Joshua’s Farewell (Joshua 23-24)

Dear families,

The book of Joshua ends with a farewell address to God’s people about 20 years after they first found rest in the Promised Land. Joshua took one last opportunity to challenge the people to continue following the Lord and remind them how they were called to live in view of what God had already accomplished on their behalf.

What did Joshua commission the Israelites to do in his farewell address? How does this parallel with how Christ followers should live today?

Joshua spent his last moments on earth reminding the Israelites of the grace God had shown them by giving them the land He promised to Abraham long ago. Joshua led them through the history of their people, through the patriarchs and battles that brought them to the land. He also impressed upon them the truth that God’s promise to bless them had been fulfilled, but the rest they were experiencing in the land was contingent upon their covenant loyalty to worship God alone.

The Israelites were commissioned to get rid of the foreign gods that were among them and turn their hearts to the Lord (Joshua 24:23). We, like the Israelites, are called to lead lives of obedient worship, turning away from idols in our midst. By the grace of God, we can have hearts that desire to follow His commands through faith-filled obedience as we live through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lead the boys and girls in your care to see the awe-inspiring deliverance God extends to the people He has sworn to provide for––those who place their faith in His Son. Help kids see that God’s greatest act of love is found in Jesus, whose sacrifice atoned for the sins of His people long ago and for us today. Ask the Lord to instill upon the children in your class a deep desire to know and worship Him in light of the promise of eternal life in Christ’s presence.

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: Joshua told God’s people to love and obey God. After Jesus died on the cross and rose again, Jesus reminded His followers to obey God and tell others about Him.
  • Younger Preschool: Joshua reminded God’s people to love God and obey Him. After Jesus died on the cross and rose again, Jesus reminded His followers to love and obey Him too.
  • Older Preschool: Joshua reminded God’s people to worship and obey God. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and left them with a task: obey Him by telling others about Him.
  • Kids: Joshua reminded the people that God saved them from Egypt andgave them the Promised Land. He told them to worship God alone. Jesus is worthy of all worship because He saves those who trust in Him from sin and gives them 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: The First Judges (Judges 3)