Lessons from Numbers
Overview: The book of Numbers in Hebrew actually means, “In
the Wilderness.” This book details the Israelties wanderings in and through the
wilderness, after leaving Egypt.
This pilgrimage from Egypt to the Promised Land should take
them only about 2 weeks, but instead it takes them 40 years.
The book is broken up into 5 sections:
1.Wilderness of Sinai (1-9)
2.Travel (10-12)
3.Wilderness of Paran (13-19)
4. Travel (20-21)
5. Wilderness of Moab (22-26)
In chapter 1 a census is taken of all the tribes. This was
to count how many they had in each tribe. In chapter 2, they were told were
they were to camp, who they’d camp next to, and so forth. Chapter 3 details how
the Israelties were to care for the Levites, (these were like the pastors and
Christian teachers of today). In chapter 4, the Koathites a Levite tribe were
instructed with their duties for when they set up camp, and when they packed
up. Chapter 5 explains the necessity of the people to be pure to enter the
Lord’s presence, and in chapter 6 the Nazarite vow is explained (this was the
vow Samson’s parents made for him). In chapter 7 and 8 the offerings are explained
along with how to set up the temple. Then in chapter 9, instructions are given
for remembering the day of Atonement. Finally as the tabernacle is set up as
God instructed, the cloud settled over the tabernacle. At night, this cloud
looked like fire, during the day they could see the cloud. When the cloud
moved, the Israelites set out. When it stood still, they set up camp. Sometimes
they set up camp in the morning, then set out at night or vice versa. Sometimes
they set up camp for a week or a month before moving on. Yet, they followed the
cloud by day and the fire by night, as the Lord led them.
In chapters 10-12, as the cloud moved, so did the
Israelites. It was during this time that the Israelites began to complain and
grumble. And when Aaron and Miriam question Moses and his leading. Which leads
Miriam to be struck by leprosy.
Chapters 13-19 find the Israelites camped at Paran. It is
during this time that the 12 spies enter the promised land, to see what they
can find. It is also during this time that the 10 spies report back the message
that the people are like giants, and strike fear in the hearts of the people.
So much fear in fact, that they refuse to enter in. Only Joshua and Caleb gave
a good report.
In chapter 14 the people rebel and refuse to enter the
promised land and because of this, the will spend the next 40 years wandering in the wilderness, until all
those who refused have passed away.
In chapter 15, more instructions are given to the people
which are to set them apart from the rest of the world and make them holy.
In chapters 16-17 again the people rebel against their
authorities, and God makes it clear who He has chosen as His servants.
Chapters 18 and 19 are filled with more instructions for the
priest and the people.
In chapter 20-21 they set out once more headed towards the
promised land. And once more the people complain and grumble. When Moses
becomes angry and looks to himself rather than the Lord, he is told that he
will not lead the people into the promised land.
Chapter 22-26 we find the in Moab, as they prepare to enter
into the Promised Land. More rebellion takes place, more instruction is given.
The prophet Balaam is called to curse the Israelties, but is unable to do
anything but bless them.
In chapter 25, the Midianites lead the Isrealites to sin,
and many more die.
In Chapter 26 the Lord instructs a second census to be taken
of the Israelites. In chapter 27, the Lord appoints Joshua to succeed Moses as
leader. Chapters 28-29 Moses reminds the Israelites of the specific offerings
and festivals they are to keep in honor to the Lord. In chapter 30-33, the
Israelites are given more instruction concerning vows, and God has vengeance
upon the Midianites. In chapter 33, a review of their journey is given. In
chapter 34, the boundaries for the land of Cannan are given, and in chapter 35
the tows for the Levites are instructed, as well as the need for cities of
refuge. Finally in chapter 36, final instructions are given through Moses to
the people about the inheritance of the tribes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zebxH-5o-SQ
(link of overview to play for kids by the Gospel Project)
Lesson 1:
Lesson Aim: To teach
children that God desires that we be obedient to follow Him no matter where He
leads us. That we are ready and willing to obey His directions for our lives.
Bible Passage:
Numbers 9:15-23
Bible Memory: At the Lord’s
command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They
obeyed the Lord’s
order, in accordance with his command through Moses (Numbers 9:23)
Introduction:
For the next few weeks we will study the book of Numbers. Who
knows what the book of Numbers is all about? Allow kids to answer.
Give a brief review
of what has taken place in Numbers 1-8
In chapters 1-8 a
census of all the tribes is taken, and instruction to each tribe is given.
Our first lesson will pick up in Numbers chapter 9.
Ask kids what a compass does – Explain to the kids that a
compass is what guides us and keeps us on the right track. If you go out hiking
and get lost, a compass helps to tell you which direction to go. In the
Christian life, God and His Word are our compass. They guide us and helps us to
know where to go.
The Book of Numbers in Hebrew means “In the Wilderness.” And
as mentioned before, it is the story of the wanderings of the Israelites. You
may wander, how did they know where to go, and who led them. Which is what
today’s lesson is all about.
Bible Study: Turn in your Bibles to Numbers 9:15-23
Here in verse 15, we find that as the Israelites set up the
Tabernacle the cloud covered the tabernacle. Now can anyone tell me what was
the tabernacle?
Yes, The tabernacle was similar to what we call our church
building. The difference is, it was portable. Yet, God’s presence rested above
the tabernacle as a cloud by day, and a fire by night. God used the cloud by
day, and the fire by night to lead the Isreaelites through the wilderness.
The Israelties never knew how long they would be in one
place. Sometimes they would settle for a day, other times a week, and other
times months. But they always knew when it was time to move on, because the
cloud by day and the fire by night showed them the way.
And every time they moved, they had to take down the
tabernacle according to God’s instructions and when they got to their next
place, they had to set it up according to God’s instructions. And they always
had to be ready to move onward, never knowing for how long they’d stay in that
place.
I bet it got old moving from one place to another. I am sure
they got tired of the constant change, and that they longed for a place to call
“home.”
Yet, God was leading them to the Promised Land, and He was
teaching them to trust Him along the way. He wanted their obedience, and their
devotion. He desired their willingness to follow Him.
At this point in their journey, they were well on their way
to honoring and obeying God. Though God could have taken them the shorter way
to the promised land, He took them the long route to teach them to trust Him.
He took them the long way, because He knew if they faced the giants immediately
they’d want to rush back to Egypt.
God knew what was best for them, and He led them step by
step.
Now, wouldn’t it be nice if God made it so obvious to us what
we should do or where we should go. I have often thought, Lord, a cloud or a
fire to show me the way would be nice right now.
Yet, God has given us something better than a cloud by day
and a fire by night. As Christians He has given us His Spirit, who leads us,
convicts us, and teaches us. He has given us His Word, which He uses to speak
to our hearts. The Bible says, that God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a
light unto our path. God has given us spiritual leaders who can offer us godly
advice on making the right decisions.
The Israelties had none of these things, which is why God led
them the way He did.
So what can we learn from Numbers chapter 9?
1. That God desires
our obedience even when it isn’t easy and even when it doesn’t make sense. Can
you imagine setting up camp in the morning, and having to set out that same
night. I’m sure there were times when the cloud and fire moved, that the
Israelties wanted to ignore it. Yet, they obeyed. Similarly, God wants us to be
willing to obey no matter what.
2. God desires to
teach us to trust Him as we journey through this life. Each day, the Israelties
had to trust God and His direction. They didn’t have a map, they didn’t even
know exactly where they were going, but they still trusted God.
3. God wants us to
be quick and ready to obey no matter what He ask of us. What He ask won’t
always make sense, and sometimes we won’t like what He ask of us, but because
He is Lord, we are to obey.
4. Just as God knew
the short way would lead the Israelites to want to flee back to Egypt, God
knows what is best for you and me as well. God sees the full picture, while we
only see a tiny part, so we can trust Him and follow Him knowing He knows best.
5. Finally, God
wants us to learn to follow Him as we seek His will for our lives through
prayers, Bible study, His Spirit, and the godly counsel of others. God has
given us our own cloud and fire markers, and He wants us to learn to discern
His will through these things.
Play follow the leader: Choose a leader and everyone has to
follow and do exactly what he says or does. Take turns allowing each to have a
chance to be the leader.
Bible Memory:
Word Scramble: Pass out a word scramble worksheet to each
child, race to see who can unscramble the Bible verse first. Then practice
repeating it until all kids can say from memory.
Additional Class Resources: file:///C:/Users/Asus/Pictures/lesson_48_the_israelites_follow_god.pdf
Close in prayer.
Lesson Two: Numbers
Lesson Aim: To teach the children that they should be
content and thankful for what God has given to them. To help them understand
that when they complain and grumble they are complaining against the Lord.
Bible Passage: Numbers 11
Bible Memory: Do
everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you
may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a
warped and crooked generation (Phil. 2:14-15).”
Introduction:
Which is easier to give thanks or to complain? You got it,
it is easier to complain. Why do you think this is so? That’s right, because we
are quick to recognize what we don’t have rather than remembering what we do
have.
Yet, when we complain, it displeases the Lord.
Why does our complaining displease the Lord? Because, when
we complain we are ultimately saying, “God what you have given me is not good
enough. We are expressing our displeasure to the Lord and acting as if we
deserve, and that He is holding out on us.
In today’s lesson, we will see that the cloud and fire have
moved, and the Israelties have set out into the wilderness. As they journey
along, they grow tired, weary, and hungry. And rather than be thankful for what
they have, they begin to complain.
Bible Lesson:
Turn in your Bibles to Numbers 11. Take turns reading and
explaining as you go.
Read Numbers 11:1-3
Explain: The Israelties began to complain and grumble and
the Lord heard it. And His anger burned against them, so much in fact that He
sent fire from Heaven. It was only because of the prayer of Moses that the fire
did not consume them.
Truth: Did you know that when you complain and grumble it
displeases the Lord. And whether you say it aloud or think it, God knows.
Read Numbers 11:4-9
Explain: The Israelites began to think they would have been
better off in Egypt. They began thinking back to all the good things in Egypt
but were quick to forget their slavery. They were tired and weary of eating
Mana, and had stopped being thankful that they even had food to eat.
Truth: Often when we think back to our past, we like the
Israelites remember only the good. Yet, all of life has a bit of each. There is
always good, and always difficult. Many times people think the grass is greener
on the other side. They think if they just moved, if they just got married, if
they just got into college, if they just had kids, then life would be perfect.
Yet, there is no such thing. Life on this earth will never be perfect. Only
once we reach Heaven, will that take place.
And like the Israelites, we need to be thankful for what we
have. Instead of complaining about what we don’t have. Having grateful hearts
for the provisions of the Lord.
Read Numbers 11:10-15
Explain: Now Moses has had enough. He wonders why God made
him lead the Israelites. And even He begins to complain.
Truth: Our complaining and grumbling will always affect
those who are around us. Usually, it has a negative effect on all those who
hear us. Yet, when we are joyful it also affects others with joy.
Read Numbers 11:16-20
Explain: When the Lord heard the complaints of the people
and Moses, He says He will send meat and that they will eat it for a month
until they are so tired of it, it is coming out of their noses. Because they
have rejected the Lord, and longed for Egypt.
Truth: Our grumbling and our unthankful hearts please not
the Lord. He will give us what we want, but in the end we will suffer the
consequences for wanting what we want rather than what God wants.
Read Numbers 11:21-23
Explain: When Moses heard the Lord say He would give them
meat enough for a whole month, Moses doesn’t believe it is possible. Basically
he tells the Lord that what He says He will do, He can’t do. Moses has
forgotten that He is talking to the One who parted the Red Sea, and who sends
Mana enough for the people each day.
The Lord ask Moses, is my arm too short? Basically He ask,
is there really anything I can’t do Moses?
Truth: We should never doubt the Lord. For absolutely
nothing is too difficult for Him. Nothing is too hard. And whatever He says He
will do, He can and will do.
Read Numbers 11:24-28
Explain: Two men from the camp begin profasying because the
Spirit of the Lord came upon them. When
the people saw this, they told Moses to stop them, but Moses refused, saying He
only wished others would do likewise.
Truth: The Work God gives us to do is often meant to be
shared. It is too much for one person. We should be quick to see how we can be
a help and of service to others.
Read Numbers 11:29-35
Explain: The Lord sent the Quail, so much meat that it was
lying on the ground about 3 feet deep. The people rushed out to grab it, and
the Lord’s anger burned against the people. So that He sent a plague upon them
for their desire and longing for other food than what God had given.
Truth: As mentioned before, often when we long for something
not from God, and we keep praying and asking Him for such. He will give it to
us, but we will suffer the consequences. For example, when the Israelites
wanted a King, so they could be like the other nations. God gave them a King,
King Saul, but they suffered the consequences of his leadership.
God wasn’t happy with the Israelites, because they had
failed to be content with what He had given to them. Wanting more, and
complaining about what they had.
God isn’t pleased when we act this way either. He wants us
to be happy with what He has given us, with all He provides us with. He wants
us to have grateful hearts that do not complain.
Bible Memory: Have kids make a poster of today’s Bible
verse, decorating it with symbols representing the words.
For Puzzles and crosswords about lesson go to: http://www.joyfulmeditations.org/downloads/kids/worksheets/calvarychapel/en/ot/curr048.pdf
Close in prayer
Lesson 3: Numbers 13-14
Lesson Aim: To teach children that God wants us to make the
right choices, and to be led by faith not by fear. For children to understand
that our choices today will affect our lives tomorrow, and that bad choices
lead to consequences.
Bible Memory: “We should go up and take possession of the
land, for we can certainly do it!!!” Numbers 13:30
Introduction:
Who likes to wait? Anyone????? Not me. I don’t like to wait
in line at the store, I don’t like to wait to do something fun, I don’t like
waiting period.
Yet today we will learn that the bad choices of the people
led the Israelites to have to wait 40 years before entering the promised land.
Because of their fear of man, instead of faith in God, they’d suffer the
consequences.
Have dominoes set up and tip one over so it affects all the
others.
Bible Lesson:
Today’s story is very familiar story of when God sent in 12
spies to see the promised land. 2 spies were ready to enter, but the other 10
were afraid.
Turn in your Bibles to Numbers 13
Numbers 13:1-25: In this section God instructs Moses to
choose one person from each tribe to be sent as spies into the promised land.
The 12 spies go into the land, they explore the land, and then after 40 days
they return back to the wilderness to where the others are.
Take turns reading their report:
Read Numbers 13:26-29
Explain: when the spies returned they showed everyone the
large cluster of grapes, and told them that the land does flow with milk and
honey. They talk about the good, and then they say but..
But, they tell everyone how big the people are, that they
are powerful.
Truth: Rather than focusing on the good, and God’s promise,
they focus on the bad, and are led by fear.
Read Numbers 13:30
Here, Caleb steps in and tells the people they should go in
and take the land that God has given them.
Truth: Caleb unlike the others was led by faith, believing
God would give them the land.
Read Numbers 13:31-33
Explain: As Caleb is speaking it seems the other 10 step in
and say no way. They spread a bad report among all the people, so that everyone
is afraid, and everyone refuses to step out in faith.
Truth: Our actions always affect others. They have a dominos
affect.
Summarize Numbers 14
That night the people were so upset. They began to weep and
wail about how God had brought them out of Egypt only to kill them.
Joshua and Caleb tried to reason with them, explaining that
God would deliver them, that He would fight for them, and that He would give
them the promised land just as He said. But the people refused to listen.
The Bible tells us that God was so angry at their unbelief
that He wanted to strike them all dead. Yet, Moses interceded on behalf of the
people. So rather than strike them all dead, God tells Moses, that because of
their unbelief. None of these who have refused to believe and trust Him, will
enter the promised land, that instead they will wonder in the wilderness for 40
years, until all of them have died.
But those who have given the bad report, they will die. And
only Joshua and Caleb will enter into the Promised land.
When they heard this, they tried to make amends, saying they
would go up and take the land. Moses warns them, but they refused to listen,
and some went up, and they were killed for their disobedience.
Lessons Learned:
1. Our actions, our attitudes, our doubts, and our
unbelief will affect those around us.
2. God desires that we be led by faith and not by
fear.
3. We can believe that what God says He will do.
4. We should not listen to naysayers, but instead
listen to the Lord.
5. God is serious about sin, and we will always
face the consequences for our sins.
6. Oftentimes our sins have negative effects and
consequences on those around us well.
Bible Memory: Have kids act out the verse and say it like
they mean it!
Game: As time allows play “I Spy with my little eyes….”
Close in Prayer
Lesson 4: Numbers 16
Lesson Aim: To teach children that God expects us to respect
the authorities He has put in our lives.
Bible Memory: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive,
for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account” (Hebrews
13:17a).
Introduction:
Do you ever feel like you don’t want to obey your parents or
your teachers? Why should we obey them even when we don’t feel like it? God
expects us to show respect for and to obey our parents, teachers, elders, and
others that God has put in charge, because they are responsible for us and are
trying to help us. Today we are going to learn about some men who decided they
did not need to listen to the man God chose to lead His people. Let’s see what
happened
Numbers Review:
1. Census take and instructions given
2. Following the cloud by day and fire by night
3. God hates when we complain
4. Rebellion and unwillingness to believe God leads
to Israelites spending 40 years in wilderness
Turn to Numbers 16-17
Summarize the points of the story
In Chapter 16 we come upon a group of Israelites who lead
others to rebel against Moses.
Some of the Israelites didn’t like the idea that they would
have to move around in the wilderness for such a long time. They wanted to go
into the Promised Land without waiting. They decided they were tired of Moses
being their leader. One man in particular, Korah, wanted to take Moses’ place;
he thought he was just as good a man as Moses.
Korah and some of his friends (Dathan, Abiram, and On)
convinced 250 leaders of the people that Moses needed to be replaced. They went
to Moses and listed their complaints. They rebelled against Moses and Aaron’s
leadership (Numbers 16:11). God was very angry because of Korah’s actions and
words. He had specially chosen Moses and had given him the authority to lead
the people. No one had the right to tell God that He had made a mistake
Moses sent word to Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the others to
stand in front of their tents the next day so that God could show all the
people who He wanted to be their leader. The next day, God caused the ground to
tremble and split open in front of the men’s tents. The troublemakers and some
of their families fell into the huge cracks in the ground, and the ground
closed over them.
Then God sent fire to kill the 250 men who had followed
Korah. The rest of the Israelites were terrified by what they saw. Nothing like
that had ever happened before!
God punished Korah and the others because they rebelled
against a decision (choice, law) made by God, against the leaders He chose, and
against God Himself. [Give some examples of how we rebel against authority,
i.e. parents, policemen, teachers, etc.] God knows that there must be people in
charge in our homes and schools and towns and churches. Without people in
charge, everything would be confusing and chaotic. God expects us to follow
their rules and guidelines, even if we don’t like them, because God has given
them the right (the authority) to lead us.
To further emphasize whom His chosen leaders were, God told
Moses to take a rod (staff) from the head of each of the 12 tribes and write
the men’s names on their rods. God said to put the rods inside the tabernacle
until the next morning. He said He would show the people again who He wanted
their leaders to be. Moses put the 12 rods, as well as the rod of Aaron (which
he had carried before Pharaoh), inside the Tabernacle. The next morning,
Aaron’s rod (a dead piece of wood) had miraculously sprouted leaves and had
ripe almonds on it. When Moses brought all the rods out before the Israelites,
he showed them Aaron’s rod. That was a sign that God had chosen Moses and Aaron
to be their leaders; no one but God had the right to choose their leaders.
Aaron’s rod was put into the Ark of the Covenant (along with
the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments) to remind the Israelites for
generations to come about this lesson on authority and obedience to God.
In the Church, God planned for us to have pastors and
deacons to lead us. His Word tells us what kind of men they are to be and how
they are to lead us. God expects us to show them respect, and to obey the
elders. If we rebel against authority of any kind, we are rebelling against God
Himself
Of course, if an authority told us to do something wrong,
God wants us to obey Him rather than the authority (Acts 5:29). We are to obey
our parents always, as long as their commands are “in the Lord” or according to
His will (Ephesians 6:1)
Review Game:
Divide class into two teams for Tic Tac Toe
Questions for game:
1. What is the name of someone who openly disobeys a
recognized authority? (Rebel)
2. What was the man’s name that lead the rebellion? (Korah)
3. Whose rod came to life? (Aaron’s)
4. What tribe was Korah from? (Levi)
5. What were the names of Korahs’ friends? (Dathan, Abiram,
and On)
6. What tribe were Korah’s friends from? (Reuben)
7. In what book of the Bible can this story be found? (Numbers)
8. How many people did Korah convince that Moses needed to
be replaced? (250)
9. Whose son was Reuben? (Jacob or Israel)
10. From what tribe was Aaron? (Levi)
Lesson and game information taken from: http://www.apcurriculum.com/dcirfol/2-11-12-76L.pdf
Bible Memory: Bean Bag Toss
With Bean bag, have kids toss the bean bag from person to
person, whoever catches the bag, has to say the next work of the verse or the
verse in entirety, until it has been repeated again and again.
Close in Prayer
Lesson 5: Numbers 20:1-13
Lesson Aim: To each children that they are to honor God, and
that when they fail to do so, there are always consequences to follow.
Bible Memory Verse: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” I
Samuel 15:22
Introduction:
Can anyone tell me what is the 5th commandment?
Yes, to honor our mother and father. But did you know that just as God wants us
to honor our parents, He expects us to honor Him as Holy as well.
How do we honor someone?
- Show them respect
- Do what they ask of us without complaint
- Not question our authorities
So likewise we dishonor someone if we:
- Disrespect them
- Don’t do what they ask
- Or question what they say.
Today, we will study, a difficult passage about Moses and
the disobedience that leads to him never entering the promised land.
Bible Study:
Take turns allowing the kids to read the verses aloud.
Explain: It has been almost 40 years by this point in time.
Most everyone who had refused to enter the promised land because of the bad
report has died. As they wonder about, the Israelites do what they do best,
they begin to grumble and complain. They are tired, hungry, and thirsty, and
they begin repeating the very words they have heard their parents say for years.
“If only we had died in Egypt, we would have been better off there.”
Immediately Moses and Aaron seek the Lord.
God instructs Moses to take the rod and speak to the rock.
We are not told why God told Moses to take up the rod, when He only wanted him to
speak to the rock. Perhaps to show that the power was not in the rod, but in
the Lord Himself.
Whatever the case, Moses chose to do this his own
way and not follow the instructions of the Lord. He and Aaron took the staff
and gathered the people together but then Moses delivered an angry lecture to
them. Instead of giving the glory to God, Moses expresses his disgust and
asked, “must WE bring you water out of this rock?” Seeming to get carried away
in his anger, Moses then proceeded to lift his arm and strike the rock. Still
angry, he struck it a second time.
The people needed water and the Lord caused the rock
to gush forth with it despite Moses’ failure. Even so, Moses had sinned and the
Lord rebuked and punished him. Moses was a great leader and a man of faith but
he still had to bear the consequences of his actions. He would not be allowed
to lead the people into the Promised Land.
It seems pretty harsh huh? I mean Moses was called by God to
lead the Israelties. He was used by God to deliver the Israelites from Egypt,
and He led them through the wilderness for 40 years. Yet, now just on the brink
of going into the Promised land, God says, sorry you can’t enter.
Wow! Was God being mean or what?
No, God is not mean. Everything God does He does out of love for
us, and for our good. Moses failed to honor God as holy, and because of this,
He had to face the consequences. The Lord could not let Moses get away with
sin, and failing to honor God as holy is a serious matter.
But you know what, not only did Moses not enter, but Aaron did
not enter either. What had Aaron done wrong? He was guilty simply by
association.
Truth: Sometimes our sins, affect others around us. Which is why
we must be careful of what we see, hear, say, and do.
Bible Memory Verse: Have kids make up a song concerning the
verse with motions.
Review Game: boys against girl, ask review questions from
lessons from Numbers.
Close in prayer.
Lesson 6: Numbers 21:4-9
Lesson Aim: To teach children that only Jesus and Jesus
alone can save.
Bible memory: Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the
wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in
Him may have eternal life (John 3:14-15).
Introduction:
Who likes snakes? Who is afraid of snakes?
In today’s lesson, God sends snakes to bite the Israelites
because once again they are back to their old ways, and are complaining.
Now, I don’t know about you, but being around someone who
complains a lot is not fun. Can you imagine what it has been like for Moses to
listen to the people complain for 40 years? Pretty bad right. But you know what
is worse, the Lord, having to listen to us (His children) complain each and
every day.
Bible Lesson: Turn in your Bibles to Numbers 21:4-9
Take turns allowing kids to read the verses.
Explain: The cloud has lifted and the people have set out.
Yet, somewhere along the way, they grow impatient, and they begin to complain.
Saying, “If only….”
They ask Moses why he has brought them out into the
wilderness just to kill them. Why did he bring them out of Egypt where there is
no bread and no wate.
Now you have to remember that it has been almost 40 years by
now, and the Israelites have learned the lingo of complaint from their parents.
Most of these were never in Egypt, many were born while in the wilderness, and
yet they have become just like their parents and continue in their bad example.
Truth: We become like those we hang around with. If you want
to be joyful and kind, hang out with those who are. The Bible teaches that bad
company corrupts good character. If you hang around negative people who grumble
and complain, you will most likely learn from their bad example and do
likewise.
Explain, this is what had happened with the Israelties. They
never learned their lesson so it seemed. Even though they had seen God provide
food and water again and again, they failed to remember He could do it again.
Instead of being thankful for what they had, they grumbled and complained.
Because of their complaint, God sent venomous snakes among
the people, and many died. And just like in the past, when God sent punishment
upon them for their sin, they pleaded with Moses to pray on their behalf.
They weren’t actually sorry for their sin, they were simply
sorry they got caught, and didn’t want the punishment.
Truth: There is a big difference between repenting of sin
because we know we have done wrong, and need the Lord’s forgiveness, and saying
sorry for something simply because we got caught. True repentance means turning
from the sin we have committed and going in a new direction. Being sorry, is
simply being upset you got caught and trying to get out of trouble. This does
not please the Lord.
Explain: Though the Israelites were simply sorry they got
caught and wanted the punishment gone, the Lord had mercy on them. He told
Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole, and to tell the Israelites
that if they looked at the snake, they would be healed.
So Moses did as the Lord said, and all who looked at the
snake were healed.
Truth: Those who refused to look at the snake, and who
failed to believe what Moses told them to do, died. The same is true today. In
John 3:14-15, Jesus said, that just as Moses lifted up the snake in the
wilderness, the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that all who believe in Him
will have eternal life.
Those who look to Jesus for salvation can and will be saved.
Yet, those who fail to do so, or fail to believe that He is the only way to
salvation, will die and be separated from Him forever.
We can’t make people believe, but we can tell them the
truth.
And when we look to Jesus, we too can be saved.
Close in prayer.
Craft:
Bible Memory: Word Toss
Stand in a circle and have children toss the ball. When
child is tossed the ball they have to say the next word of the verse until
verse has been completed. If they can’t remember the next word, they are out.
Continue playing until verse is complete. Play a second round tossing the ball
and having child say the entire verse from memory. If they can’t they are out.
Continue until all kids have chance to say verse from memory.
Lesson 7: Numbers 22-24
Lesson Aim: To teach children that greed will lead us to do
things contrary to the Lord. And that God will allow us to go our own way, but
we will suffer the consequences of our sin.
Bible Memory: He
answered, “Must I not speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?”
Numbers 23:12
Introduction:
Have you ever wanted to do something you know your not
suppose to do? Been tempted to sin even though you know God hates sin? Allow
for discussion.
Have you ever had an animal talk to you? No! Well, in
today’s lesson, we will encounter a talking donkey. Who has heard of the
donkey? This donkey keeps his owner from being killed. The funny thing is that
when the donkey speaks, Balaam speaks back.
The reality is the prophet wanted to do things his way
rather than God’s way, and God allowed it, but he would indeed face the
consequences.
Bible Lesson: Numbers 22-24
In our passage today, we encounter a prophet named Balaam.
This prophet seems like a man of God. At first we might be tempted to believe
he really wanted to do what God wanted him to do. And maybe he did. Yet, later
we will see that the temptations of this world would lead him astray.
Turn in your Bibles to Numbers 22:
Summarize: King Balak was the king of Moab and the Moabites
were terrified of the Israelites. So king Balak calls for Balaam to put a curse
on the people. Balaam says he will pray about it, and see what the Lord says.
God tells Balaam he is not to go with the King of Moab, and Balaam tells the
king what God says.
But then the King of Moab offers him great wealth if he will
come along. Although God has already told him not to go with them, he tells
Balak to wait until morning and he will await God’s instruction. Basically he
was hoping God would change his mind, and allow him to go.
Truth: God knows our hearts. He knows when we are offering
only lip service, and when we are truly being obedient. Balaam wanted what he
wanted more than what God wanted. We all sometimes end up in similar positions,
tempted to go our own way. May we learn from Balaam and obey even when it is
hard.
Explain: That night God told Balaam to go along and go with
them. Now, it is important to note here that God did not change His mind.
Rather, God knew Balaams heart and was going to allow Balaam to learn his
lesson the hard way.
Explain: In verses 21-41 we find our talking donkey. The
next morning Balaam sets out with King Balak, but God was angry with him.
Remember God had told him not to go, and the only reason he says go, is because
He knows the sinfulness of Balaam’s heart. So when Balaam tries to go on his
donkey, the anel of the Lord is there ready to strike him dead. This however is
hidden from Balaam, but Balaam’s donkey can see it, and tries to protect him.
This is where it get’s interesting. Three times, Balaam
tells the donkey to go, and strikes him. After the third time the donkey has
had it. He opens his mouth and ask why have you beaten me three times.
Interestingly, Balaam answers the donkey saying if he had a sword he’d kill
him. The Lord opened Balaams eyes then to the angel of the Lord, and Balaam
realizes his donkey was trying to save his life.
Then the angel of the Lord instructs Balaam to go, but to
only speak what He instructs him.
Truth: God will allow us to go our own way, and often times
we may think we have gotten away with doing what we wanted. But the Bible makes
it clear that our sins will find us out. And there are always consequences for
sin.
The next day Balak takes Balaam up to a high point and
expects him to curse the Isreaelites, but instead he speaks a blessing. Furious
Balaak ask why he has blessed them, when he was suppose to curse them. To which
Balaam replies, “Must I not speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?”
Seven messages Balaam gives, and each time he speaks, God
speaks blessings upon his people. And each time Balaak grows angrier. And
because Balaam refused to bring curses on the people, Balaak refuses to pay
him.
They each depart to their own way.
Turn to 2 Peter 2:15-16, here we find reference to the greed
of Balaam and a comparison to the people of Peter’s day who had a love for
money.
Truth: God allowed Balaam to go his own way, but he almost
was killed, and then in the end the promise of riches proved untrue.
Teach: Though you may be tempted at times like Balaam to
want to do things that God has said not to do, you should remember the lesson
of Balaam, whose disobedience almost cost him his life.
Ask: What are things we may be tempted to do that we know
are not the right things?
Ex: cheating on a test, telling a lie, being a bully,
hurting someone’s feelings, taking revenge on someone who hurts you… etc.
God has given us instructions in His Word, about how we
should act, what we should and shouldn’t do, what we should and shouldn’t say
etc. And though we may be tempted to do what is wrong, God always provides us
with a way out.
Rather than giving into our flesh we must yield to the Holy
Spirit, asking Him to help us each and every day to live not for self, but for
the Lord.
Balaam, though a prophet of the Lord, wanted to do what pleased
himself, rather than what pleased God.
May we learn from his mistakes, and try each day to please
God.
Truth: Though Balaam deserved God’s wrath, God had mercy on
him, and used his donkey to save his life.
Though we fail daily, the Lord is there ready and willing to
forgive us, if we ask. We will mess up, but praise God, He is faithful to
forgive us when we ask!
Bible Memory: Puzzle race. Write the verse on a4 paper, make
2 or 3 copies depending on class size. Cut the verse apart into puzzle pieces.
Pass a set out to each group, and allow kids to race to see who can put it in
the correct order first. Play multiple times, repeating the verse with each
group each time verses are complete.
Lesson 8: Numbers 27:12-23
Lesson Aim: To teach children that they should finish well
what God calls them to do, but also to prepare someone else to take there
place.
Bible Memory Verse: Then he laid his hand on him and
commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses. (Numbers 27:23).
Introduction:
Bring a handmade baton to class (two toilet paper tubes
taped together with paper covering on outside). Ask how many of you have ever
watched a relay race or participated in one? In a relay race, there is usually
3 or 4 people on a team. One will run the race, and then pass the baton to the
2nd person, who will run and then pass it to the 3rd and
then the 4th person. Each player depends on the one who goes before
them, and the one who goes after them. The one can not win the race on their
own, everyone has to work together. In today’s lesson we will see how God leads
Moses to prepare and call Joshua to finish the race.
Bible Lesson:
Turn in Bibles to Numbers 27:12-23, take turns allowing kids
to reach passage.
Explain: Moses had gotten pretty old by this point. He had
led Israel for many years. He led them out of Egypt and led them through the
wilderness. He has listened as they have complained and grumbled. He has seen
them turn away from the Lord, and turn to Him. Moses has been with them through
it all. Yet, his time to die is drawing near.
And just as God had told him he would not lead the
Israelties into the Promised Land, Moses realizes someone else will do so.
God tells Moses to anoint Joshua as the next leader. To
bring him up before the people and lay hands on him. He instructs him to give
him some of his authority, which is striking. Moses did not simply anoint
Joshua the next leader, and die. Moses anoints Joshua the next leader, and
together they work together in the years to come until the death of Moses.
Explain God wanted the Israelites to see and recognize
Joshua as the next leader, and He did this by allowing Moses to slowly give his
authority over to Joshua until the time of his death.
Truth:
Just as the Israelites needed a new leader, who would guide
them to the promised land, pray on their behalf, instruct them in the ways of
God, and pray for them. You need godly leaders in your life who will do the
same.
God has given you godly influences in your life. He has
given you your parents, your pastor, your teachers etc. They are put in your
life to help you. So when you have questions, when you need guidance, seek them
out.
Sometimes God puts people in your life for a short time, and
then puts someone new in your life. This is okay too. Embrace those He places
in your life, learn from them, so that someday you can lead and teach others as
well.
Bible Memory: Word erase. Write the verse on the board,
allow kids to take turns erasing words, one at a time, repeating the verse as a
whole each time, until verse is completely erased.
Game:
Take kids to the roof and using the relay batons, divide
group into two teams, and have kids race, passing the baton. Remind them they
must depend on each other, they can’t win alone.
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