Conquering Jericho (Joshua 2-4;6)

Dear families,

After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they faced their next obstacle in the Promised Land: capturing the city of Jericho. Though Jericho was strongly fortified, God promised to hand over the city to His people. Only by trusting in God could the Israelites experience victory against Jericho.

How do we see God’s faithful provision amid the battle of Jericho? How does this story foreshadow an even greater victory for those who profess faith in Jesus?

God promised His people the land of Canaan, and God was faithful to remind Joshua of the victory that lay before him: “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its best soldiers over to you” (Joshua 6:2). Then God once again gave His people the instructions they needed to follow—instructions that displayed faith in action.

An unlikely battle plan of walking, being silent, and then shouting revealed the power of God, who fights for His people and gives them victory. The Israelites brought nothing to this battle except their obedient faith, which they are commended for in Hebrews 11:30. The Israelites’ victory over Jericho was not of their own accord but a result of the faith they placed in the God of their salvation. Likewise, the rescue of Rahab and her family came not through her own power but by the faith she placed in the God of Israel.

Like the Israelites, we bring nothing to the table except our need for God’s saving grace. Yet by trusting in the Lord’s power to save us through faith in His Son, His victory is our reward. Help the boys and girls in your care see the power of God at work in this story, as well as in their own lives—that God has the power to break the walls of sin and deliver us into the kingdom of His Son. Pray that the children in your care will trust in Jesus for His gift of salvation.

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 sent Jesus to win the battle over sin and death. When we trust in Jesus, He keeps us safe and invites us into His family forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Joshua trusted God to help him win the battle. We can trust God too. God sent Jesus to win the battle against sin and death. When we trust in Jesus, He keeps us safe and invites us into His family forever.
  • Older Preschool: The Israelites kept Rahab and her family safe, and she joined God’s people. Jesus has won against sin and death. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is safe and becomes part of God’s family forever.
  • Kids: God’s people could not bring down Jericho’s walls in their own They trusted God and were victorious. We cannot defeat sin and death in our own power. When we trust in Jesus, we are saved from sin and death.

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: Achan’s Sin and the Defeat of Ai (Joshua 7-8)