In this lesson, children learn that Joshua called the people of Israel to choose to serve the LORD, and that they can make that same choice today. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God has been faithful to us for a long time, so we can choose to love and follow Him every day.
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)
Stand tall with both feet together, then point to yourself with one hand and to the sky with the other. Say the last words slowly, and hold your pointing hand steady while you say them.
The Story: Joshua 24 for Kids
A long time ago, Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel together at a place called Shechem. The leaders and the judges came too, and they stood before God. Joshua wanted everyone to remember what God had done for them. He had called Abraham out of a faraway land, and He had given Abraham a son named Isaac.
Joshua reminded the people about the hard years in Egypt. God sent Moses and Aaron, and God brought His people out with great power. When the Egyptians chased them to the Red Sea, God made a way through the water. The people walked across on dry ground, and God kept them safe in the wilderness for many days.
God gave them land they had not worked for. He gave them cities they had not built, and vineyards and olive trees they had not planted. Joshua told them that God had given them every good thing. Then Joshua asked the people a big question. He said, “Choose today whom you will serve.”
Joshua made his own choice clear. He said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” The people answered together, “We will serve the LORD too, for He is our God.” Joshua took a big stone and set it under a tree as a witness to what they had promised. Each person then went home to their own land.
Read It Together
Joshua 24:14
“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth. Put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, in Egypt; and serve the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out the two words “fear” and “serve.” Explain that fearing the LORD means respecting Him and trusting Him most of all, and that serving Him means living for Him every day.
Joshua 24:17-18
17 For it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way in which we went, and among all the peoples through the middle of whom we passed. 18 The LORD drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD; for he is our God.”
(WEB)
Show the children how the people remembered the things God did for them. Ask them to name something God has done for their family, and remind them that remembering helps us keep choosing God.
Joshua 24:27
Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the LORD’s words which he spoke to us. It shall be therefore a witness against you, lest you deny your God.”
(WEB)
Explain that the big stone was a reminder of the promise the people made. Talk about how our own promises to God matter, and how God always keeps His promises to us.
Talk About It
- What are some good things God has given to you and your family?
- Why do you think Joshua wanted the people to choose who they would serve?
- What helps you remember God when you are busy or happy or sad?
- How can you show your family that you love and serve the LORD this week?
- Why do you think the big stone was a helpful reminder for the people?
Activity Ideas
Stone of Remembrance Craft
Give each child a small smooth stone or a paper circle, along with markers or paint. Ask them to draw or write one thing God has done for them. Place the stones in a basket or on a windowsill as a family reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Choose Your Side Game
Place two signs on opposite sides of the room, one that says “I will serve the LORD” and one that says “Not today.” Read simple statements about choices, like picking a friend to play with or helping a sibling. Children move to the side that matches the choice a faithful person would make.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to finish the sentence “As for me, I will serve the LORD by…” and fill in one simple action. Let them tape the card to their bedroom door or to the fridge so the whole family can see it during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage is Joshua’s farewell speech to Israel. He retells God’s faithful acts from Abraham through the wilderness to the gift of the promised land, and then calls the people to a clear decision about who they will worship. Their answer is a public commitment, and Joshua records it as a covenant witnessed by a stone.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that obedience earns God’s love. The lesson is that God first loved and rescued His people, and our response of serving Him comes from gratitude and trust. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness rather than on how well children behave.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for all the good things You have given us. Help us remember Your faithfulness every day. We choose to love You and follow You, just as Joshua and the people did. Help us to serve You with our whole hearts. Amen.
