Moses’ Farewell

(Deuteronomy 31-34)

July 13, 2025

Sunday Recap

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Sunday Recap •

Hey Fams!

Today in Elevate Kids we talked about how Moses was an esteemed Old Testament figure who led God’s people faithfully, though imperfectly, away from Egyptian slavery and toward the Promised Land. As we follow his biblical narrative to Deuteronomy 31, we read how Moses began his parting speech to those he shepherded for 40 years.

In what ways do we see how Jesus is the better Moses—the victorious leader who leads us into eternal triumph, united with Him forever?

In his farewell address, Moses acknowledged his role as provisional leader over the Israelites, humbled before the sovereignty of God. He recited all God promised to do for them: faithfully lead them, destroy their enemies, go with them, and never leave or abandon them. He called for the Israelites to be strong and courageous, not trusting in their own strength but in His almighty power. Though Moses was counted righteous by faith, he was not a sinless leader for the people of God.

Though Moses’ own failure to obey God kept him from entering the Promised Land, God, in His kindness, allowed Moses to see a glimpse of the land from atop Mount Nebo before he passed away. Moses blessed the Israelite people, reminding them of the faithful love of God over the tribes of Israel. When Moses died, the people wept for many days. Joshua, filled with the spirit of wisdom, was called by God to be Israel’s new leader, though he did not know the Lord face-to-face as Moses did.

As we read of Moses’ passing the baton to his successor, we must recognize the goodness of God in sending an even greater Leader to shepherd God’s people for all eternity: Jesus Christ. Though Moses sinned, Jesus was sinless. While Moses could not lead the Israelites into the land, Jesus fulfilled every requirement as a good and faithful servant of the Lord, therefore leading us into the eternal promise of His kingdom. Ask God to soften the hearts of kids in your family, that they may glean these great gospel truths as you faithfully teach this passage. May they see the faithful kindness of the loving God who desires to dwell with them not only today, but for all eternity.

** Next week: Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 1; 3-4)

Family Discipleship Plan

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Family Discipleship Plan •

• Read Scripture

  Read Deuteronomy 31–34 from the Bible.

• Talk about the Scripture

  In 2011, a woman visiting the city of Bellevue, Washington accidentally drove her SUV directly into a lake. While searching for her hotel after dark, the woman ignored the directions of the car’s GPS. She took a wrong turn, ended up on a boat ramp, and drove the car into the water. The woman was safe, but the car was never able to be recovered from the lake. What a costly mistake!

  As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, Moses disobeyed God, and it was a costly mistake. Moses would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land with the people. At the end of his life, Moses took time to remind the people of God’s goodness and the need to obey His Law. After Moses died, the people cried for him for thirty days, but God gave the people Joshua to lead them into the land He had promised.

  Sin is always costly. Whether big or small, any sin breaks our relationship with God. Our disobedience must be punished, but we see God’s mercy through Jesus. Jesus took the punishment for every sin and He paid the cost for us. Only Jesus can cover our costly mistakes. God has given us a greater leader in Jesus. He alone can lead us to eternal life in God’s promised kingdom.

  Moses led God’s people faithfully but died unable to bring them into the Promised Land. Jesus leads us in perfect faithfulness. He died so that all who place their faith in Him will join Him in the new heaven and earth.

  Pray:
  God, forgive us when we disobey You. We know that sin breaks our relationship with You, and it must be punished. We thank You for the mercy You’ve shown by sending Jesus to cover the cost of sin.
  Amen.

• Practice the Memory Verse

  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

• Pray

  Mornings

  Ask God to help you worship Him through obedience today. Why does our obedience give God the glory He deserves?

  Evenings

  Thank God for parents, teachers, and pastors who constantly pray for you. How are these leaders a gift from God? How can they help you to know God’s Word and obey?

• Family Activities

  For Fun

  Play “Simon Says” with the whole family. Allow each child in the family to take turns calling out instructions. After the game, talk about how hard it can be to perfectly obey instructions.

  Explain to kids that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Remind them that this is why we need Jesus—the only perfect One who saves us from our sins.

  To Serve

  Use paper and crayons to create a piece of art with the words Moses shared in Deuteronomy 32:3-4. Use the entire passage or choose words to incorporate into a design. Encourage every family member to participate by adding their own touch to the piece. Review this week’s Bible story and talk about how Moses praised God and His Word. Remind kids that Jesus is the Word made flesh and we have even more reasons than Moses to praise God.