Week of 2.6.2022 | Day Two
This week’s lesson from The Gospel Project for Kids takes us to the edge of the promised land. God’s people are looking into the land He promised them with great expectation. Before we get into this, let’s think about how we got to today’s story. In the beginning, God created the world. After sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, God promised to provide the solution for the problem of sin. He promised to bring the Rescuer through Abraham’s family.
The descendants of Abraham’s grandson Jacob—who were called Israelites—were slaves in Egypt. Moses delivered them out of Egypt and led them toward the promised land. Moses had led the Israelites through the wilderness, and the time had come to enter the land. But first, the Israelites wanted to scout the land God had promised to give them.
What came from that scouting trip? A whole lot of fear. The fear of some leaders spread through the people and caused an entire generation of Israelites to miss out on the blessing of the promised land. But we also see the faith of a few, who chose not to let fear control them. They trusted God and believed what He had told them. Their faith gave them peace with God and life.
As you and your family read in the book of Numbers this week, consider the character of God and the consequences of sin, both in the lives of the Israelites and in our own.
Big Picture Question
What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.
Christ Connection
The Israelites did not trust God. They rebelled against Him. Jesus trusted God perfectly. He came into the world to take the punishment we deserve for our own rebellion against God. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and invites us into His kingdom forever.
Key Passage
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”
Exodus 15:11
Read
Read Numbers 14
For families with younger kids, focus on Numbers 14:1-9, 20-24, 32-35
Discuss
How did God punish the Israelites for not trusting Him?
Guide kids to discuss how God made the Israelites wander in the wilderness. The people who refused to obey God would never enter the promised land. Instead, they would die in the wilderness during the next 40 years. Because of their trust in God’s promise, Joshua and Caleb would be allowed to enter the promised land.
Why did God punish the Israelites?
Sin deserves punishment and that punishment is death (Romans 6:23). In our lesson last week, we read how sin leads to death. This story is another example of how God’s word proves true. God is gracious and merciful to His people, even though they sin by disobeying and not trusting Him.
We might read this and think it is a harsh judgment, but remember that God is perfect and holy, so any sin against Him deserves death. In His grace and mercy, He prepared a way to send His Son Jesus to take the punishment for sin and give His people new life!
Pray
Lord, you rule over all creation. We recognize that you are the only one who can judge us for our sins. We know that our sin deserves punishment. Because you are loving and just, you gave Jesus to take the punishment for our sins. Thank you for your mercy! We praise You for who you are and trust you as Lord.
Family Challenge
As you and your family read Numbers together this week, talk about what fears you have and how you might be tempted to give into fear instead of trusting God. Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 to help you remember to trust the Lord and not fear.