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After forty years of wandering in the desert, it was time to cross over the Jordan River and take the land that God had promised. Joshua instructed the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant and begin walking into the Jordan. Even though the river was at flood stage, it immediately stopped flowing so that all of the people could pass safely through. To help the Israelites remember all He had done for them, the Lord had them pile twelve large stones from the middle of the Jordan, one on top of the other, to make a memorial.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 3-4; 5:10-12

Outline:

1. The Israelites cross the Jordan River (Joshua 3:1-4:18)
2. Remembrance (Joshua 4:19-24 and 5:10-12)

Tips for teaching children:

• Fun activity for very young children: Mark off an area on the floor to resemble a river. Lead the children in crossing the river.
• Craft: Decorate stones with paint and glitter.
• Devotional to remember what God has done. Have the children sit in a circle. Children will pass the stone from one to the other around in a circle. As individual children hold the stone, they should tell the group something that God has done for them. Once everyone who wishes to share has done so, pray and thank God.

Tips for teaching adults:

• What are some “stones of remembrance” in your own life? In other words, How do you keep a record of God's faithfulness to you, God’s fulfilled promises to you, God’s goodness to you?
• What are some ways that we can teach our children or the children in the church the faith and to help them remember God and his promises?
• As the class to bring a smooth stone to class. Write on these stones one thing God has done for you, how God has been faithful to you.  Give this stone to a child at church and tell them your story on how God has been faithful to you.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Crossing the Jordan 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

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