1 Samuel 20:1 to 20:17 True friends love faithfully, protect each other, and share with joyful, unselfish hearts. See how Prince Jonathan loved David as his own soul. Observe Jonathan sharing his royal robe, belt, and bow with David. Practice being a kind, sharing, and faithful friend on the playground and at home. Jonathan was King Saul's oldest son and the crown prince of Israel. Instead of being jealous of David, Jonathan loved David deeply in the Lord. A Royal Friendship Begins After David defeated Goliath, King Saul brought David to live in the royal palace. There David met Saul's son, Prince Jonathan. The Bible tells us something wonderful: 'the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.' They made a sacred promise before God to be faithful friends forever. A Prince Who Loved to Share Prince Jonathan took off his royal robe and gave it to David! He also gave David his armor, his sword, his bow, and his belt. Jonathan was the crown prince who could have been next in line for the throne, but he was not jealous of David. He rejoiced that God had chosen David, and gladly shared his most precious things. Protecting a Friend in Danger When King Saul became jealous and angry, Jonathan risked his own safety to protect David. Jonathan shot arrows in a field as a secret signal to warn David that danger was near. They hugged each other and wept, promising that their friendship would last through all generations. True friends love at all times. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 What special gifts did Prince Jonathan share with David? A bag of gold coins His royal robe, belt, armor, and bow A wooden chariot A pair of sandals His royal robe, belt, armor, and bow Jonathan showed his deep unselfish love by giving his own royal robe and weapons to David. How did Jonathan protect David when King Saul was angry? He warned David using arrows as a secret signal He told Saul where David was hiding He locked David in a room He forgot about David He warned David using arrows as a secret signal Jonathan protected his friend by shooting arrows as a agreed signal to warn him of danger. What does Proverbs 17:17 say about a true friend? A friend is only nice on birthdays A friend loves at all times A friend always takes the best toys A friend leaves when things get hard A friend loves at all times A true Christian friend shows love and faithfulness at all times. Share your favorite toy, game, or snack with a friend or sibling this week without fighting or complaining. Lord Jesus, thank you for being our best and most faithful Friend. Teach us to love our friends unselfishly like Jonathan, sharing our toys and being kind and loyal every day. Amen. Why was Prince Jonathan willing to give his royal robe and bow to David? What makes someone a really good friend on the playground or at school? Teach children the qualities of unselfish, loyal Christian friendship through David and Jonathan. Ask two children to lock fingers to show what it means for souls to be 'knit together' in friendship. Why was King Saul jealous if Jonathan wasn't? Explain that Saul looked at outward power, but Jonathan looked at God's heart. 5 minutes hook, 12 minutes story, 8 minutes memory verse, 10 minutes application and prayer.