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When Israel camped in the wilderness, the Lord continually provided the people with manna and quail to eat. Even though He provided for their needs, their impatience and discontentment caused them to reject the food that God had provided. As a lesson for all to see, the Lord sent venomous snakes among the people so that many of them were bitten, became sick, and subsequently died. 

The people realised their sin and told Moses they were sorry for their actions. The Lord told Moses to mount a bronze snake on a pole. Anyone bitten by the poisonous snakes could look at the bronze snake and be healed.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 21:4-9

Outline:

1. The Israelites Complain (Numbers 21:4-5)
2. God punishes the people (Numbers 21:6)
3. Confession and healing (Numbers 21:7-9)

Tips for teaching children:

• Talk about complaining and how this is hurtful.  To help children relate, act out opening a gift at a birthday party. Instead of saying thank you, offer complaints about the gift (wrong one, I don’t like the colour, it is not as nice as the one my friend got, etc.) Children should then talk about how this might make the gift-giver feel.
• For a craft, guide the children in wrapping a chenille wire (pipe cleaner) around a craft stick or dowel. Write “Numbers 21:4-9” on the stick.

Tips for teaching adults:

•  Ask the class to share some snake stories. Ask if anyone has experienced a snakebite, and if so, ask them to tell the class about their experience.
• This is a brief and unusual story, but through it, we can learn something about God and possibly ourselves. Ask the class to discuss what they have learned about God from this story.  And ask the class to compare themselves to these Israelites who complain.  How are they like them and how are they different from them?
• End the class with three prayers: 
  • Thanksgiving – for God’s provisions (spiritual and physical)
  • Petition – for God’s mercy and forgiveness
  • Pledge – to be a trusting people who rely on God’s provisions instead of complaining.  Maybe ask three different people to pray

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Bronze Snake on a Pole

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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