Unit 8, Session 4

Samson and the Philistines (Judges 13-16)

 

Dear families,

The life of Samson showcases the downfall of a mighty hero whose story draws some similarities to Jesus. Samson’s shortcomings, however, reveal the need for a greater deliverer. Only by faith in the Son of God can we please our Father in heaven and get a proper view of where true strength comes from.

What comparisons and contrasts can we make between Samson and Jesus? What can Christians glean about the source of their strength?

In Samson’s story, the angel of the Lord delivered the news that a woman who was unable to conceive would have a son. This has similarities to the New Testament’s even greater account of the miraculous conception of Jesus to the virgin Mary. We later read that Delilah, whom Samson loved, was bribed with silver to betray him into the hands of his enemies, just as Judas did to Jesus. Both Samson and Jesus were called to bring salvation to God’s people amid the oppression they faced, though only Jesus was able to do so in a lasting way by perfectly obeying God’s commands.

Samson’s strength came from the Spirit of God and Samson’s adherence to the angel’s command that he not cut his hair. As a Nazirite, Samson was called to be set apart in holy service to God, though he disobeyed God’s call to abstain from the unclean and idolatrous ways of the world. The downfall of Samson revealed the need for a greater hero who could fulfill God’s commands and deliver His people once and for all.

Though Samson was an esteemed warrior, his strength was not his own; it came from God who called him to walk in holiness. Like Samson, we cannot please God on our own. We need the power of His Spirit to help us walk in His ways (Galatians 5:16). Jesus is the better Samson—our perfect sacrifice who suffered in our place to create lasting transformation amid our helpless and hopeless state. Lead the boys and girls in your care to see that when we place our trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, allowing us to walk victoriously in faith.

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: God used Samson to save His people. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins and give us life with God forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Like Samson helped his people, Jesus helps us. Jesus died and came back to life to save us from our mistakes and give us life with God forever.
  • Older Preschool: God made Samson strong and used Samson’s death to save His people from the Philistines. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to rescue us from sin and give us life with God forever.
  • Kids: Samson’s great strength came from God alone. He had no power todefeat the Philistines on his own. We cannot please God on our own. Through faith in Jesus, people are saved from sin and receive the Holy Spirit, who helps them live to please God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
  • Older Preschool:What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
  • Kids: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: If we pray, God will hear and forgive our sins. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Younger Preschool: If my people pray and turn from sin, I will forgive them. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Older Preschool: [If] my people pray and turn from their evil ways, then I will forgive their sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Kids: [If] my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

** Next week: The Story of Ruth (Ruth)