Love between Jonathan and David Basic 6 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

THE STORY (1 Samuel 18-20, 23)

Background:

• Jonathan was King Saul’s son, the prince of Israel
• David was a young shepherd who killed Goliath
• Jonathan and David became best friends

How Their Friendship Began (1 Samuel 18:1-4):

• After David killed Goliath, he met Jonathan
• Jonathan’s soul was knit with David’s soul
• Jonathan loved David as his own soul
• Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt
• This showed Jonathan accepted David as equal, even though David was just a shepherd

Jonathan Protected David (1 Samuel 19:1-7):

• King Saul became jealous of David
• Saul wanted to kill David
• Jonathan warned David about his father’s plan
• Jonathan spoke well of David to his father
• Jonathan risked his own life to save David

Jonathan’s Covenant with David (1 Samuel 20):

• Saul continued trying to kill David
• Jonathan and David made a covenant (special promise)
• They promised to be friends forever
• They promised to protect each other’s families
• Jonathan helped David escape from Saul
• They wept together when David had to flee

Jonathan Encouraged David (1 Samuel 23:16-18):

• While David was hiding in the wilderness
• Jonathan went to find David
• He strengthened David’s hand in God
• He reminded David that God would make him king
• Jonathan put David’s needs above his own right to the throne

Jonathan’s Death (1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1):

• Jonathan died in battle with his father Saul
• David mourned greatly for his friend
• David later showed kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth

TYPE OF BOND BETWEEN JONATHAN AND DAVID

Characteristics of Their Friendship:

1. Sacrificial Love 
   1. Jonathan gave up his right to be king
   2. He put David’s life above his own ambitions
2. Loyal and Faithful 
   1. Remained friends even when difficult
   2. Never betrayed each other
3. Trusting 
   1. They could depend on each other
   2. Kept each other’s secrets
4. Covenant Relationship 
   1. Made promises before God
   2. Committed for life
5. Protective 
   1. Warned each other of danger
   2. Defended each other
6. Encouraging 
   1. Strengthened each other in God
   2. Supported each other’s dreams
7. Selfless 
   1. Thought of each other before themselves
   2. No jealousy or competition

WHAT TRUE FRIENDS SHOULD DO

Based on Jonathan and David’s Example:

1. Be Loyal – Stand by your friend in good and bad times
2. Be Honest – Tell the truth even when it’s hard
3. Protect Each Other – Defend your friend from harm
4. Encourage – Build your friend up with positive words
5. Keep Promises – Do what you say you’ll do
6. Share – Give to your friend generously
7. Forgive – Don’t hold grudges when offended
8. Pray Together – Strengthen each other spiritually
9. Be Selfless – Think of your friend’s needs first
10. Trust – Be dependable and trustworthy
11. Warn of Danger – Help your friend avoid trouble
12. Celebrate Success – Be happy when your friend succeeds
13. Be There – Spend time together
14. Respect – Value your friend’s opinions
15. Love Unconditionally – Accept your friend as they are

What True Friends Don’t Do:

• Betray secrets
• Gossip about each other
• Become jealous
• Compete with each other
• Abandon in times of trouble
• Lead each other into sin

Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity”

Homework: Write about your best friend and how you show love to each other.