Joshua and Jericho
Scripture: Joshua 1:1-18; 6:1-27
Theme: When God commands, obedience brings victory
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
God called Joshua to take over as Moses’ leader after Moses had passed away. God gave Joshua a special promise in Joshua 1:9: “Never give up. Never fear, for I will be with you wherever you go.” This means God loves Joshua and will always be there to help him, just like He does for all His children today. Joshua had to follow God’s instructions carefully, just as we should trust God’s love and listen to His commands. God showed His power by giving Joshua strength, and that’s what we can trust in, God’s strength and love! When the people of Jericho were afraid of the big army coming to take their city, God told Joshua to march around the city seven times with priests blowing trumpets. On the seventh day, they shouted loudly, and the walls of Jericho collapsed! This showed that God’s power can overcome any fear or stronghold. Joshua and his people obeyed God’s instructions, and because they trusted Him, they won a great victory. God’s love and obedience bring victory, just like it does for us when we trust Him with our hearts and follow His ways.
Bible Story
Long, long ago, God was with Joshua, a brave young man who loved Him. God told Joshua, “I’ve got a big job for you!” He said, “I’ll be with you every step of the way, just like a superhero who never leaves your side!” Joshua was excited but also a little nervous. God reminded him, “Don’t be afraid, little warrior, trust in Me!” And that’s when Joshua got ready to lead his people to a special place called the Promised Land.
The people of Jericho were scared because they knew the big, strong army of the Canaanites lived there. They built a mighty wall around the city, saying, “No one can get in or out, it’s too hard to break!” But God saw how brave Joshua was and promised, “I’ll help you take down that wall!” Joshua didn’t know how yet, but he trusted God’s plan. He told the people to stay quiet and wait, no talking, no running, and to follow him. It was a secret mission, like a spy’s adventure!
Then came the big day! Joshua marched around the city wall seven times, blowing his trumpet loud and strong. Every time, the people shouted, “Ahsheh!” (which means “Smash!”) The walls started shaking, and God made them fall down like a big, tall house of cards tumbling over! The people ran inside their houses, hiding in fear. But God told Joshua, “Now it’s time to go in!” So Joshua led his army into Jericho, and they took the city. The people of Jericho were so surprised that they ran outside, thinking it was just a surprise party, but Joshua’s army was ready to help God catch them!
After taking Jericho, Joshua and his people were very happy. They celebrated with food and dancing, because God had given them a big victory! The people of Jericho were sad, but Joshua reminded them, “God is kind, and He always helps those who trust Him. Don’t forget to worship Him!” Joshua also told the people, “Be brave and strong, because God is with you always!” And from that day on, they knew that no matter what, God would protect them and lead them to victory.
At the end of the story, Joshua gave a special speech. He said, “This is God’s land, and we must take care of it together. Don’t forget to love and obey Him, because He loves you so much!” The people promised to do just that, and Joshua knew God was proud of them. The story ended with Joshua and his army safe in the Promised Land, happy that God had shown His love by giving them a big, beautiful home to call their own. And that’s how Joshua and Jericho learned that God is always there to help, just like a gentle giant who never lets His children fall!
Activities
Supplies: Small cardboard “walls” (cut from boxes), a toy sword or stick, a stuffed animal (optional) to represent Joshua.
- Place the cardboard walls around the toy (or a small space) and say, “God gave Joshua a big job. Let’s pretend the walls are strong!”
- Hold up the sword/stick and dramatically say, “Joshua and his friends marched around the city, BOOM!, the walls fell down!” Let them “hit” the walls with the stick.
- End with: “God loves us too, so we can trust Him like Joshua!” (Gently let the “walls” fall apart.)
Supplies: A large stuffed animal (or two), a scarf or blanket to wrap around the stuffed animal, soft music (optional).
- Sit with the kids and say, “God loves everyone, even when they’re scared or alone. Let’s give Jericho’s people a hug!”
- Wrap the scarf/blanket around the stuffed animal and say, “This is like God’s love, big and warm!” Let them wrap it around you too.
- Sing a simple song (e.g., “God’s love is like a hug, so big and so true…”) while hugging each other.
- End with: “God gives us His love, just like Joshua trusted Him!” (Hold hands in a circle.)
Discussion Questions
- God’s Promise: Joshua was told, “I will never leave you, and I will always be with you.” Can you think of a time when someone, like a parent, grandparent, or teacher, held you close and said, “I love you and I’ll always be there for you!” How did that make you feel?
- Trusting God: The people of Jericho had big walls around their city. Joshua told them to trust God and follow His plan. If you had a big fear, like being scared of the dark or a new friend, how could you ask God to help you trust Him, just like Joshua did?
- Walking Together: The Israelites marched around Jericho seven times with the priests carrying the ark of God. They didn’t run or stop, they walked all the way together. What’s something you do every day that helps you walk with your family, friends, or God in a special way?
- God’s Power: When Joshua and the people shouted, the walls of Jericho came crashing down! What’s a “big” thing God could do in your life if you asked Him to help you shout out your faith, like Joshua did?
- Thanking God: After the city fell, the people worshipped God and shared what they had. If you had a special treasure, like a toy, book, or even your favorite snack, how could you share it with someone who needed it, just like they did?
Prayer Focus
Dear Lord, Help us trust and follow You, just like Joshua and the people of Jericho. When You give us clear commands, may we obey with courage and faith, knowing You will always give us victory in Your love. Amen.
Missions Spotlight
The story of Joshua and Jericho illustrates how God empowers individuals to take bold, strategic steps to advance His kingdom, breaking down barriers (walls, prejudices) to reach the lost. Just as the Israelites conquered Jericho by faith and obedience, modern mission workers today rely on divine authority to engage unreached peoples with the Gospel, dismantling cultural, religious, or social obstacles to bring hope and salvation.
To the Cross
“God wanted to show His people how to trust Him, just like Joshua led the people to victory over Jericho by believing God’s word. Just as Joshua followed God’s instructions, Jesus followed the Father’s perfect plan, giving His life to save us from sin. Through His death and resurrection, He brings us peace and victory over evil, just like Jericho fell when God was faithful!”