Helping Kids Trust God’s Unconventional Plans
Teach kids the incredible story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho! This fun Bible lesson helps children understand how trusting God, no matter how unusual His plan may seem, leads to victory.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho.
- Recognize the importance of obeying God even when His plans don’t make sense.
- Learn that God is powerful and can do the impossible.
Introduction: Try This!
Build a small “city wall” using blocks or cardboard. Invite kids to try knocking it down by marching or blowing pretend trumpets. Afterward, ask:
“What would you think if someone told you that marching and shouting could knock down a wall?”
Introduce the idea that God’s ways are sometimes unexpected, but always effective.
Memory Verse:
Hebrews 11:30 (NIV)
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.“
Bible Story Summary (Joshua 6)
After Moses passed away, Joshua became the new leader of the Israelites. With God’s help, Joshua led the people into the Promised Land. But before they could settle there, they had to face a great challenge: Jericho. Jericho was a heavily fortified city with thick, high walls.
God gave Joshua very unusual instructions. Instead of attacking the city with weapons, the Israelites were to march around Jericho once a day for six days. Priests were to carry the Ark of the Covenant and blow trumpets made of ram’s horns as they walked.
On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. After the seventh lap, the priests would blow their trumpets loudly, and all the people were to shout with all their might. Joshua and the Israelites obeyed God exactly as He commanded.
On the seventh day, after their final lap, the trumpets sounded and the people shouted. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed! The Israelites rushed in and captured the city. Just as God had promised, He gave them the victory—not through military strength, but through faith and obedience.
Importantly, Joshua also kept a promise to Rahab, the woman who had helped the Israelite spies earlier. She and her family were protected and rescued during the conquest of Jericho.
Lessons from the Battle of Jericho:
- God’s ways are not our ways: He may lead us to do things differently to teach us to rely on Him.
- Obedience to God brings victory: Joshua and the people trusted God’s plan, even when it sounded strange.
- Faith in action is powerful: The Israelites didn’t just believe, they obeyed and acted in faith.
- God keeps His promises: Rahab’s protection reminds us that God honors our faith and loyalty.
Creative Ways to Teach This Lesson:
- Fun and engaging worksheets: Use worksheets that promote learning and independent work.
- Marching Game: Turn the room into a mini Jericho and lead a seven-day “march” around the classroom.
- Craft Corner: Make paper trumpets or mini scrolls with the memory verse.
- Story Sequencing: Use cards to retell the steps God gave Joshua—great for reading comprehension.
- Drama Activity: Act out the roles of Joshua, the priests, the people, and Rahab.
Closing Encouragement:
God’s plans are often unexpected, but they are always perfect. When we obey Him, even when it seems unusual, we get to see His power at work. Encourage your kids to trust God’s voice in their own lives, and remind them that God uses simple faith to bring down big walls.
Looking for more?
Make this lesson truly unforgettable with the Joshua and the Battle of Jericho Bible Lesson Printable Pack.
This bilingual resource includes engaging worksheets, coloring pages, storytelling aids, and more, perfect for Sunday school, homeschool, or Bible class in English and Spanish.
