Joshua’s Farewell

(Joshua 23-24)

August 17, 2025

Sunday Recap

Sunday Recap •

Hey Fams!

The book of Joshua ends with a farewell address to God’s people about 20 years after they first found rest in the Promised Land. Joshua took one last opportunity to challenge the people to continue following the Lord and remind them how they were called to live in view of what God had already accomplished on their behalf.

What did Joshua commission the Israelites to do in his farewell address? How does this parallel with how Christ followers should live today?

Joshua spent his last moments on earth reminding the Israelites of the grace God had shown them by giving them the land He promised to Abraham long ago. Joshua led them through the history of their people, through the patriarchs and battles that brought them to the land. He also impressed upon them the truth that God’s promise to bless them had been fulfilled, but the rest they were experiencing in the land was contingent upon their covenant loyalty to worship God alone.

The Israelites were commissioned to get rid of the foreign gods that were among them and turn their hearts to the Lord (Joshua 24:23). We, like the Israelites, are called to lead lives of obedient worship, turning away from idols in our midst. By the grace of God, we can have hearts that desire to follow His commands through faith-filled obedience as we live through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lead the boys and girls in your care to see the awe-inspiring deliverance God extends to the people He has sworn to provide for––those who place their faith in His Son. Help kids see that God’s greatest act of love is found in Jesus, whose sacrifice atoned for the sins of His people long ago and for us today. Ask the Lord to instill upon the children in your class a deep desire to know and worship Him in light of the promise of eternal life in Christ’s presence.

** Next week: The First Judges (Judges 3)

Family Discipleship Plan

Family Discipleship Plan •

  • Read Joshua 23–24 from the Bible.

  • Here’s a quick challenge: make a list of all the different ways people have shown they love and care for your family. This could be through gifts, time, or words of kindness.

    When we remember the ways others have shown love to us, it naturally makes our love for them grow. When Joshua came to end of his life, he took time to recall all the ways God had shown love to him and the Israelites. Joshua reminded the Israelites how God had rescued them out of Egypt, brought them across the Red Sea on dry land, and helped them win so many battles! God had shown His faithful love to Israel over and over again.

    As they remembered the ways God had shown His love, Joshua urged the people to give thanks by worshiping and obeying God. Their obedience would be a sign that they remembered everything God had done. It would be an act of worship to the God who had shown them such great love!

    Joshua reminded the people that God saved them from Egypt and gave them the Promised Land. He told them to worship God alone. Jesus is worthy of all worship because He saves those who trust in Him from sin and gives them eternal life.

    Pray: God, help us remember all the ways You have shown love to us. When we think of those things, help us respond by loving You with our trust and our obedience. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Jesus to save us from our sins. 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

    Thank God for the gifts and talents He has given you. What abilities has God gifted to you? How can those abilities be used to worship Him?

    Evenings

    Ask God to help you use the gifts and talents He gave you to tell others about Jesus and bring glory to Himself. How can the talents and abilities God gives be used to share the gospel with others? How can we honor God by using our gifts this way?

  • For Fun

    Look through family photo albums with kids. Talk about the seasons or special moments when your family experienced God’s loving-kindness. Discuss how remembering His love for us makes our love for Him grow. Encourage kids to worship God with their obedience.

    To Serve

    Write a card or letter to the individuals God has used to teach you about Him. It could be a Sunday School teacher, pastor, friend, or family member. Thank the person for telling you about God and all the things He has done. Thank them for taking the time to encourage you in the faith.

Next
Next

Taking the Land