sin by disobeying God. Like Israel's kings, we may turn to other things above the Lord.

Is there anything that has become an idol in your heart? Remember that the gift of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection paid the price of our sin. Likewise, remind kids that Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sinful idolatry and bring us back to God. Pray for the children in your care to grasp the weight of our sinful choices to worship other things and the depth of Christ’s love to provide salvation. 

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 died to take away our sins so we can be with God forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Even when we do wrong things, Jesus loves us so much. He died to take away our sins so we can be with God forever.
  • Older Preschool: The kings of Israel led the people away from God. We all disobey God when we sin. Jesus died to take the punishment for our sins and rose again to bring us back to God.
  • Kids: The first kings of Israel led the people to disobey God and to worship idols. Israel's kings suffered the consequences of their sin. We all sin when we disobey God and worship other things. Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sin and bring us back to God.

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: Elijah Confronted Ahab (1 Kings 18-19)

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