Group Check-in

1. What was the best part of your week?
2. What was the most difficult part of your week?

What’s 1 Samuel 14 About?

1 Samuel 14 tells two stories happening side-by-side: the bold faith of Jonathan and the rash leadership of Saul. While Saul sits under a pomegranate tree, unsure of what to do, Jonathan quietly slips away with his armor-bearer and says, ‘Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf.’ That one act of trust sparks a victory. The Philistines are thrown into confusion, and Israel begins to rally.

But as momentum builds, Saul makes a foolish vow: no one is to eat until evening. His command isn’t from God—it’s from pride. The people are exhausted and starving. Jonathan, unaware of the oath, eats honey and is later condemned by his own father. The people intervene to save him, recognizing that Jonathan’s courage is what God used to win the battle.

This chapter draws a contrast between leadership rooted in fear and insecurity (Saul) and leadership driven by faith and trust in God (Jonathan). Jonathan didn’t wait for perfect conditions. He moved in confidence that God could use even a small effort to bring a great victory.

Meanwhile, Saul’s insecurity leads to impulsive decisions that harm his own people. It’s a reminder that leadership without wisdom or humility can do more damage than good.

God is looking for people like Jonathan—those who will say, ‘Let’s step out. Maybe God will move.’ Faith doesn’t always have guarantees, but it always has a God who is able.

Key Verse

“Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” — 1 Samuel 14:6

SOAP for the Week

Passage: 1 Samuel 14:1–15

Ice-Breakers

1. Have you ever acted on a ‘maybe’ that turned out better than expected?
2. What’s something you’ve done that others thought was risky—but felt right to you?
3. When have you seen faith lead to bold action in your own life or someone else’s?

Group Discussion Questions

1. What makes Jonathan’s faith in this story stand out to you?
2. Why do you think Saul made the vow that no one should eat?
3. What does this chapter reveal about the difference between boldness and foolishness?
4. How can we learn to recognize when a ‘maybe God will act’ moment is actually a step of faith?
5. What are some ways we can become more like Jonathan in our walk with God?
6. What’s one bold step of faith you sense God might be nudging you toward right now?

Practical Takeaway

Faith doesn’t always come with clarity—but it always leads to courage. Sometimes all God needs is a willing heart and a first step.

Prayer

Lord, give us Jonathan-like courage. Help us to trust that You can work through even our smallest steps of faith. Guard us from prideful, impulsive decisions, and help us lead others with humility and trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.