David and Mephibosheth
2 Samuel 9:1-13; 2 Samuel 4:4; 1 Samuel 20:14-17 Old Testament PrincipleKindness
King David remembered his promise to his best friend Jonathan. He found Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, who couldn't walk, gave him back his family's land and invited him to eat at the king's table every day. God shows that same kindness to us, so we show kindness to others.
God shows us kindness we could never earn and welcomes us to His table. Because He is so kind to us, we are kind to others.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 BSB
Christ Connection · God’s love
Mephibosheth couldn't earn a seat at the king's table; he was invited for Jonathan's sake. In the same way, God welcomes us, not because we're strong or good, but "in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7). Jesus invites "the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame" to His feast (Luke 14:21), and one day all His people will eat at His table forever (Revelation 19:9).
Ephesians 2:4-7; Luke 14:21; Revelation 19:9
The Big Story · Redemption
Sin left people broken, afraid and far from the King. God, rich in kindness, seeks us out and seats us at His table for Jesus' sake, a picture of the great feast when Jesus makes all things new.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: An empty seat
- Bible Kitchen (taste the story): The king's table
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Who's invited?
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
God is kind, so I am kind!
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Come to my table, Color the king's welcome
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
King David kept his promise to Jonathan by showing kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, who couldn't walk. David gave him his land and a seat at the king's table. God is kind to us, so we are kind to others.
Start here
Ask, "Have you ever been chosen or invited when you didn't expect it? How did it feel?" Say, "Today a king invites someone who never expected it, and it changes his whole life."
Bible story 6 min
Long ago, David and Jonathan were best friends. Jonathan's dad was King Saul. David made a promise. "I will always be kind to your family."
Later, Saul and Jonathan died in a battle. Jonathan had a little boy. He was only five. His nurse picked him up and ran. But she dropped him, and his feet got hurt. From then on, he could not walk well.
Years went by. David became king. One day he asked, "Is anyone left from Saul's family? I want to be kind to them."
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Act it out 10 min
You’ll need: A chair (the throne), A paper crown, A tablecloth
- Choose King David, Ziba and Mephibosheth. Everyone else is the king's sons at the table.
- Act out the skit. When David says "eat at my table," everyone makes room.
- Switch parts and act it again.
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
King David showed "the kindness of God" to Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, who couldn't walk and expected the worst. David restored his land and gave him a permanent seat at the king's table. God's kindness to us in Jesus makes us kind to others.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: The kindness of God, Who's invited?
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, with friends, at home
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
David's kindness to Mephibosheth was covenant love, "the kindness of God," given to a frightened, powerless man for someone else's sake. It's a picture of God's grace to us in Christ, which seats us at His table as we are and makes us kind to others.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 6 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Seated at the table, Someone to welcome
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, online and on screens, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Kindness
The same principle in other Bible stories.
Seeing God's WorldSalt and LightMatthew 5:13-16; Jeremiah 29:4-7Jesus told His followers, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." Long before, God told His people in Babylon to seek the good of the city and pray for it. Christians don't hide from the world or blend into it. We do good and show Jesus' love so people see it and praise our Father in heaven.New TestamentKindness
The Church BeginsDorcas Helps PeopleActs 9:36-43; Mark 5:35-43Dorcas loved Jesus and was always doing kind things, like making clothes for widows. When she got sick and died, her friends sent for Peter. Peter prayed, and God brought Dorcas back to life, and many people believed in Jesus.New TestamentKindness
Kings and ProphetsRuth and NaomiRuth 1:1-22; Ruth 2:1-23; Ruth 3:1-18; Ruth 4:1-22When Naomi lost everything, God showed His kindness through Ruth and Boaz, and Boaz became the family's redeemer, pointing to Jesus, our Redeemer.Old TestamentKindness