Week of February 6 - The People Didn’t Go Into the Land

If you’ve ever bought a house, you likely know that even the “most perfect” house really isn’t perfect. There seems to always be some compromise that must be made: location, yard size, location of a bathroom, school district, price, and so forth. The choice is then ours to make: do we live with the compromises we need to make, or do we pass on the house—no matter how perfect it is in other ways—and keep looking?

When the Israelites reached the border of the land of Abraham and their ancestors, they sent in twelve men to scout the territory. The report was glowing: The land was amazing—plenty of room and abundant crops. It was perfect in almost every way. There was a concern, and it was a big one: the people living there were scary-big.

Think back to that house you had fallen in love with. You were already imagining what it would be like to live in it. You were deciding where your furniture would go. It seemed too good to be true. But then, you discovered that imperfection, and your hopes and dreams came crashing down. Now magnify that many times over, and you can begin to relate with what the Israelites must have felt like in that moment. Now where would they go? What would they do?
The tragedy of this account is not found in what the people felt in that moment; rather, it is found in their failure to recognize that the land was indeed perfect in every way. There was no drawback or compromise. The people living there were inconsequential.

Why? Because this was the land of promise—of God’s promise. The same God who had promised this land to them and to their ancestors before them was the same God who had revealed His infinite power in rescuing them from the Egyptians. He was the same God who was with them at that moment. Did they believe the people were too big, or did they believe God was too small?

Joshua, Caleb, and Moses would try to plead with the people to trust in God, but the people refused. Instead of entering the land in faith, they turned from the land in fear. Not one of the adults of that generation, except Joshua and Caleb, would step foot into that land. Instead, they were forced to wander in the wilderness of judgment because of their rebellion against God. That is the tragedy of this account.
Family Talking points

CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Younger Preschool: The Israelites did not obey God because they did not trust Him. Jesus always trusted God. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin.
  • Older Preschool: The Israelites did not obey God because they did not trust Him. Jesus always trusted God. He came into the world and was punished for our sin. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and gives us life with Him forever.
  • Kids: 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.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: What is God like? There is no one like God. He is perfect, good, and loving.
  • Older Preschool: What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.
  • Kids: What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.

KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: We praise the one true God. He does wonderful things. — Exodus 15:11
  • Older Preschool: Are there any gods like you, Lord? No! There are no gods like you. You are wonderfully holy. You are amazingly powerful. You do great miracles. — Exodus 15:11
  • Kids: Are there any gods like you, Lord? No! There are no gods like you. You are wonderfully holy. You are amazingly powerful. You do great miracles. — Exodus 15:11
Family Prayer Time
MORNINGS:
Ask God to give you courage to trust Him with your fears. What fears do you need to give to God and trust Him with instead? How do the stories of the Bible help you believe all things are possible with God?
EVENINGS:
Thank God for the ways He provided for your family today. Give thanks for your home, the food you ate, and the many other blessings that make life comfortable.
Family ACTIVITY IDEAS
FOR FUN:
Go on an exploration walk at a state park or wilderness area. Ask your kids to journal the things they see and experience. After the walk, compare notes about what everyone saw. Review the story of the spies that inspected the land of Canaan. Talk with your kids about why we can trust God and His power when we’re afraid.
Supplies: journals, pens

TO SERVE:
Go grocery shopping as a family and choose different fruit from the produce section. Allow each family member to choose his or her favorite fruit and another fruit he or she has never tried. Assign each family member a task in making a fruit salad using the fruit chosen at the store. Invite neighbors over to share the salad. Talk about the fruit-filled land God promised His people. Then, talk about all God has promised and provided for us through Jesus.  
LAST WEEK: God Deserves Our Worship (Leviticus 1–4)
NEXT WEEK: Moses Disobeyed God (Numbers 20)
The Gospel Project is a weekly Bible study that helps kids dive deep into the big story of the Bible—God’s plan to rescue His people through His Son, Jesus Christ. Your child can access free Gospel Project learning games and activities in the LifeWay Kids app reader available in the iTunes or Google Play stores.