Seeing Jesus in 1 Samuel - Study of 1 Samuel: WEEK 10

What if the entire book of 1 Samuel was never meant to be just a collection of inspiring stories, but rather a divine roadmap pointing us toward the King we desperately need? This profound exploration reveals how every character, every failure, and every victory in 1 Samuel ultimately directs our gaze to Jesus Christ. We discover that Israel's demand for a king like other nations mirrors our own tendency to seek impressive leaders rather than godly ones, to value charisma over character, and success over surrender. Through Saul's tragic disobedience, we learn that God values our obedience more than any sacrifice we could offer—a truth that challenges our modern tendency to confuse religious activity with genuine surrender. But the most beautiful revelation comes through David, the overlooked shepherd boy who becomes the man after God's own heart. His story teaches us that God values direction over perfection, that our failings don't disqualify us if we maintain a holy hunger for God's presence. As we trace these narratives, we see Jesus emerging as the faithful King when earthly kings fail, the perfect Prophet who intercedes for us eternally, and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. The question that confronts us is deeply personal: Is this penniless preacher from Nazareth irrevocably the center of our lives, or are we still searching for kings who look impressive but lack godly character?

Title: Jesus in 1 Samuel: The True King, Prophet, and Shepherd We Long For

Sermon Summary: This sermon concludes a 10-week journey through 1 Samuel by revealing how the entire book points forward to Jesus Christ. The pastor demonstrates that 1 Samuel is more than just great stories—it stirs within us a longing for a faithful king that is only satisfied in Jesus. Through the narrative of Israel's demand for a king, Saul's failure, and David's anointing, we see Jesus as the better king who rules with humility, the faithful prophet who intercedes for us, and the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. The sermon emphasizes that God values direction over perfection, seeking hearts that listen and obey rather than outward appearances or sacrifices. Just as the people of the Old Testament looked forward to God's promises, we look backward at the cross as our freedom and homeland while awaiting eternity.

Key Points:

- 1 Samuel 13:14 serves as the hinge verse: "The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart"

- God values direction over perfection—David pursued God despite his failures

- To obey God is better than sacrifice; God desires hearts that listen and obey

- Israel's false desire for a king like other nations mirrors our own false desires for impressive but ungodly leadership

- Jesus is the true king we long for—faithful when Saul wasn't, yielding to the cross instead of grasping at control

- Jesus is the faithful prophet and priest—the greater Samuel who constantly intercedes for believers

- Jesus is the shepherd after God's own heart—the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep

- God often raises leaders in obscurity before using them publicly; be faithful with small things first

- Kingdom leadership is defined by service and sacrifice, not power and control

- Hell will be filled with people who confused sacrifice with obedience

Scripture Reference:

- 1 Samuel 13:14 (main hinge verse)

- Hebrews 11 (Hall of Faith)

- Romans 1 (God giving people over to their desires)

- John 5 (Jesus only doing what He sees the Father do)

- Philippians 2:5-8 (Christ's humility and obedience to death)

- John 1:1 (the Word of God)

- John 10:11 (Jesus as the Good Shepherd)

- Hebrews 7:23-25 (Jesus as eternal priest and intercessor)

Discussion Questions:

How does the concept that God values direction over perfection challenge the way you view your own spiritual failures and your ongoing relationship with God?

In what ways do you find yourself desiring leadership or solutions that look impressive rather than godly, and how does this reflect the Israelites' demand for a king like other nations?

What does it mean practically in your daily life to obey God rather than simply make sacrifices, and where might you be confusing religious activity with true obedience?

Lesson 10 describes David as having a holy hunger rather than mere morality. What would it look like for you to cultivate this kind of holy hunger in your current season of life?

How does viewing Jesus as your advocate who intercedes for you change the way you think about standing before God on judgment day?

Where in your life might God be calling you to be faithful with small, obscure things before He entrusts you with greater public responsibilities?

What false desires are currently competing for your worship and allegiance, and how can you recognize when you are pursuing emptiness rather than God?

Pastor Ben shared that our joy should be in the invitation to pray rather than in the answer to prayer. How does this perspective shift your approach to prayer and disappointment?

In what ways do you grasp at control like Saul rather than yielding in surrender like Jesus did at the cross?

Is Jesus irrevocably at the very center of your life, and if not, what specific steps can you take this week to move Him from the periphery to the center?