Purpose: Run a complete Bible TEFL lesson using the Scripture Text PDF and the Bible Lesson PDF as the student reading material.
Recommended Level: A2–B1 | Lesson Length: 30–45 minutes
1) Lesson Overview
- Theme: friendship, covenant loyalty, courage, sacrifice, grief, promises, and faithfulness to the LORD.
- Skills: Reading, listening, vocabulary building, discussion, speaking practice, and personal reflection.
- Outcome: Student can explain how Jonathan showed sacrificial friendship to David and how David later honored his covenant with Jonathan.
Tutor tip: Begin with the Bible text first. The Scripture handout moves from Jonathan’s covenant with David to David’s grief and later mercy to Jonathan’s son. Then use the Bible lesson to explain Jonathan’s courage and sacrifice.
2) Suggested Lesson Flow
- Open with two warm-up questions about friendship and promises.
- Read the Scripture Text PDF aloud or silently.
- Ask the student to identify the main people: Jonathan, David, Saul, and Mephibosheth.
- Ask the student to summarize the Bible text in 2–3 sentences.
- Read the Bible Lesson PDF.
- Review vocabulary and pronunciation.
- Use the discussion and speaking questions.
- Finish with a short writing or reflection task.
3) Warm-Up Questions
- What makes someone a true friend?
- Have you ever kept a promise even when it was difficult?
- Why does real friendship sometimes require courage?
4) Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Tutor Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| covenant | a serious promise or agreement between people, often made before God | “What promise did Jonathan and David make?” |
| soul | the deep inner life of a person; the heart, mind, and spirit | “What does it mean that Jonathan loved David as his own soul?” |
| robe | an outer garment that can show position, honor, or authority | “Why was Jonathan’s robe an important gift?” |
| armor | protective clothing or equipment used by a soldier | “How could Jonathan’s armor help David?” |
| grieved | felt deep sadness or sorrow | “Why was Jonathan grieved for David?” |
| disgraced | treated with shame or dishonor | “How did Saul disgrace David?” |
| sacrificial | willing to give up something valuable for another person | “What did Jonathan give up for David?” |
| kindred spirits | people who share the same deep values, faith, or purpose | “Why were Jonathan and David kindred spirits?” |
5) Bible Text Comprehension
- What happened between Jonathan and David after David spoke to Saul?
- Why did Jonathan make a covenant with David?
- What gifts did Jonathan give to David?
- What question did Jonathan ask Saul about David?
- How did Saul show that he wanted David dead?
- Why did David later spare Mephibosheth?
6) Bible Lesson Discussion
- According to the Bible lesson, why were Jonathan’s armor and weapons important in Israel at that time?
- How did Jonathan show faith in the LORD when he fought the Philistines?
- How did David show faith in the LORD when he fought Goliath?
- Why does the lesson describe Jonathan and David as men after God’s own heart?
- How did Jonathan’s gifts prepare David to serve and lead Israel?
7) Speaking Practice
- Retell the story of Jonathan and David in your own words.
- Explain this sentence: “Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.”
- Describe one way Jonathan showed courage.
- Describe one way Jonathan showed sacrifice.
- Talk about a friendship that is loyal, honest, and brave.
8) Writing Task
- Option A: Summarize the friendship of Jonathan and David in 6–8 sentences.
- Option B: Explain why Jonathan’s gift of his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt was sacrificial.
- Option C: Write a short paragraph about how a person can be a faithful friend today.
Fluency Tip: Ask the student to use contrast words: but, however, although, and even though. This helps the student explain the difference between Saul’s fear and Jonathan’s faith.
9) Wrap-Up
Wrap-up: Jonathan and David shared a courageous and sacrificial friendship. Jonathan loved David, made a covenant with him, defended him before Saul, and gave David gifts that showed honor and trust. Later, David remembered the covenant and spared Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth.
Final question: “How can this Bible passage help us become more faithful friends?”