Gospel Project At Home Family Discussion! March 16
Achan’s Sin and the Defeat of Ai (Joshua 7-8)
Dear families,
Joshua’s account of Achan’s sin and Ai’s defeat serves as a “part two” of the Israelites’ time in Jericho. Immediately following Israel’s victory over Jericho, we read of disobedience and God’s declaration to no longer be with Israel unless they removed what was set apart for Him (Joshua 7:12). God demonstrated His holiness by punishing sin, and through this story, we see the reality of God’s judgment and our need for a Savior.
What does this passage teach us about God? How do we see God’s faithful deliverance in this story despite His people’s sin?
First, we witness God’s justice and holiness in this passage. Before entering Jericho, God gave His people these instructions: “But keep yourselves from the things set apart, or you will be set apart for destruction. If you take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and make trouble for it” (Joshua 6:18). God had already spoken about the consequences of disobedience. Because He is holy and likewise calls His people to pursue holiness, the Israelites were to purge the sin from among them.
The Lord had promised victory to His people if they would walk in His ways. The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding God’s command to set Jericho’s spoils apart for destruction. Sadly, their disobedience led to punishment.
Lead the boys and girls in your care to see that this story does not end with dismal destruction; rather, we see the Lord faithfully keep His promise to deliver His people from their enemies. God set Achan apart for destruction, just as He said He would. Destruction, however, does not have to be our end. By placing faith in Jesus, the punishment we deserve has been placed on God’s Son instead. Remind your kids of God’s faithfulness in providing a sacrifice on our behalf and an eternal victory secured in His Son—a victory that transforms hearts and frees people from the destruction they deserve.
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: We sin, and we deserve to be punished. If we trust in Jesus, God forgives us when we are sorry for our sin.
- Younger Preschool: Achan disobeyed God and was punished. Because we sin, we deserve to be punished. Jesus came to take the punishment for us. God forgives us when we are sorry for our sin and trust in Jesus.
- Older Preschool: Achan disobeyed God and was punished because of his sin. Because we sin, we deserve to be punished. But Jesus came to take our punishment for us. God forgives us when we confess our sin and trust in Jesus.
- Kids: Achan disobeyed the command of God, and his punishment was We also deserve the punishment of death for our sin. Jesus, God’s sinless Son, was punished in our place for our sin. Those who trust in Him are forever forgiven of their sin.
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: Taking the Land (Joshua 10-11)