This lesson teaches children that God’s people can stay close to God by remembering what He has done and by caring for one another. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for a story, a memory verse, a few questions and a simple activity.
Big Idea
When we are unsure, we can remember that God is with us, and we can keep loving and serving Him together.
Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
If it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall with feet together, then point to heaven on the words “as for me and my house.” Next, have them wrap their arms around themselves in a hug. Say it aloud together three times, with the motions growing bigger each time.
The Story: Joshua 22 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel had finally come into the land God promised them. Some families had already received their land on the other side of the Jordan River. Two and a half tribes lived there: the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. Their brothers had fought beside them to win the land, and now it was time for them to go home.
Joshua called these men together. He said, “You have done what Moses told you to do. You have listened to me, and you have helped your brothers. Now go home to your families, and remember to love and serve the Lord with all your heart.” Joshua blessed them, and they went back across the river with many good gifts.
When the men reached the Jordan River, they built a large altar there. Soon the other tribes heard about it, and they became very worried. They thought these brothers were turning away from God. So the whole nation gathered at Shiloh, ready to go to war against them.
Before any fighting began, the people sent Phinehas the priest and ten leaders to ask what was happening. Phinehas said, “Did you build this altar to turn away from the Lord? Remember what happened when some people sinned at Peor!” But the tribes explained their heart. They said, “We built this altar as a witness, so that our children will always know we belong to the Lord too.” When Phinehas heard this, he was happy. He said, “Now we know the Lord is with us.”
The people were glad that no war was needed. They praised God, and they named the altar “A Witness Between Us That the Lord Is God.” Everyone went home knowing they were still one family, loving the same God.
Read It Together
Joshua 22:2
And said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you.
(WEB)
Point out that Joshua praised these men for keeping their promises and listening carefully. Ask the children what it looks like to follow someone faithfully when they are far away from home.
Joshua 22:5
Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
(WEB)
Show the children the words “love the Lord your God” and “serve him with all your heart.” Explain that loving God means both feeling close to Him and doing what He asks, every day.
Joshua 22:34
The children of Reuben and the children of Gad named the altar “A Witness Between Us that the LORD is God.”
(WEB)
Read this verse slowly and point out the name the people gave their altar. Tell the children that the altar was a reminder to everyone that God was with them, just as a photo reminds us of a happy day.
Talk About It
- What did the tribes want the altar to remind their children about?
- Why do you think the other tribes were so worried at first?
- How did the people feel when they learned the truth?
- What is one thing you can do to remember that God is with you?
- How can we help our friends and family stay close to God?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Altar
You will need construction paper, glue, scissors, and crayons or markers. Help the children fold and cut the paper into a simple stone altar shape, then glue the pieces together to form a small standing structure. Have them write or draw one thing God has done for them on each stone. Explain that, like the altar in the story, these stones are a witness to God’s faithfulness.
Witness Walk Game
Clear an open space and place a few chairs or pillows around the room to act as the “altars.” Have the children walk around the room while you call out “Remember!” They must stop at the nearest altar and say one thing God has done. Then continue playing, calling out different words like “Serve!” and “Love!” for them to act out with a motion.
Family Reminder Stone
You will need a small smooth stone or a piece of cardboard, paint or markers, and a permanent marker for writing. Let the children decorate the stone with a picture or a word that reminds them of God’s love. Encourage them to place it somewhere in the home, such as by the front door, and to talk with their family about what the stone means each time they see it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how God’s people can nearly fall into conflict over a misunderstanding. The tribes were careful to explain their motives, and the leaders were willing to listen before acting. It is a reminder that staying faithful to God includes being honest with one another and seeking the truth before we assume the worst.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that a physical object like a stone or altar protects us. The point of the altar was that it reminded people of God, not that the object itself was holy or powerful. Keep the focus on remembering God’s presence and loving Him with our whole hearts.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us wherever we go. Help us remember what You have done, and help us love and serve You with all our hearts. Show us how to care for our family and friends, so we can stay close to You together. Amen.
