This lesson teaches children that God is faithful, so we can choose to serve Him every day. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for talking and one activity.
Big Idea
God takes care of His people, and we get to choose to follow Him. Every day we can decide to love and obey the Lord who has always loved us.
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)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are choosing between two gifts. Then put your right hand on your heart and say “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Do the motion each time you say the verse.
The Story: Joshua 24 for Kids
Joshua was the leader of God’s people, the Israelites, after Moses died. He was old now, and he wanted the people to remember all the good things God had done for them. So he gathered everyone together at a place called Shechem, where they could stand before God and listen.
Joshua told them about their family history. Long ago, their ancestor Abraham lived far away, and God brought him to the land of Canaan. God gave Abraham a son named Isaac, and Isaac had a son named Jacob. Jacob’s family moved to Egypt, where they grew into a great nation. Then God sent Moses and Aaron to lead them out of Egypt, and He made a way through the sea so they could escape.
God did not stop there. He led His people through the wilderness and helped them win battles in the land of the Amorites. He even stopped a wicked king named Balak from cursing them, because God turned his plans into blessings. God gave them cities they did not build and fields they did not plant. Everything they had came from God’s kindness.
Then Joshua said something important. He told the people, “Choose today whom you will serve.” Some of their families had worshiped other gods, and Joshua wanted them to decide clearly. He said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
The people answered with one voice. They said they would never leave the Lord, because He was the one who had rescued them and cared for them. They promised to follow Him and listen to His voice.
To help them remember this promise, Joshua set up a big stone under an oak tree near the place of worship. He said, “This stone will be a witness to what you have promised today.” Every time someone walked by, they could remember their choice to serve God.
Read It Together
Joshua 24:2-3
2 Joshua said to all the people, “The LORD says, the God of Israel, ‘Your fathers lived of old time beyond the River, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nahor: and they served other gods. 3 I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his offspring, and gave him Isaac.
(WEB)
Point out that God reminded His people how He had led their family from the very beginning. Ask the children to notice that God was working even before they were born, because He always plans to care for His people.
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)
Show the children that Joshua urged the people to fear the Lord and serve Him with a sincere heart. Explain that serving God means loving Him for real, not just pretending, and that it also means turning away from things that take His place.
Joshua 24:25-27
25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. 26 Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. 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)
Point out that the people made a covenant, which is a serious promise, and that the stone was there to remind them of it. Ask the children what kinds of reminders help them remember important promises at home or at church.
Talk About It
- What did God do for the Israelite people that they could not do for themselves?
- Why do you think Joshua asked the people to make a choice instead of just telling them what to do?
- What are some things that might try to take God’s place in our hearts today?
- How can you show your family that you choose to follow Jesus each day?
- Why did the people need a stone to remind them of their promise, and what reminds you of God’s love?
Activity Ideas
Stone Reminder Craft
You will need small smooth stones or paper plates, markers, and glue or paint. Let each child decorate a stone or plate with a word or picture that reminds them of God’s love. Explain that the stone is a reminder of a promise, just like the one Joshua set up. Children can place their stone somewhere in the house to see each day.
Choose Your Side Game
You will need two signs, one that says “Serve the LORD” and one that says “Serve Something Else.” Place them at opposite ends of the room. Read simple choices aloud, such as “Going to church or staying home” or “Helping a friend or ignoring them.” Children run to the sign that shows which choice honors God. Talk about how they chose.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope. Have each child write or draw one way they will serve God this week, such as sharing toys or saying kind words. Help them put the card in the envelope and bring it home. Encourage families to look at the cards together at dinner and pray about each promise.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s faithfulness comes first, and our commitment to Him is a response to His grace. Joshua does not ask the people to earn God’s love; he invites them to answer the love God has already shown in history. The covenant renewal at Shechem reminds believers that following God is a daily choice rooted in His past faithfulness.
With children, avoid suggesting that God’s love depends on their behavior. Teach that God loves them first and that serving Him is a happy response to that love, not a way to earn it. Keep the focus on God’s kindness rather than on how well they obey.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for taking care of us every day. Help us to choose You and to love You with our whole hearts. Show us how to serve You at home, at school, and wherever we go. We want to follow You, because You are good to us. Amen.
