Crossing The Jordan | Joshua 3 & 4

   

Lesson Goal:

To teach the children to see things through the eyes of faith. We can only see so much with our physical eyes, but through the eyes of faith, we can see things the way that God sees them. Developing these eyes of faith comes by hearing God’s Word, believing God’s Word, remembering what God has done in the past, and placing our full confidence in God.

 

Lesson Overview:

Read Joshua 3 and 4: Forty years had passed since God miraculously brought Israel out from under the slavery of Egypt—years of unbelief, rebellion and wandering. But the moment of truth was finally at hand, and the people of God were about to realize the promise they had once refused to believe. God called Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the land, but there were obstacles to overcome first. One was directly in front of them: the Jordan River. During the harvest time, the river was at its fullest and strongest, but just like God had done before when he parted the Red Sea, He held back the raging river so that the people of Israel could safely pass to the other side. Twelve large stones were collected from the riverbed, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and used to memorialize the great event! God had done this amazing work so that everyone in the world would know of His power, and so that His people would fear and respect Him as their God forever.

 

Today's Bible Story:

 Video Courtesy of Sharefaith

 

Memory Verses:

Joshua 3:5 (ERV)

Meaning:  The word “consecrate” means to separate—to get rid of anything that gets in the way of a relationship with the one perfect God. The promise God made to Joshua and the people of Israel “to do amazing things” required consecration. It required that they be willing to leave everything behind and place nothing ahead of God.

 

The Big Idea:

There is no obstacle too big when we see the world through the eyes of faith.  The people of Israel saw beyond the obvious obstacles between them and the Promised Land, but they saw through the eyes of faith and believed that God would do what He said. How can we develop eyes of faith?

1. Hear from God: Hear from God by reading His Word and by spending time with Him in prayer.

2. Believe God’s Word: Do all the things God tells you to do.

3. Remember God’s mighty works: Remember the Scriptures—how He delivered Israel from slavery and parted the Red Sea and the Jordan. Remember what God has done for you—how He died for you to save you from eternal death and provide a way to have a meaningful relationship with Himself; how He provides you with a home, food, and clothing; and how He gave you family and friends.

4. Put God first in all things: Put complete hope and confidence in the promises of God, because all that He offers is beyond anything we can even imagine; then be willing to forsake everything to obtain them.

 

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, help us develop eyes that see what You see by reading Your Word, talking with You, and reminding ourselves of Your goodness. Help us be willing to give up everything to follow Your promises. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Fun Activities:

Joshua 3 Crossing the Jordan River Bible Bookmarks
Joshua 3 Crossing the Jordan River Bible Word Search Puzzle
Joshua 3 Crossing the Jordan River Kids Spot The Difference
Joshua 3 Crossing the Jordan River River Bible Mazes
Joshua 3 Crossing the Jordan River Sunday School Coloring Pages
Joshua 3 Crossing the Jordan River Sunday School Crossword Puzzles