Week 233 · about 45 minutes
Joshua 4
Joshua 4 · Memory verse Joshua 4:24
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Queues the lesson plan, this story’s coloring page (Joshua 4), the matching word search and answer key (Joshua 4 word search), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: a small lamp
Hold a small lamp. Read Joshua 4 in about four minutes, stopping at Joshua 4:24: “that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh’s hand is mighty; that you may fear Yahweh your God forever.’”” Ask, “What does this prop have to do with Joshua 4?” Let two children answer, then say the memory verse together.
Story script
Joshua 4 is a real chapter from the Old Testament. It starts, “When all the nation had completely crossed over the Jordan, Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying,” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.
Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “About forty thousand men, ready and armed for war passed over before Yahweh to battle, to the plains of Jericho.” Joshua 4 opens with these words: “When all the nation had completely crossed over the Jordan, Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying,” The line to keep is Joshua 4:24: “that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh’s hand is mighty; that you may fear Yahweh your God forever.’”” Carry the word “peoples” from that verse into the rest of the day.
The line worth learning out loud is Joshua 4:24: “that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh’s hand is mighty; that you may fear Yahweh your God forever.’”” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.
What happens first in Joshua 4? Then try this: Read “that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh’s hand is mighty; that you may fear Yahweh your God…” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.
Group game
Walk the room as if you are moving through Joshua 4. Every time you freeze, a child says one word from Joshua 4:24. The last child says the whole verse.
Craft
On a US Letter sheet, draw one picture from Joshua 4 and write Joshua 4:24 under it. Send it home as tonight’s reminder, not as a decoration contest.
Memory verse
Joshua 4:24
“that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh’s hand is mighty; that you may fear Yahweh your God forever.’””
Take-home prayer
Father, thank you for Joshua 4. Help us remember Joshua 4:24 when we wake up, and teach us to notice you in an ordinary night. Amen.