David's Mighty Men Begin to Gather: The Life of David Series (Toddler/PreK)

These week in Calvary Kids, we learned in our passage how God takes the weak and makes them strong. He takes the broken and makes them whole. David's compassionate leadership and belief in these Mighty Men that followed him, potentially mirrors Christ's work in gathering the broken and making them His mighty servants. The loyalty these men showed David. risking their lives to bring him water from Bethlehem's well,  demonstrates the transformative power of belonging and good leadership.
 
Read 1 Chronicles 11:15-19; 1 Samuel 22:1-2; Matthew 25:35,44-45, and Matthew 10:42 

Last week, we learned about David living with the Philistines. He made some bad choices because he was afraid, but God still protected him. This week, we’re learning about David’s special friends called David’s Mighty Men!

These men were known for being amazing warriors. For example:

• One of them, Josheb-Basshebeth, fought 800 men with just his spear! (2 Samuel 23:8)
• Another, Abishai, fought 300 men with his spear! (2 Samuel 23:18–19)

That sounds incredible, right? But here’s the surprise: they weren’t always that strong or brave.

When David was hiding from King Saul, a bunch of people came to him. But they weren’t the best warriors. The Bible says: “Everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. And he became captain over them.” (1 Samuel 22:2) That means they were people with problems. They were unhappy, broken, and in trouble.  But David welcomed them anyway. He gave them a chance and little by little, they became mighty men. That reminds us of Jesus! He says in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus doesn’t wait for us to be perfect. He takes us just the way we are and changes us.

One day David said, “Oh, how I’d love a drink from the well in Bethlehem!” But Bethlehem was full of Philistines (the enemy!). Three of his men loved him so much, they fought their way through the enemy camp just to bring him water. That’s real friendship! But when David got the water, he didn’t drink it. Instead, he poured it out to the Lord. He said it was too precious because it was like their very lives.

This teaches us two things: Real friends care so much that they’re willing to sacrifice for each other and everything we do for others can be offered to God as worship. David was brave, but he couldn’t do it all alone. His mighty men made him stronger.

The Jesus Connection
David’s mighty men remind us of Jesus in a big way:

• David welcomed people with problems → Jesus welcomes sinners
• David turned them into mighty warriors → Jesus turns us into mighty followers
• David’s men served his kingdom → We serve God’s eternal kingdom
• David’s men risked their lives for water → Jesus gave His whole life for us

Discussion Questions:
1. What kinds of people came to David at the cave of Adullam? Why do you think David welcomed them?

2. How did the broken outcasts become mighty warriors? What made the difference?

3.Why did the three mighty men risk their lives to get David water? What does this teach us about friendship?

4.What does it mean to say "We are yours, David"? How can we say this to Jesus?

5. How does Jesus gather broken people today and make them mighty? Can you think of examples?

Memory Verse:
"We are yours, David, and we are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you." - 1 Chronicles 12:18