This lesson teaches children that when God leads us somewhere new, we can trust him and follow, because he goes ahead of us. It is made for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can teach it with a Bible, a few simple supplies, and a lot of pointing.
Big Idea
God goes before us, so we can follow him even when we have never been somewhere before. He keeps his promises, and he makes a way where there seems to be no way.
Memory Verse
Joshua 3:5
Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
(WEB)
Put both hands on your chest, then wave them forward like you are walking into a new place. Say the words together while you do it, and let the children lead the motion next time.
The Story: Joshua 3 for Kids
The people of Israel had been wandering in the wilderness for a long, long time. Now they had come to the edge of a wide, flowing river called the Jordan. On the other side was the land God had promised them. But the river was high, and nobody had ever crossed it this way before.
Joshua was the new leader, and he was ready. He told the officers to walk through the camp and give a message to the people. “When you see the ark of the LORD your God being carried, follow it. Keep a good distance from it, so you can see the way ahead.” The ark was a special box that showed God’s presence, and it was carried by the priests.
Joshua also told the people to make themselves ready, because something amazing was going to happen. “Tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” Then he said to the priests, “Carry the ark out ahead of everyone and step into the river.” The priests did exactly what they were told, even though the water was still flowing.
Here is the surprise. As soon as the priests’ feet touched the water, the river stopped flowing. The water piled up in a heap far away, and the riverbed underneath became dry ground. The priests stood still in the middle of the Jordan, and the whole nation walked across on dry land.
Everyone reached the other side safely, because God had made the way. God had been with Moses, and now he was with Joshua too. The people had seen that God keeps his word.
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 told Joshua he would be with him, just as he had been with Moses. Ask the children how it helps to know someone is with you when you are nervous.
Joshua 3:13
It shall be that when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off. The waters that come down from above shall stand in one heap.”
(WEB)
Show how God gave the priests a clear promise before the river parted. Explain that the water did not stop until the priests stepped in, so trusting God meant taking the first step.
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 phrase about the priests standing firm on dry ground while everyone crossed. Remind the children that God kept the whole nation safe, from the first person to the last.
Talk About It
- What did the people have to do before the river stopped flowing?
- Why do you think God wanted the priests to step into the water first?
- Can you think of a time when you had to try something new, like the first day of school?
- How did the people know that God was with Joshua the same way he had been with Moses?
- What is one new thing God might be asking you to step into this week?
Activity Ideas
River Crossing Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw the Jordan River with the water piled up on one side and dry ground in the middle. Have them draw the ark and the priests standing firm, with the people walking across behind them. Let each child explain their picture to someone else.
Follow the Leader Across the Floor
You will need a blanket, a few pillows, or a row of painter’s tape on the floor to make a pretend river. Choose one child to be the priest carrying a shoebox “ark.” The rest of the children follow behind, stepping only where the leader steps. Talk about how the people trusted God to make the way safe as they walked.
Stone Reminder at Home
You will need a few small stones or pebbles and a marker. Explain that the people of Israel later set up stones as a reminder of what God had done. Let each child decorate one stone with a simple picture or the word “God goes first.” Encourage them to keep it on a windowsill or in a pocket as a reminder to follow God this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s guidance often asks for faith before we see the result. The priests had to step into the water before the river parted, and the people had to follow the ark without knowing what lay ahead. It also connects the leadership of Joshua with that of Moses, reminding us that God keeps his promises across generations.
With children, avoid suggesting that God always makes the way easy or that obedience guarantees a smooth path. The story shows God’s faithfulness in a specific moment, not a formula for every new challenge. Keep the focus on trusting God’s presence rather than promising specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you go before us into every new place. Help us to trust you when we feel scared, and to take the next step even when we cannot see the whole way. Thank you that you are with us just as you were with Joshua and Moses. We love you and we trust you. Amen.
