Weekly Parent Guide
Our children’s gatherings are strategically designed to present a singular message each week through a variety of mediums including age-relevant teachings, games, songs, object lessons, crafts, activities, and more. To assist parents and guardians in reinforcing what is being taught, this weekly parent guide provides an overview with additional insights and details. Our hope is this provides an outline that can be used throughout the week.
Sunday | 4.27.25
SAMSON AND THE PHILISTINES
JUDGES 13–16
The life of Samson showcases the downfall of a mighty hero whose story draws some similarities to Jesus. Samson’s shortcomings, however, reveal the need for a greater deliverer. Only by faith in the Son of God can we please our Father in heaven and get a proper view of where true strength comes from.
In Samson’s story, the angel of the Lord delivered the news that a woman who was unable to conceive would have a son. This has similarities to the New Testament’s even greater account of the miraculous conception of Jesus to the virgin Mary. We later read that Delilah, whom Samson loved, was bribed with silver to betray him into the hands of his enemies, just as Judas did to Jesus.
Both Samson and Jesus were called to bring salvation to God’s people amid the oppression they faced, though only Jesus was able to do so in a lasting way by perfectly obeying God’s commands. Samson’s strength came from the Spirit of God and Samson’s adherence to the angel’s command that he not cut his hair.
As a Nazirite, Samson was called to be set apart in holy service to God, though he disobeyed God’s call to abstain from the unclean and idolatrous ways of the world. The downfall of Samson revealed the need for a greater hero who could fulfill God’s commands and deliver His people once and for all. Though Samson was an esteemed warrior, his strength was not his own; it came from God who called him to walk in holiness.
Like Samson, we cannot please God on our own. We need the power of His Spirit to help us walk in His ways (Galatians 5:16). Jesus is the better Samson—our perfect sacrifice who suffered in our place to create lasting transformation amid our helpless and hopeless state.
Parent Challenge: Arm Wrestling
Try some arm-wrestling matches with your family. Discuss what makes us physically strong. What can we do to be spiritually strong?
Bible Story Video
Questions from Kids
Christ Connection
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Samson’s great strength came from God alone. He had no power to defeat the Philistines on his own. We cannot please God on our own. Through faith in Jesus, people are saved from sin and receive the Holy Spirit, who helps them live to please God.
Big Picture Question
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Question: What is repentance?
Answer: Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.