David and Goliath: An Epic Movie Trailer

By Danny Saavedra

“David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. Their dead were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. When the Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines, they plundered their camp. David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem; he put the Philistine’s weapons in his own tent. As Saul watched David going out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, ‘Abner, whose son is that young man?’ Abner replied, ‘As surely as you live, Your Majesty, I don’t know.’ The king said, ‘Find out whose son this young man is.’ As soon as David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine’s head. ‘Whose son are you, young man?’ Saul asked him. David said, ‘I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.’”—1 Samuel 17:51–58 (NIV)

I still remember the first time I saw the trailer for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Truth be told, I’m a big fan of both superheroes and very much enjoyed Man of Steel. But the second I saw Batman in the mech suit and heard him say, “Tell me . . . do you bleed? You will” to Superman, I was saying, “Take my money!”

That’s what a good teaser trailer is supposed to do—whet your appetite. They don’t show everything, but they give you a taste of what’s coming.

In today’s Scripture, we get the aftermath of one of the most famous battles in history: David and Goliath. When David killed Goliath, not only did the Philistines morale collapse, but they were filled with fear because if Goliath could fall, how could they stand a chance?

After David’s victory, Saul essentially asked, “Who’s this guy, and who’s his father?” This was an odd thing for him to ask since David had already been in Saul’s service as a musician for anywhere between a few months to a few years!

But now, after this eye-opening battle, Saul saw him differently and wanted to know more about him and where he came from. It reminds me of the reaction Jesus got all throughout the New Testament from various groups of people, from His old neighbors (Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2; John 6:42) to religious leaders (John 7:15), even to His own disciples (Luke 8:25). People thought they knew Jesus—just like Saul thought he knew David—until they saw Him in action. And when asked, Jesus would always tell them, “I came from the Father” (John 16:28 NIV).

That’s how it works with Jesus. You might think you know Him, but once you witness His work firsthand, you must reckon with the questions: “Who is this, and who is His Father?”

At the end of the day, though, when we really seek to understand David’s showdown with Goliath, we must understand that it was ultimately a cinematic trailer pointing to Jesus’ ultimate victory. Don’t believe me? Look at the parallels:

Both David and Jesus represented their people. Goliath had challenged Israel with a winner-takes-all fight (1 Samuel 17:8–9). If David won, Israel won. If he lost, they lost. Jesus, too, stood in for all of us. His victory over sin and death was our victory.

Both fought on ground that rightfully belonged to God’s people. Goliath stood on land given to Israel, just as sin and death had taken territory that rightfully belonged to God’s kingdom.

Both reclaimed stolen ground: Goliath stood on Israel’s land; Jesus defeated sin where it had ruled.

Both faced enemies ruling by fear: Goliath intimidated, sin enslaved.

Both were sent by their father: Jesse sent David; the Father sent Jesus.

Both were rejected: David’s brothers mocked him; Jesus’ own didn’t believe Him.

Both used unexpected weapons: David had a sling; Jesus had a cross.

Both won, but the enemy resisted: Goliath fell, but Israel still fought. Jesus won, but the battle against sin continues until His return.

Both had victory secured beforehand: David knew God would deliver; Jesus knew He’d rise again.

Do you see it, friends? David’s victory over Goliath changed everything for Israel, but Jesus’ victory on the cross changed everything for all of us for all eternity. So now, just like the Philistines fled when their champion fell, darkness flees when we submit to Jesus as our Champion!

So, do you see Him for who He really is? Are you still asking, “Who is this man?” Or are you standing in awe of the Champion who has already secured your victory?

Pause: Where do you see fear and intimidation in your life? Remember, your Champion has already won the battle.

Practice: When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that the battle is already decided—Jesus has the victory. Walk in that confidence today.

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for fighting and winning every battle on my behalf, for my good, and for the good of many. But more than the everyday battles, thank You for sending Your Champion, Your Son, to win the battle of eternity. Help me to trust in Your victory and live boldly in the freedom You have secured. Embolden me to go into dark spaces to pursue those the enemy still has captive, knowing the darkness flees in Your presence. Give me the courage, the wisdom, and the words to help those who are still wondering, “Who is this? Who is His Father?” to see Jesus for who He truly is. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.