Jonathan: Born for Greatness

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LESSON 4

*October 16 - 22

Jonathan: Born for Greatness

SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read for This Week's Study:

1 Sam. 14:6–13, 24–46; 18; 19; 31:1–7; 2 Sam. 1:5–12; 2 Kings 6:8–17.

Memory Text:

“Jonathan said to his armor bearer, ‘Come on, let’s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by many or by a few’” (1 Samuel 14:6, NET).

By all accounts, Jonathan should have been a spoiled, greedy, and selfish young man who believed that, as the child of privilege, everything was owed him. And why not? He was the oldest son of the first king of Israel. He was popular and well-loved by his people. He was an excellent public speaker and a top soldier and military leader. By the world’s standards, he had it all. He was born for “greatness.” Heaven, though, uses a different measure for what’s great—and Jonathan, interestingly enough, was one of the few who was willing to turn his back on what the world sees as great and, instead, seek a different kind of “greatness”—God’s kind. In the life of Jonathan, we learn to evaluate our lives through heaven’s eyes. What makes a life great? What makes it worthwhile? What are the important things in this world, and what aren’t? Jonathan’s story helps answer these questions for us. It also tells us that, if we choose, we, too, can be great in the eyes of God—regardless of where we were born, who our parents are, and how much wealth and talent we have.

*Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 23.