DAY 11
JOSHUA & THE BATTLE OF JERICHO
Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.
-Joshua 1:9
PAUSE
After Moses' death, a new leader named Joshua was chosen to guide the Israelites. God assured Joshua that, after 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites would finally enter the Promised Land. However, a large city called Jericho stood in their way. God encouraged Joshua repeatedly, saying, “Remember that your name means, ‘The Lord Saves!’ Follow my commands and obey Me, and I will be with you wherever you go.”
With faith in God's promises, Joshua and the Israelites prepared to face Jericho. News of God’s mighty works had already spread, and the people of Jericho were terrified. In fear, they locked their gates and fortified their walls. But God had a unique plan for overcoming the city. He instructed the Israelites to march around Jericho once a day for six days. Seven priests carrying trumpets made from ram’s horns led the procession, while the rest of the people followed silently, speaking no words until Joshua gave the command.
On the seventh day, the Israelites marched around the city seven times. After the seventh circuit, the priests sounded a long trumpet blast, and Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” The Israelites shouted with all their might, and the sound of their voices, combined with the trumpets, caused the walls of Jericho to collapse. The army of Israel then entered and took control of the city.
Through Joshua, God led His people into the Promised Land. But this story points to an even greater leader—Jesus Christ—who will one day lead all who believe in Him to an eternal home in Heaven. Until that day, Jesus empowers us to be strong and brave, just as God encouraged Joshua long ago.
DISCUSSION
What does God’s repeated encouragement to Joshua to “be strong and brave” teach us about facing challenges in our own lives?
Why do you think God commanded his people to march and shout in order to bring down the walls of Jericho? What does this say about trusting God’s plans, even when they don’t make sense to us?
How does Joshua’s leadership and faith in God’s promises point to Jesus as an even greater leader?
Jericho’s people responded to God’s power with fear, while the Israelites responded with faith and obedience. How do you think we can develop faith and obedience in our own lives when we see God working around us?
PRAY
Thank you, God, for giving us the strength and courage to do hard things. Thank you for being with us even when we are scared. Remind us daily that Jesus is with us!
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find an ornament that corresponds with today’s content - Moses & The Passover. Then hang your eleventh ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: Have the kids build a city out of blocks. Or, even better, have them build Jericho on the kitchen table out of a fun dessert like Rice Krispie Treats or cookies. Then have them march around the table and reenact the story! Take a video of your kids answering the above questions and putting your 11th ornament on your Advent tree. Then, post your video to the group or tag @summitparkchurch!
Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.
-Joshua 1:9
PAUSE
After Moses' death, a new leader named Joshua was chosen to guide the Israelites. God assured Joshua that, after 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites would finally enter the Promised Land. However, a large city called Jericho stood in their way. God encouraged Joshua repeatedly, saying, “Remember that your name means, ‘The Lord Saves!’ Follow my commands and obey Me, and I will be with you wherever you go.”
With faith in God's promises, Joshua and the Israelites prepared to face Jericho. News of God’s mighty works had already spread, and the people of Jericho were terrified. In fear, they locked their gates and fortified their walls. But God had a unique plan for overcoming the city. He instructed the Israelites to march around Jericho once a day for six days. Seven priests carrying trumpets made from ram’s horns led the procession, while the rest of the people followed silently, speaking no words until Joshua gave the command.
On the seventh day, the Israelites marched around the city seven times. After the seventh circuit, the priests sounded a long trumpet blast, and Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” The Israelites shouted with all their might, and the sound of their voices, combined with the trumpets, caused the walls of Jericho to collapse. The army of Israel then entered and took control of the city.
Through Joshua, God led His people into the Promised Land. But this story points to an even greater leader—Jesus Christ—who will one day lead all who believe in Him to an eternal home in Heaven. Until that day, Jesus empowers us to be strong and brave, just as God encouraged Joshua long ago.
DISCUSSION
What does God’s repeated encouragement to Joshua to “be strong and brave” teach us about facing challenges in our own lives?
Why do you think God commanded his people to march and shout in order to bring down the walls of Jericho? What does this say about trusting God’s plans, even when they don’t make sense to us?
How does Joshua’s leadership and faith in God’s promises point to Jesus as an even greater leader?
Jericho’s people responded to God’s power with fear, while the Israelites responded with faith and obedience. How do you think we can develop faith and obedience in our own lives when we see God working around us?
PRAY
Thank you, God, for giving us the strength and courage to do hard things. Thank you for being with us even when we are scared. Remind us daily that Jesus is with us!
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find an ornament that corresponds with today’s content - Moses & The Passover. Then hang your eleventh ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: Have the kids build a city out of blocks. Or, even better, have them build Jericho on the kitchen table out of a fun dessert like Rice Krispie Treats or cookies. Then have them march around the table and reenact the story! Take a video of your kids answering the above questions and putting your 11th ornament on your Advent tree. Then, post your video to the group or tag @summitparkchurch!