The Twelve Spies
Scripture: Numbers 13:1-14:35
Theme: Faith sees God’s faithfulness; fear sees only obstacles
Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
Lesson Overview: Rahab’s Brave Heart Opening Wonder: Start with a simple question like, “Who here has ever been told to take a big risk?” Wait for their answers, then say, “God loves it when we trust Him, even when it feels scary!” Hold up a picture of a house (or a simple drawing) and ask, “What would we do if someone asked us to hide in it?” Let them guess, then share, “That’s what Rahab did for God!” Story: Rahab’s Trust Tell the story with lots of repetition: “Rahab was a brave woman who helped God’s people. When God sent spies to her city, she said, ‘Trust me!’ (clap) She hid them in her house on the roof. Then, she even sent them a gift, a red scarf! That’s how God knew she cared. Later, her whole family got to live in the Promised Land!” Use props (a scarf, a toy tent) to act it out. Why It Matters: End with, “Rahab trusted God even when it was risky. Let’s trust God too, just like her!” Ask: “Who can share a time they trusted God?” (Let them answer, even if just whispers.) Wrap up with a prayer: “Dear God, help us trust You always. Amen!” Closing Encouragement: Repeat, “Faith isn’t just believing, it’s acting! Like Rahab, we can hide in God’s love, even when things seem hard.” End with a hug and say, “You’re brave for God today!” Let them cheer.
Bible Story
Rahab’s Brave Heart
Long ago, the people of Israel were crossing the Jordan River. They were following a brave leader named Joshua, who wanted to take the land God promised them. But first, they had to defeat the big city of Jericho. The soldiers of Jericho were very strong and scared. They said, “Let no one see us!” because they didn’t want God’s people to win.
One night, two spies, two men who wanted to help God’s people, ran away to a woman named Rahab’s house. Rahab was kind and lived in the city. She hid the spies in her roof, where she could see them but not be seen. She asked them, “Why are you hiding here?” The spies said, “God has given us this land. We must cross it!” Rahab listened and helped them. She hung a red rope from her window as a sign that she would help them keep safe. “God will protect you!” she said with faith.
The next morning, Joshua and all the Israelite soldiers were ready to march. But the walls of Jericho began to shake and fall! The city crumbled in one day. The people of Jericho ran away, but Rahab and her family stayed hidden. When the soldiers found them, Rahab told them the truth. She said, “I helped those two men because I believed God!” The soldiers were amazed because Rahab had shown such courage and faith. God had saved her family, and they were blessed forever.
This story tells us that God can work through brave hearts, even when things look impossible. When we trust in Him, He helps us too! Just like Rahab, we can do things with faith and love. And when we do, God is with us, always!
Activities
- Prep the bags: Fold brown paper into little bags. Write “Keep this safe!” on the front in black marker.
- Pretend spies: Tell the kids Rahab hid the spies under her bed. Hand each child a bag and say, “You’re spies too! Trust God to protect you!”
- Glue a secret: Have them glue a Bible verse (“Do not be afraid!”) inside their bag. Say, “God’s word is our secret!”
- Share with wonder: Ask, “How can we be brave like Rahab?” Let them color their bags. Play soft music to end.
- Set up the scene: Place stuffed animals on a “wall” (use chairs or a table). Tie red yarn to a chair, saying, “This is the red rope Rahab used!”
- Pretend to rescue: Ask, “How did Rahab help the spies?” Have kids crawl under the rope to “save” their animals, whispering “God is with us!”
- Color with wonder: Give each child a crayon and a card with Rahab’s brave actions. “What can we do today to be kind like Rahab?”
- End with trust: Sing “Trust in God” (simple tune) while hugging their animals. Repeat “God sees our hearts!” to close.
- Tip: Always end with prayer, asking God to help them trust and help others!
Discussion Questions
- Here are four open-ended discussion questions for preschool and kindergarten children based on the story of Rahab:
- Wondering and Sharing Kindness
- “In the Bible story, Rahab was kind and brave! She helped the two spies by hiding them in her house and even sent them out on a rope from her window. What kind of things can we do to help others, just like Rahab? Tell me about a time when you saw someone who needed help, and how you could show kindness?”*
- Trusting God Like Rahab
- “Rahab trusted God even when things looked scary! She knew God would protect her and her family. Have you ever felt scared, like Rahab did, but still trusted God? What made you feel brave, and how did you know God was with you?”*
- Being Brave in New Places
- “When the spies went to Rahab’s house, she didn’t know if they would be safe. She still took a risk to help them! How can we be brave when we are in new places, like a new school or a new neighborhood? What helps us feel brave, like trusting God?”*
- Wondering About God’s Plan
- “Rahab didn’t know everything, but she trusted God to work in her life. Sometimes God has a special plan for us too! Have you ever wondered what God might be doing in your life? What makes you curious or excited about trusting Him?”*
- These questions encourage young children to explore kindness, trust, bravery, and wonder while connecting them to the story of Rahab!
Prayer Focus
Prayer for Preschoolers: Rahab’s Faith Oh dear God, we thank You for being so kind! We see how Rahab trusted You, even when things looked scary. She hid her family and helped others, just like we can trust You too! God, help us to be brave like Rahab! She showed love and kindness even in trouble. Can we do the same? Help us listen to You and follow Your ways! We wonder how You work in our lives! Sometimes we’re afraid, but You’re always near. Can we help others, just like Rahab did? Thank You for loving us so much! God, we love You! Amen!
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.
Teaching Tips
- Engage with Movement: Act out the “12 Spies” mission (walking, hidi
- Handle Hard Questions: For complex questions, focus on observation.
- Small Group Dynamics: Pair children up to share their spy ideas.
- Craft as Learning: Make a “Spy Map” together using clay or tape to
Family Take-Home
Rahab’s Lesson: Rahab, a kind-hearted woman in ancient Israel, hid two spies from Joshua’s army and helped them escape (Joshua 2). In return, she was saved when her city was destroyed, showing that faith isn’t just belief; it’s action that changes lives! A reminder for families: true faith puts love into practice!