Heart Prep:
While King Solomon was known for his wisdom, he did not leave his kingdom better than he found it. His heart turned away to other gods when he grew older. Because of his unfaithfulness, God promised to tear the kingdom apart. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, became the next king after he died. When the people of Israel requested the new king to lighten their loads, Rehoboam sought advice from the elders who served with his father and from a group of his friends. The elders suggested he should be a servant to his people and speak kindly to them. His friends suggested him to make their lives more difficult. Rehoboam ignored the wise counsel from the elders and told the people that he was more powerful than Solomon and would increase their burden. The people did not appreciate their new king’s aggressive posture and decided to rebel against him. The kingdom was divided, just as God said it would happen. Rehoboam sought to be served instead of choosing to serve the people. True leadership, however, stems from service. Jesus willingly chose to serve us while we were still far from Him. As Romans 5:8 tells us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” As you prepare to teach, pray for God to help you listen to the wise counsel of His Holy Spirit. Remind kids that we can choose to follow God’s ways through faith in Jesus.
Message:
Solomon, the King of Israel, started out following God wholeheartedly, but later his heart was turned away from God. He was unfaithful to God by worshiping idols. The Lord was angry with him and said, “Since you have not kept my covenant and laws, I will tear your kingdom in two. One tribe will be given to your son, and the rest of Israel will follow another king.” Later, a servant of King Solomon named Jeroboam was walking down the road when a prophet of the Lord met him. The prophet told Jeroboam that he would be the new king. Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but he fled to Egypt, where he remained until Solomon’s death. After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam (ree huh BOH uhm) became the new king. Jeroboam (jer uh BOH uhm) and the people of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, “Your father Solomon was a very harsh king. We are willing to follow you as our king, if you will be less harsh with us.” Rehoboam replied, “Come back in three days, and I will give you an answer to your request.” Then Rehoboam brought together the elders who had served his father Solomon. The elders gave Rehoboam very good advice: “Be a servant to the people, and speak kind words to them, and they will be your servants forever.” Rehoboam did not like what the elders said and rejected their advice. He asked some young men he had grown up with what he should do. These young men said, “Show the people you are in charge! Tell them you are far more powerful than your father Solomon, and their lives will be much harder under your rule.” When three days had passed, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam to hear his reply. He told them, “My father made your work difficult, but I will make your work even more difficult. My father disciplined you; I will discipline you even further.” When the people heard Rehoboam’s reply, they rebelled against him. All the tribes of Israel, except for the tribe of Judah, came together and made Jeroboam their king. Because of Rehoboam’s foolish and prideful sin, the people of God were now divided into two nations. King Rehoboam was king over Judah, and King Jeroboam was king over Israel.
Main Point:
Rehoboam rejected good advice, and his foolish pride led to a divided kingdom. Jesus, the truly wise King, unites all who trust in Him and brings them into His kingdom forever.
Discussion:
Why did Rehoboam reject the elders’ good advice?
Discuss how Rehoboam wanted to display his power as king. He thought that he was too important to serve the people in his kingdom. Rehoboam’s pride and sin caused the people to rebel against his leadership. (Read Prov. 16:18.)
How can our hearts be ‘divided’? Why does God deserve all our worship?
Remind kids that King Solomon worshiped God and the idols of other nations. Discuss how we might try to follow God while also having hearts that desire to be popular, gain riches, or idolize sports. Share how God is worthy of all worship because He is the one true God. (Read Rom. 5:6-11.)
Why is it important that Christ followers have a servant-like attitude?
Tell kids that Jesus came to serve others and give His life on the cross to save people from sin. When we serve and love others, we display Jesus’ love to those around us. Followers of Jesus recognize His love for them, and out of gratitude, desire to display that same love to others. Share how serving others and putting others first glorifies God.
(Read Col. 3:17.)
