In Joshua 4, God tells the people of Israel to build a memorial of twelve stones so they will remember how He held back the Jordan River and brought them across on dry ground. Children aged about 5 to 11 can learn this in 20 to 30 minutes, and the story is easy to act out with simple objects.
Big Idea
God helps His people, and we remember what He has done so we can trust Him and tell others about it.
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)
Hold both hands out flat like a river, then slowly sweep them apart to show the water moving aside. Say the verse together while you do it, and let the children copy you on each phrase.
The Story: Joshua 4 for Kids
Israel had walked a long way, and now they stood on the edge of the Jordan River. The river was wide and full of water, and the people could not cross it on their own. God had a plan, and He told Joshua what to do next.
God said, “Choose twelve men, one from each tribe.” Joshua called them together. Each man was to pick up a stone from the middle of the river, right where the priests stood holding the ark of the covenant. The priests were carrying the special box that showed God was with His people.
The twelve men carried their stones to the other side and set them down at the place where the people would camp that night. Joshua also set up twelve more stones in the middle of the river. Then Joshua told the people, “When your children ask you what these stones mean, tell them how God dried up the river so we could walk across on dry ground.”
The priests stepped up out of the river, and the water came rushing back into its place. The people walked over safely to Gilgal, and there they built a memorial with the twelve stones. God’s people were reminded that He is strong, and that He is faithful.
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 gave Joshua clear instructions before anything happened. Ask the children to notice how God told them exactly where to get the stones and where to put them.
Joshua 4:21-22
21 He spoke to the children of Israel, saying, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 Then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
(WEB)
Show how the parents were supposed to teach their children about the stones. Explain that remembering God’s help is something families do together, every day.
Joshua 4:23-24
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 God dried up the Jordan so all the peoples of the earth would know He is mighty. Help the children see that God’s help is meant to be told to others too.
Talk About It
- What did God ask the twelve men to carry out of the river?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to build a memorial with stones?
- What is something God has helped you with that you could tell someone about?
- How do you think the people felt when they walked across on dry ground?
- What is one way your family can remember what God has done together?
Activity Ideas
Stone Memorial Craft
You will need twelve smooth stones or paper circles, paint or markers, and a shallow tray of sand or a sheet of cardboard. Have each child decorate one stone with a word or picture of something God has done for them. Then stack the stones together as a family memorial and talk about each picture.
River Crossing Game
Lay two long ropes or strips of tape on the floor about two steps apart to make a river. Ask the children to walk across the “river” carefully while the leader calls out, “God is with us!” Then have them stand together on the far side and say the memory verse. Play a few rounds so everyone gets a turn.
Take-Home Reminder Stone
Give each child a small rock or a clean pebble to take home, along with a marker. Ask them to write one thing they want to remember about God’s help on the stone and put it somewhere they will see it each day. Encourage them to tell a family member what the stone means at dinner this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Joshua 4 shows that God’s past faithfulness is meant to shape how His people live today. The stones were not just decoration but a teaching tool, a way to make remembering part of ordinary conversation between parents and children. The passage also reminds us that God’s work often reaches beyond our own community, as the other nations are said to learn of His power.
Avoid suggesting that children can earn God’s help by doing the right things, or that remembering always brings an immediate answer. Keep the focus on who God is and what He has already done, rather than on turning the lesson into a formula.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for helping your people and for being faithful to us every day. Help us remember the good things you have done, and help us tell others about you. Give us courage to trust you when the road ahead feels hard. Amen.
