The Twelve Spies
Scripture: Numbers 13:1-14:35
Theme: Faith sees God’s faithfulness; fear sees only obstacles
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“God’s Love is Big!” “Trust Him always, just like Rahab!” God loves you so much, just like the sun shines on the grass. Rahab trusted God even when it was hard. That means you can trust God too! He’ll always be there for you.
Bible Story
God’s Love for Us (Rahab’s Story)
Once, God’s people were far away, and a kind woman named Rahab hid two men. She said, “God is good, and He loves us!” The men trusted her, and she helped them.
Later, God sent soldiers to take the city. Rahab hid again, but she asked the soldiers to spare her too. She said, “God is faithful, and He keeps His promises!”
The soldiers trusted Rahab and went away. Rahab was not part of God’s people, but she believed in Him.
When God’s people arrived, they asked Rahab, “Where were you when we passed by?” She answered, “I loved God, so I did what was right!”
God’s love is big and kind, just like Rahab’s faith!
Why This Story Matters: God loves everyone, even people who don’t know Him yet. His love is always true, just like Rahab’s trust in Him!
Activities
- Draw the web: Hold up a Bible and say, “God loves us like a big web! Rahab hid under her house, just like God hides us in His love!” Let kids trace their hands or draw arms/spiders with glue dots (as legs).
- Color together: Each child picks a crayon to color a “spiderweb” around them. Say “God’s love is safe!” while coloring.
- Glue the hands: Teacher glues the drawn hands onto paper (like Rahab’s house) to make a “web.” Read “God protects us like this!” (Joshua 2:13).
- Sing: “God’s love is big and strong, like a spider’s web to keep us safe!” (Clap hands to rhythm.)
- 2. “Hiding Like Rahab” (Sniff & Seek Game)
- Read the story: Hold up the Bible and say, “Rahab hid her family in her house! God is our big, safe hiding place!” (Use simple words like “HIDE!” and “LOVE!”).
- Set up hiding spots: Cover chairs or tables with blankets (like Rahab’s house). Place a stuffed animal on top (the “safe spot”).
- Game time: “Let’s hide like Rahab!” Kids crawl under blankets or crawl on hands/knees to “find” the animal. Say “God sees you!” when they find it.
- Celebrate: Uncover the animal and sing “God’s love is always near, just like this spot is safe for you!” (Wiggle fingers like finding treasure.)
- Tip for Both: End with “God’s love is like Rahab’s house, big and full of love!” and hug each child!
Discussion Questions
- Here are four simple, open-ended questions to help babies and toddlers explore God’s love through Rahab’s story:
- Who helped Rahab when she was scared?
- “What did she do when she saw the soldiers? How can we be brave like her when we feel scared?”*
- What did Rahab do to hide her family?
- “She hid them under something soft. What can we hide our hearts from when we’re afraid of God?”*
- How did Rahab trust God?
- “She looked for a sign. How can we look for God’s love in our own lives?”*
- What did Rahab give to the soldiers?
- “She gave them a big piece of red rope. What can we give to help others like she did?”*
- (Each question encourages them to share feelings, actions, or ways they can trust God with their hearts!)*
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, be close to us. You love us so much, like Rahab trusted You! Help us trust You too. Love us always. Thank You for loving us!” (Say softly: “God loves us!” or “Trust in God!” as they repeat.)
Missions Spotlight
In many parts of South Asia, women face enormous social pressure. Missionaries working among women in rural India share Rahab’s story to show that God values and saves women of faith, regardless of their past or social status.
To the Cross
Rahab was a foreigner and a sinner, yet she believed in Israel’s God and was saved. She’s listed in Jesus’ family tree (Matthew 1:5) and in the ‘Hall of Faith’ (Hebrews 11:31). Salvation has always been by faith, not by being the right nationality.
Family Take-Home
This Sunday school lesson teaches children about Rahab, a brave woman in the Bible who helped spare the Israelite spies while hiding in her home (Joshua 2). Her faith led her to act courageously, showing that God can work through even unexpected people, just like He does today!