Kids: Before Moses died, he laid hands on Joshua, signifying that Joshua was God’s choice as the new leader. Joshua listened to God as he became the leader. Joshua continued to choose to listen to God and follow God’s instructions as he led the people into Canaan. This session will help kids understand that God’s people choose to use their abilities to follow God and honor God.
Preschool: God made people able to make choices. People can make right and wrong choices. Joshua and Caleb made the right choice; they wanted to obey God. But the people of Israel chose to disobey God and not go into the land He told them to go to. They had to face consequences for disobeying. People today make right and wrong choices. Help kids begin to understand that every choice has a consequence. Also, stress that no one can always do what God says; everyone makes wrong choices. God loves people and will forgive them when they do make wrong choices. God wants people to obey Him.