God Defeated Jericho
Dear families,
In our Bible story today, we see not just mercy, but courageous mercy. Rahab by faith, courageously trusted God and hid the Hebrew spies. Mercy is not courageous until being merciful costs us something. Rahab's mercy was pushed to the testing point. She had compassion and, in doing so, risked her life. She showed mercy; as a result, she received mercy.
Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. Mercy was one of the marks of Jesus’ ministry. He modeled it for us on earth. There are countless examples of Jesus’ showing compassion and forgiveness to those who didn't deserve it.
Mercy always involves courage because you have the power—and often the right—to punish rather than forgive. In our world today, the act of forgiveness is often seen as a weakness. It's risky. Mercy that lacks courage will be sporadic in its application. We, like Pilate, will forgive until it costs us something. We will have compassion, but only from a distance. This is the beauty of Christ that we see in stories like Rahab.
The God we serve is lavish in His mercy and rich in His kindness. What Rahab experienced is a glimpse of God’s mercy we see in Christ. Jesus is the full expression of the mercy and kindness of God. Jesus isn't concerned from a distance; He took on human flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus didn't just act mercifully when it was convenient. He laid down his life so that we could be forgiven.
Rahab modeled for us what Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Let us today be extenders of mercy to others because of the tender mercy of God in Christ we have received because of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
● Babies & Toddlers: Everyone who trusts in Jesus becomes part of God’s family forever.
● Younger Preschool: The Israelites kept Rahab and her family safe, and she joined God’s people. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is safe and becomes part of God’s family forever.
● Older Preschool: By faith Rahab believed God would win the battle. The Israelites kept Rahab and her family safe, and she joined God’s people. Jesus has won against sin and death. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is safe and becomes part of God’s family forever.
● Kids: By faith, Rahab believed God would win the battle. When the Israelites attacked Jericho, Rahab and her family received mercy and became part of God’s people. Jesus has won against sin and death. Everyone who trusts in Jesus receives mercy and becomes part of God’s family 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 a miracle? A miracle is something that shows God’s power.
● Older Preschool: What is a miracle? A miracle is something God does that usually cannot be done.
● Kids: What is a miracle? A miracle is something God does that usually cannot be done so that we can know He is all-powerful.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
● Babies & Toddlers: God shows His strength to people. Psalm 77:14
● Younger Preschool: God shows His strength to people. Psalm 77:14
● Older Preschool: You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. Psalm 77:14
● Kids: You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. Psalm 77:14
** Next week:God Gave the People the Land (Joshua 7–11)