In this lesson, children learn that God kept his promise to bring Israel across the Jordan River, and that remembering what God has done helps us trust him. This lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes and works well for children ages 5 to 11.
Big Idea
God keeps his promises, and we remember his help so we never forget to trust him.
Memory Verse
Joshua 4:24
That all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD’s hand is mighty; that you may fear the LORD your God forever.’”
(WEB)
Have children stand tall, then slowly raise both arms up high like a river rising, then bring them down with a big “whoosh” motion. Repeat the verse together while doing the motion, and ask the children to tell you what the arms are showing (God’s power over the water).
The Story: Joshua 4 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, had been wandering in the desert for a long time. Now they had come to the edge of the Jordan River, and it was running high and wide. Moses had died, and a man named Joshua was now their leader. God told Joshua that it was time to lead the people across.
God gave Joshua a special plan. The priests carried the ark, which was the special box that showed God was with his people. The priests walked right into the river, and their feet touched the water. Then something amazing happened. The water stopped flowing and piled up, and the people walked across on dry ground.
Before they went on, God told Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe. Each man picked up a large stone from the middle of the riverbed and carried it to the other side. Joshua said, “These stones will be a sign for your children. When they ask you what they mean, tell them how God dried up the river for us.”
Joshua set up the twelve stones at a camp called Gilgal, so everyone could see them and remember. He wanted the people to tell their children the story of how God had saved them. God wanted his people to remember that he was faithful.
When all the people had crossed safely, the priests came up out of the river. The moment their feet touched dry land, the water came rushing back into its place. God had kept his promise, and everyone was safe on the other side.
Read It Together
Joshua 4:1-3
1 When all the nation had completely crossed over the Jordan, the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Take twelve men out of the people, a man out of every tribe, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take from out of the middle of the Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and carry them over with you, and lay them down in the place where you’ll camp tonight.’”
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke to Joshua first and told him exactly what to do. Ask children how it helps to know that God gives clear directions, and remind them that God always knows the way forward.
Joshua 4:14
On that day, the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
(WEB)
Show children that God made Joshua a great leader in front of the whole nation. Talk about how God can help anyone become brave and strong, even children, when they trust him.
Joshua 4:22-24
22 Then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. 23 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan from before you, until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up from before us, until we had crossed over; 24 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD’s hand is mighty; that you may fear the LORD your God forever.’”
(WEB)
Point out that the stones were meant to help parents teach their children about God’s power. Explain that God wants us to tell others about the good things he has done in our lives.
Talk About It
- What did the priests do when they stepped into the river, and what happened to the water?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to pick up stones from the middle of the river?
- What might a child ask when they see a pile of stones, and how could a parent answer?
- Can you think of a time when God helped you or your family that you could tell someone about?
- How did the Israelites show that they trusted God when they walked into the river?
Activity Ideas
Paint Your Own Memorial Stones
You will need small smooth rocks, washable paint, paintbrushes, and paper towels. Let each child paint a rock with a picture or word that reminds them of something God has done for them. Once the paint is dry, place the stones together in a pile and talk about how each one is a reminder of God’s help.
Walk Through the Water
Lay a long blue or brown towel on the floor to look like a river. Have children stand on one side and walk slowly across, pretending the water is piled up on both sides. Stop in the middle and say, “God kept his promise!” Then let each child take a turn and call out one thing God has promised to do.
Remembering Stones at Home
Give each child a small bag of stones or pebbles to take home. Ask them to place the stones somewhere they will see every day, like a windowsill or dresser. Encourage them to tell a family member one thing God has done for them when they see the stones, just as the Israelites told their children about the Jordan.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God is faithful to his people and that remembering his past help builds trust for the future. The stones served as a lasting sign that God acted in history, and this is why the Israelites were called to teach their children about his work. Adults can see that the story points to God’s power and his commitment to bring his people into the land he promised.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that the stones magically protect us or that we must always pile up rocks to remember God. The stones were a specific memorial for that event, and the main point is simply that we should remember and share God’s faithfulness with others.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for keeping your promises to us, just as you kept your promise to Israel. Help us to remember all the good things you have done and to tell others about your faithfulness. Give us brave hearts to trust you, every day. Amen.
