Conquering Jericho
(Joshua 2-4; 6)
July 27, 2025
Sunday Recap
•
Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they faced their next obstacle in the Promised Land: capturing the city of Jericho. Though Jericho was strongly fortified, God promised to hand over the city to His people. Only by trusting in God could the Israelites experience victory against Jericho.
How do we see God’s faithful provision amid the battle of Jericho? How does this story foreshadow an even greater victory for those who profess faith in Jesus?
God promised His people the land of Canaan, and God was faithful to remind Joshua of the victory that lay before him: “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its best soldiers over to you” (Joshua 6:2). Then God once again gave His people the instructions they needed to follow—instructions that displayed faith in action.
An unlikely battle plan of walking, being silent, and then shouting revealed the power of God, who fights for His people and gives them victory. The Israelites brought nothing to this battle except their obedient faith, which they are commended for in Hebrews 11:30. The Israelites’ victory over Jericho was not of their own accord but a result of the faith they placed in the God of their salvation. Likewise, the rescue of Rahab and her family came not through her own power but by the faith she placed in the God of Israel.
Like the Israelites, we bring nothing to the table except our need for God’s saving grace. Yet by trusting in the Lord’s power to save us through faith in His Son, His victory is our reward. Help the boys and girls in your care see the power of God at work in this story, as well as in their own lives—that God has the power to break the walls of sin and deliver us into the kingdom of His Son. Pray that the children in your care will trust in Jesus for His gift of salvation.
** Next week: Achan’s Sin and the Defeat of Ai (Joshua 7-8)
Family Discipleship Plan
•
Family Discipleship Plan •
-
Read Joshua 2–4; 6 from the Bible.
-
Have you ever participated in a trust fall? This is when a person stands in a chair and falls backward into the arms of a few people waiting to catch them. It can be very scary to trust others to catch you. One way to make a trust fall easier is to select people you know can be trusted to catch you—like your parents or guardians. Falling backward to them is easier because you know they love you and want to protect you.
To enter the land God promised them, the Israelites had to first defeat the city of Jericho. This would not be an ordinary battle. This battle was all about trust. God gave Joshua specific (and very strange) instructions for how to conquer the city.
Joshua sent spies into Jericho to see what it was like. They were housed and protected by a woman named Rahab. In exchange for her kindness, Rahab asked the Israelites to keep her safe when they conquered the city, so the spies promised to keep her and her family safe.
Joshua and the Israelites followed God’s instructions by marching around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, the Israelite army marched around the city seven times, and the priests blew their trumpets loudly. As the people shouted, the walls of Jericho fell to the ground. The whole city was destroyed, but Rahab and her family were saved.
It can be hard for us to trust God, especially when we don’t understand what He is doing. Even in those moments, we can know that God is good and that He is in control. The Israelites and Rahab trusted God would win the battle, and He delivered!
God’s people could not bring down Jericho’s walls in their own power. They trusted God and were victorious. We cannot defeat sin and death in our own power. When we trust in Jesus, we are saved from sin and death.
Pray:
Lord, help us trust that You are good and always in control. We know that Your plans will never fail, and we thank You most of all for Your plan to send Jesus so everyone who trusts in Him will be saved!
Amen. -
Who is the King of glory? The Lord, who is strong and mighty. The Lord, who is mighty in battle.
Psalm 24:8 NIrV
-
Mornings
Ask God to give you guidance as you interact with others, make wise choices, and follow Him. How does God give us instructions for living for Him? Why is it important for us to follow the instructions God gives through the Bible?
Evenings
Praise God for the mercy He showed Rahab through the Israelites and for the mercy He has shown us through Jesus. How has God shown mercy through Jesus? How does it feel to know God loves you and wants to save you from the consequences of sin?
-
For Fun
Make a memorial wall in your home. Use objects, photos, or drawings to help your family remember the amazing things God has done in and through your family. Take time sharing the stories with one another and praising God for His goodness.
To Serve
Visit an elderly friend, family, or church member. As you share a meal or visit together, ask the person to share stories of God’s faithfulness in his/her life. Encourage your kids to ask questions and listen to learn more about who God is and how He displays His power.