Children's Lesson: Jonathan and David – What a True Friend Looks Like

Memory Verse: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:1-42; 23:16-18

Age Group: Children (Ages 6-12)

Introduction: What Makes a Good Friend?

Have you ever had a really good friend? Someone who was kind to you even when others were not? Someone who stood up for you? Someone who made you feel better when you were sad?

The Bible has one of the greatest friendship stories ever told — the story of Jonathan and David. And it teaches us exactly what a true friend looks like.

The Story: Two Friends Who Never Gave Up

After David defeated the giant Goliath, something wonderful happened. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, met David and they became the best of friends immediately. The Bible says “the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David” — that means they felt like they were meant to be friends.

Jonathan gave David a very special gift. He took off his own robe — the one that showed he was the prince — and gave it to David. He also gave him his sword, his bow, and his belt. It was Jonathan’s way of saying: “I am on your side. Everything I have, I share with you.”

But their friendship was about to be tested in a very big way.

King Saul, Jonathan’s own father, became very jealous of David and wanted to hurt him. He even told Jonathan to help him catch David! But Jonathan loved David too much to let that happen. He went to his father and said: “Please do not hurt David. He has done nothing wrong. He has only done good things for you.” Jonathan stood up for his friend even though it was dangerous for him.

Later, when David had to run away to hide in the forest, Jonathan came to find him. He did not bring food or an army. He brought something even better — he reminded David of God’s promises. He said: “Do not be afraid. God is with you and you will be king, just like He said.” Jonathan strengthened his friend’s heart when his friend was ready to give up.

Even when they had to say goodbye, they kept their promise to each other. Their friendship lasted a lifetime — and even beyond that, because David kept his promise to Jonathan’s family long after Jonathan was gone.

What We Learn About True Friendship

A true friend is loyal. Jonathan stayed David’s friend even when it was dangerous and costly. Good friends do not disappear when things get hard.
A true friend stands up for you. Jonathan spoke up for David when people were saying bad things about him. A good friend defends you even when you are not there.
A true friend tells you the truth. Jonathan was honest with David even when the truth was hard to hear. Real friends do not just tell you what you want to hear.
A true friend helps you remember God. Jonathan pointed David back to God’s promises when David was discouraged. The best friends help you trust God more.
A true friend keeps their promises. David kept his promise to Jonathan even long after Jonathan had died. Good friends keep their word.

How Can You Be a Jonathan This Week?

Being a Jonathan does not mean you have to fight giants or face kings! It might look like this:

Standing next to a friend who is being left out at school
Saying something kind about someone when others are being unkind
Praying for a friend who is sad or going through something hard
Keeping a promise you made to a friend, even when it is inconvenient

Memory Verse Practice

Let us say our memory verse three times together:
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Questions for Class Discussion

What did Jonathan do to show David he was his true friend?
Why was it hard for Jonathan to be David’s friend? What did it cost him?
What did Jonathan do when he found David hiding in the forest?
How can you be a Jonathan to someone at school or in your neighbourhood this week?

Also read: 6 Biblical Lessons on True Friendship for Adults