Day 143 · May 23
Kids Corner — Day 143
2 Samuel 2:12–3:39 · John 13:1–30 · Psalm 119:1–16 · Proverbs 15:29–30
Today’s story
Conflict grows between David's house and Saul's house. Abner's death shows the cost of ambition and vengeance.
Jesus washes His disciples' feet, then identifies betrayal at the table. The Lord takes the place of a servant.
Blessed are those who walk in God's ways and hide His word in their hearts.
God hears the righteous, and good news brings joy.
The story in children’s words
There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, but David grew stronger and stronger while Saul's house grew weaker. In a battle by the pool of Gibeon, young Asahel chased Abner, Saul's army leader, and would not turn back, and Abner struck him down and he died. Later Abner decided to bring all Israel to David, and David welcomed him and sent him away in peace. But Joab, David's army leader, was angry about his brother Asahel's death, and he secretly killed Abner. David was very sad and said he and his kingdom were innocent of Abner's blood, and all the people wept and buried Abner with honor. In Jesus' day, before the Passover feast, Jesus got up from supper, wrapped a towel around His waist, and washed His disciples' feet like a servant. He said, "I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you," and He taught them to serve one another in love. David grieved over needless killing, and Jesus knelt down to wash feet — the true King serves others.
It points to Jesus
Human kingdoms rise through rivalry; Jesus kneels with a towel. The true King serves even those who will fail Him.
Talk about it
Name one unnoticed act of service that reflected Jesus to you.