Gospel Project At Home Family Discussion! March 2
Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 1:3-4)
Dear families,
In Joshua 1, we learn the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land following the death of Moses. God spoke directly to Joshua, commissioning him as the new leader of His people. The Lord commanded Joshua three times to be strong and courageous as he was about to guide the Israelites across the Jordan River.
What instructions did God impart to Joshua? How would God reveal to Joshua—and the rest of the Israelites—that He would be with them, just as He promised?
God urged Joshua to continue walking in the promises He made to Moses (Joshua 1:3, 5). To do so, Joshua would have to commit to walking in God’s ways: being strong and courageous, observing Moses’ commands, and meditating on God’s Word. God reminded Joshua of His faithfulness and affirmed that He would exalt Joshua before all Israel. No one would be able to doubt that God chose Joshua to fulfill His promises.
Joshua commanded the Israelites to get ready for a miraculous move of God (Joshua 3:5)—a feat that would require faith. He then relayed God’s instructions for crossing the Jordan River. As the priests stepped into the river, the waters stopped flowing, and God’s powerful presence made a way for His people to safely cross into the Promised Land.
Teach the boys and girls in your care that, like the Israelites awaited God’s provision on their journey, we, too, need a miracle: to be made right with God the Father through faith in the Son. This gift of salvation cannot be earned; it is a gracious gift that demonstrates God’s power and love.
Also consider the impact of children’s curiosity in this story. God commanded the Israelites to memorialize this event by setting out 12 stones. When Israelite children and future generations asked the meaning of these stones, the people could use it as an opportunity to recount the Lord’s faithfulness. May this story instill within your kids the same sense of wonder the Israelites experienced. God’s faithful promises never fail, including His promise to save anyone who repents of sin and turns to Jesus by faith. Be prepared to share the story of how God saved you through faith in His Son. Pray for His gracious love to begin transforming your kids’ hearts and minds today.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: God helped Joshua, and He helps us too. God sent Jesus so we can trust Him and live with Him forever.
- Younger Preschool: Just like God helped Joshua and the Israelites, He also sent Jesus to help us. Jesus showed His power so we can trust Him and live with Him forever.
- Older Preschool: God made a way for Joshua and the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. God made the way for us to be with Him forever through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
- Kids: God’s presence went before the people, and the waters of theJordan were stopped. God’s people crossed safely into the Promised Land. Jesus went before God on behalf of sinners. All who trust in His life, death, and resurrection are saved from judgment and enter into eternal life.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
- Older Preschool:Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He does what He says He will do.
- Kids: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: The LORD is strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
- Younger Preschool: Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
- Older Preschool: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
- Kids: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8
** Next week: Conquering Jericho (Joshua 2-4; 6)