The People Doubted
(Numbers 13-14)
June 29, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
Today in Elevate Kids we talked about Numbers 13 and 14 which describe the culmination of the Israelites’ dilemma of doubt. Though God continued to prove Himself faithful, the Israelites clung to their perception of certain death rather than the assurance of their God-given victory. They trusted in their own understanding rather than in God’s covenantal promises.
What stopped God’s people from entering the land of Canaan? How do our doubts keep us from worshiping God as He leads us through difficult circumstances?
For 40 days, the Israelite spies traveled and scouted out the Promised Land before returning with their report. Indeed, the land flowed with milk and honey—just as God promised. However, it was also brimming with strong men inside fortified city walls. The fearful Israelites lacked faith in God and in the leadership He provided.
Moses urged God to relent from His anger, reminding Him of His perfect character and how the Egyptians would try to defame Him. God pardoned them yet swore these unbelievers would not witness the fulfillment of God’s promises for themselves. Only Caleb, Joshua, and the next generation of Israelites would inherit the land. Upon hearing this, the people tried to circumvent God’s plan by now going to battle on their own. This failed, of course, and many of the people were struck down by the Amalekites and Canaanites. Doubt and disobedience became the Israelites’ downfall. Rather than experience rest in the land of Canaan, they were left to die in the wilderness.
Though Israel failed to believe God and trust His Word, God remained faithful to His people. Today, because of the finished work of Jesus, we can turn from unbelief and turn to Him as the object of our trust. Though we may not know what is next on our journey with Jesus, we can trust that eternal communion with the Father awaits us and that the gift of eternal life is available to all who abide by faith. Lead the kids in your family to see the great mercy of God in allowing the next generation of His people to enter into His promises. May the children who learn this Bible passage recognize God’s call to abide in His love through faith in His Son.
** Next week: The People Complained (Numbers 16; 20-21)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read Numbers 13-14 from the Bible.
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M.C. Escher was an artist best known for his drawings that tricked the eye. One of his most famous works, House of Stairs, shows multiple staircases that are connected, yet appear to be going in different directions. Escher used different perspectives to make it seem impossible that these stairs could exist, but the drawings are based on mathematics that make it possible.
When the twelve spies returned from inspecting the land God had promised, there was a difference of perspectives. The spies reported how plentiful the land was and even returned with a large cluster of grapes, but they were afraid of the people who lived in the land. These spies believed it was impossible to defeat the people, but Joshua and Caleb believed God makes all things possible! The two men urged the Israelites not to be afraid because God was with them. They believed God would give them the land He had promised.
Because of their faith, Joshua, Caleb were allowed to enter the land of Canaan. What seemed impossible to many was possible with God. While it is impossible for us to save ourselves from the curse of sin, God has made salvation possible through Jesus! When we place our faith in Him, we receive the reward of eternal life that God has promised.
Joshua and Caleb believed the words that God had spoken, and they were eventually allowed to enter the Promised Land. The people who did not believe would die in the wilderness. If we believe the words that God has spoken about Jesus and place our faith in Him, we will be saved from our sin and will enter the new heaven and new earth.
Pray:
God, help us keep our eyes on You. When something seems impossible, give us faith to believe that all things are possible with You. Thank You for sending Jesus and making forgiveness of sin possible through Him.
Amen. -
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIrV
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Mornings
Ask God to give you courage to trust Him with your fears. What fears are keeping you from trusting God? 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 the house where you slept, the food you ate, and the many blessings that make life comfortable.
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For Fun
Go on an exploration walk. Ask kids to journal or draw pictures of the things they see and experience in the land. After the walk, compare notes about what was seen. Review the story of the spies that inspected the land of Canaan. Talk with kids about why we can trust God and His power when we’re afraid.
To Serve
Cook a meal, assemble a care basket, or do a random act of service for someone this week. Talk about how good it feels to serve others and how this can be an act of worship as it reminds us how Jesus served us. Talk as a family about how serving others can keep our hearts from becoming self-centered and discontent.