Samson’s Destination
Let’s jump to the end of the story and begin there. Samson defeated the Philistines! He gave God’s people a big victory over their oppressors—all the leaders of the Philistines were there when their temple crashed down on them (Judges 16:27). And providing such a victory was his job as a judge wasn’t it? So based solely on the end result, we would have to classify Samson as an overwhelming success. Carve his face on the Mt. Rushmore of the Book of Judges, right? Well, he would surely like that, wouldn’t he? And that’s the problem, isn’t it?
Samson’s Journey
If you are familiar with Samson’s story (and if you aren’t, pause here and go read it before finishing this post), you know that what I just said is ludicrous. Yes, Samson won a victory, but he was far from a hero. The only Mt. Rushmore his face should be carved on would be one featuring the biggest mess-ups of the Bible. He was selfish and impulsive. He failed to follow God’s commands. And even his final victory was far from noble as he seemed to be more concerned with his own vengeance than God’s glory.
Samson is Exhibit A that when it comes to the gospel, we cannot be utilitarian. The ends aren’t all that matters, and they certainly don’t justify the means. Samson’s victory for God was not because of himself, but despite himself: the exact opposite of Christ Jesus.
Christ’s Destination
Samson’s story surprisingly sounds much like Jesus’ story—at least the broad brush strokes. Like Samson, Jesus sacrificed His life to defeat His people’s enemies: sin and death. There are other details that overlap as well, such as the gist of their births being prophesied. I said that Samson’s story sounding like Jesus’ story is surprising because of all that happens in the middle of each. This is where the stories cannot be more different.
Christ’s Journey
Samson was a man all about himself; Jesus was the God-man all about His Father. Samson was consumed with self-gratification; Jesus was consumed with self-sacrifice. Samson seemed to care very little for obeying God’s law; Jesus obeyed God’s law to the very letter.
In short, we find very little to celebrate about Samson’s life and we find everything to celebrate, and emulate, in Jesus’. In this way, Samson and Jesus are polar opposites. The destinations may have been quite similar, but the journeys were so far apart. And it is in this that we see God’s heart for us. It’s not just about what we do, but why we do it and how we do it as well.
Our Destination
For those of us in Christ Jesus, our destination is sure. We know that we are more than conquerors. We know that what awaits us is God’s eternal, perfect kingdom. We know that in Christ we are fully accepted—forgiven and righteous. Our destination is fixed. But what about our journey there?
Our Journey
This is one way we can really find meaningful application from Samson’s story. What do our lives look like? Unlike Samson, we are called to live differently—that’s what being holy, or set-apart, means. But this different way of living (a lifestyle Samson did not follow) comes only by way of a different heart—one given to us anew at salvation and continually saturated with the gospel. Our lives—our journey—matters, as does our hearts—our motivation—behind every step of that journey. How we live matters for us—when we follow God in loving obedience, we benefit in that we experience the fullness of life God intends and we are used by Him—but it also matters for others—as those around us can see the beauty and reality of the gospel performed before them in our daily living.
This is what eluded Samson. Let it not elude us.
-From Brian Dembowczyk at TGP website
Preschool Tip: The ending of Samson’s story can be a little challenging for preschoolers. There is no need to get into all the details—it is enough for preschoolers to know that Samson did not make right choices but God still used him to rescue his people and that in a greater way, Jesus always made right choices and God used Him to rescue us from sin.
Kids Tip: The story of Samson provides a wonderful opportunity for you to help your kids explode the Christian hero myth. Some of your kids might think that everyone in the Bible is a hero—perhaps even a superhero. (Of course, not counting the obvious “bad guys.”) Don’t hesitate to talk about Samson’s flaws. There are a lot of them! Because in his flaws we see that God can and will use whomever he pleases and our kids can find encouragement that God never uses perfect people, apart from one: Jesus Christ.
#JesusJam Have fun worshiping together to some songs!
CLICK HERE for this weeks story summary
Christ Connection: Samson died because of his sin, but God used Samson’s death to help His people. Samson reminds us of Jesus. Jesus never sinned, but He died for our sin. Jesus died and rose again to rescue God’s people from sin and give them life with God forever.
If you have a bible at your house, read the book of Judges 14-16. If you don't have one, that's okay! CLICK HERE.
Questions from Kids:
Make a Hairy Samson:
What you will need: Paper Cup, Fast Germinating Grass Seeds or Sprouting Seeds, Dirt, and Permanent Markers
How to make:
1. Have your children draw a face on one side of the cup and write the Bible verse on the other, and then fill the cup with dirt.
2. Have them sprinkle grass seed on top and water. Place a piece of plaster wrap over the top and secure with a rubber band.
3. Watch Samson's hair start to grow in a few days.
(Consider prepping an example craft at least two weeks before the lesson so the grass has a chance to grow.)
Activity Packet:
Trueway Kids has some absolutely fantastic resources for those of us still doing church at home. One of those resources is a complete "Samson" activity pages that even includes a printable Bible story book! CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR PRINTABLE
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