This lesson teaches children that God goes ahead of his people and makes a way through what seems impossible. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for a short craft or game.
Big Idea
God goes before us, so we can trust him to lead us, even when we do not know what is ahead.
Memory Verse
Joshua 3:5
Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and stretch tall, then hold their hands together over their heads like a big wave. As you say the verse, they can bring their hands down slowly, as if they are carefully crossing a river step by step.
The Story: Joshua 3 for Kids
The people of Israel had come a long way. Moses, their leader, had died, and now Joshua was in charge. They camped beside the Jordan River, and the river was wide and deep. The people had never crossed this river before, and they did not know how they would get to the other side.
Joshua told the officers to tell everyone to get ready. The priests were to carry the ark, the special box that showed God was with his people. The people were to stay back a good distance so they could see the way. Joshua said, “Get ready, because tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
Joshua told the priests, “Pick up the ark and walk out in front of the people.” So the priests lifted the ark and stepped toward the river. God said to Joshua, “Today I will show all of Israel that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.”
The priests walked right to the edge of the water. Their feet touched the river. Then something wonderful happened. The water that came down from upstream stopped and piled up in one big heap, far away. The water flowing toward the sea was gone, and the ground underneath was dry.
The priests stood firm in the middle of the river while every single person walked across on dry ground. Nobody was left behind. God had made a way where there had been no way at all.
Read It Together
Joshua 3:7
The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
(WEB)
Point out that God speaks first here, telling Joshua that he will be with him just as he was with Moses. Ask the children what it feels like to know someone who has been with them before is still with them now.
Joshua 3:14-15
14 When the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant being before the people, 15 and when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark had dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the time of harvest)…
(WEB)
Show the children how the people moved out of their tents and went toward the river, step by step. Explain that the priests went first, and the people followed them, which shows that the people did not have to go alone.
Joshua 3:17
The priests who bore the ark of the LORD’s covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.
(WEB)
Point to the priests standing still in the middle of the river. Explain that they stayed there the whole time so everyone could pass safely. Tell the children that God’s people are kept safe as they trust him.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Israel need to do before they could cross the river?
- Why do you think God told the people to stay back and follow the ark?
- How did the priests show they were brave when they walked into the water?
- What is something new or scary you have had to do, and who helped you?
- How can you remind yourself that God is with you when you feel unsure?
Activity Ideas
Draw the River Crossing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and blue paint or a blue crayon. Ask each child to draw the Jordan River with the water piled up on one side and dry ground in the middle. Then have them add the priests carrying the ark and the people walking across behind them. Let the children describe their picture to the group.
Priests and the River Game
You will need a blanket or a long piece of string on the floor to be the river and a small box to be the ark. Choose one child to carry the box and walk to the “river,” while others follow carefully behind. Explain that the leader goes first and the others trust and follow. Take turns so every child has a chance to lead.
Stepping Stones at Home
You will need paper, scissors, and a marker. Cut out a few large paper stones and write a simple reminder on each, such as “God goes before me.” Place them on the floor in a path for the child to step on during the week. Encourage the child to read the stones out loud each time they step on one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God leads his people into new places and keeps his promises even when the way forward looks impossible. The ark represents God’s presence, and the people were asked to follow it rather than rely on their own sense of direction. The miracle is the clear sign that God is with Joshua as he was with Moses.
With children, avoid making the story about getting everything we want or about God removing every difficulty from our lives. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and the call to trust him in unfamiliar situations.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you that you go before us and make a way when we cannot see one. Help us to trust you when we feel afraid, and help us to follow you with courage. Thank you that you are always with us. Amen.
