INTRODUCTION

Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel

Bible Point:

God is with us.

Key Verse:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Big Picture:

Students will live their lives knowing God is with them.

Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel

Joshua 1:1-11

Primary students are growing in confidence while still valuing connection, encouragement, and guidance from peers and trusted adults, especially when facing new or unfamiliar tasks. Social interaction remains important at this stage, and experiences at home and school can sometimes feel overwhelming, intimidating, or uninteresting when approached alone. This lesson from the story of Joshua offers a reassuring reminder that God’s presence brings strength and steadiness in every situation, helping students face responsibilities and challenges with courage and trust.

PLANTING THE SEED

Joshua had been an aide to Moses. Then Moses died, and God appointed Joshua to lead the Israelites into the land God had promised them long ago. God told Joshua, “I will give you every place where you set your foot.” And God told Joshua to be strong and courageous—not to be terrified or discouraged— because God would be with him wherever he went. What a great promise!

BIBLE POINT

God is with us.

KEY VERSE

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

FAMILY FUN:

Get some watercolor paints, white crayons, and white paper. Sit down with your family and use the white crayons to write or draw things on your papers that help you understand the ways God is with you. Discuss the ways that the white crayon on the white paper can feel similar to God being with you. Then talk together about the things that most help you realize that God is with you as you create a watercolor painting to go over the white crayon pictures. The words or drawings you made with the white crayon will stay white. Talk about how God being with you is like what happened to your papers. Hang your pictures on your fridge for the week, and remind each other that God is with you even though you can’t see God.

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose a way you can remember God is with you.

• Write “God is with me” on a sticky note. Stick it to the inside of your backpack and take it to school with you. When you see it throughout the day, remember that God is always with you.

• Make a sign that says “God is with me,” and hang it on your bedroom door. When you see it, thank God for being with you everywhere you go.

• Stand up for someone who’s being treated unfairly. Thank God for being with you as you did something that was strong and courageous.