It is recommended that you also read 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 with your reading from 1 Samuel 14:1–23.

• Introduction

  Similar to 1 Samuel 13, 1 Samuel 14:1–23 also focuses on obedience. Where 1 Samuel 13 did so from a negative perspective, encouraging us not to make excuses for our sin, 1 Samuel 14 does the opposite. Positively, we are given an example of bold and courageous obedience. The Spirit wants us to realize that the Lord has prepared many good works for his people to walk in and that he uses our obedience, however small and seemingly insignificant, to serve the purposes of his kingdom.

• The Lord saves by many or be few

  • Explain: what is Saul doing and why? Why does Jonathan make a plan to attack a Philistine outpost?

  • Explain: what does Jonathan believe about God? Why does Jonathan propose a test? 

  • Explain: why do the Philistines invite the Israelites to come up to them? How does the Lord throw their army into panic?

  • Explain: before Jonathan’s faith and bravery is an example to us, it is a pointer to what the Messiah would do and how God will save his people through the faith and obedience of his true King.

• The apparent folly of Christ, the bravery of Jesus, and a call to obedience

  • Explain: how does Jonathan’s plan seem foolish? How does the suffering and death of Christ seem foolish in the eyes of the world? 

  • Explain: what does it mean for Christ to be our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption?

  • Apply: how does the bravery of Jonathan contrast with that of Jesus? What did Jesus show us about the pattern of the Christian life?

  • Explain/Apply: how can we be bold in our obedience to God? What are some things we can do to serve others? How can we bear witness to Christ? What does boldness mean for when we go through times of suffering?

• Prayer of response

  Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Jonathan and how he points us to your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you that Jesus is our wisdom and our righteousness.

  Please help us to follow Jesus with a bold confidence and obedience. When the world thinks that we are foolish, may we remember that you chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and that your gospel is the power of salvation to everyone who believes. To that end we ask that you will be at work in us by your Spirit, that we might be bold in pursuing good works and especially in testifying to Christ when the opportunity presents itself. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.