Old Testament - Teachers Manual

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ContentS

Lesson 1 Promises God Made to Abraham Pg 3

Lesson 2 Promises God Made to Jacob Pg 15

Lesson 3 Promises God Made to Joseph Pg 25

Lesson 4 Moses and the Burning Bush Pg 36

Lesson 5 The Ten Plagues Pg 44

Lesson 6 God’s Providence and Protection Pg 54

Lesson 7 Twelve Men Who spied Canaan Pg 62

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Promises God Made to Abraham

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• GodfulfillseachoneofHispromises.• FaithandObedienceareimportantforGod’sPromisestocometrueinourlives.

SCRIPTURE PORTIONGenesis 12:1-7; Genesis 15; Genesis 17:1-8; 15-19; Genesis 22:1-19

RECAP• Whatdidwelearnlastweek?• RecitetheMemoryVerseforlastweek.

MEMORY VERSE2 Corinthians 1:20: “FornomatterhowmanypromisesGodhasmade,theyare‘Yes’inChrist.AndsothroughHimthe‘Amen’isspokenbyustothegloryofGod.”

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Materials Needed:• Redandbluepens/orcrayons/orcolorpencils• Clothtoblindfold

Note to the Facilitator:ThesecondhalfofthestoryaboutAbrahamsacrificinghissonIsaacwas already done in Lesson 7, Doctrine of God. Focus more on thelearningthanthestory.

TheOldTestamentisacollectionofthirty-ninebooksaboutthehistoryand religion of the people of Israel. Testament means ‘Covenant.’‘Covenant’ means “an agreement.” Godmakes an agreementwith aspecificgroupofpeopletheIsraelites—toloveandcareforthem.Throughthesecovenants,Godattemptstorelatetotherestofhumankind.

In the next fewweeks, we are going to very briefly look at a fewspecificstories inthefirstfourbooksoftheOldTestament.Throughthesestories,wewillseehowGodfulfillsthecovenantHemakeswithHischosenpeople.

INTRODUCTION

ATTENTION GETTER

HaveallthechildrenformabigcircleforthisvariationofBlindMan’sBluff.Inthecenter,haveonechildblindfoldedandonewhoisn’t.Thechildwho isn’tblindfolded is the ‘Voiceof theLord.’Havethe ‘Voiceof the Lord’ say, “I keep my promises.” The blindfolded child mustmovetowardthatvoiceandtrytotagtheperson.OnceastudenttagstheVoiceof theLord,heor shebecomes theVoice.Anotherchild isblindfolded,andtheformeronejoinsthecircle.Thechildrenformingthecircleshouldpreventeitherpartyfrommovingoutofit.

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Afterplayingthegame,bringeveryonebacktotheirseats.

Ask:(Let the children respond to the following questions).

Like we played in this game, do we have to run behind God for Him to fulfill His promises for us?No!We don’t have to run behind God for He is always faithful in keeping Hispromises.

Let’s say that you prayed for something and you still did not receive it. Does that mean God didn’t hear you? Does that mean He doesn’t love you? No!

Sometimes we ask God for something and we don’t get it right away. We have to wait. Can you think of a time when you prayed really hard for something and then had to wait to get it?

Does God promise to always give us what we want?No!

Why not? Hepromisestogiveuswhatisbestforus.

TEACHING CONTENT

Today,wewilllookattheCovenant—promisesGodmade—withAbram(meansexaltedfather).Later,GodchangedhisnametoAbraham(Fatherofmanynations).We’ll alsoseewhyGodgaveonlyAbrahamall thepromises,andhowlongAbrahamhadtowaittoseeoneofthepromisescometrue.Abraham was not able to see the completion of most of the promises in his lifetime. Yet, Abraham knew that God is faithful and will keep His promises.Inthenextsevenweeks,wewillseehowGodfulfilledHisCovenant—promisetoAbraham.

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WhenAbramwas75years,GodspoketoAbramandaskedhimtoleavehiscountry,people,father’shouseholdandgotothelandthatGodwouldshowhim.

GodpromisedtoblessAbram.LetusturninourBiblestoGenesis,andreadchapter12:2-3whichrecordsthepromiseGodmadetoAbraham.

(Let the children respond to the following questions:)

What are the blessings God promised Abram?

• Hewillmakehimagreatnation.• Hewillblesshimandmakehisnamegreat.• HewillblessthosewhowillblesshimandwhoevercursesAbramGodwillcursehim.• AllpeopleonearthwillbeblessedthroughAbram.

Did Abram know which land he had to go to? No!

Did Abram ask God which land? No!

Abram left Haran alongwith hiswife Sarai and his nephew, Lot. Abram didn’tneedtoknowwhereGodwasleadinghim;hetrustedGodandobeyedHimwithoutaskinganyquestions.AbramchosetoobeyGod.

WhenAbramarrivedinCanaan,theLordappearedtohimandgavehimanotherpromise.

What promise did God give Abram? To find the answer, read Genesis 12:7 (Let the children read the verse and answer).

He promised to give Abram’s offspring, (explain offspring—Abram’s children, grandchildren and great, great grandchildren)thelandofCanaan.

Abram(75years)andSaraididnothaveanychildren(theywerepasttheageofhavingchildren).GodpromisedtogivethelandofCanaantoAbram’soffspring.

About10yearslater,GodagainappearedtoAbraminavision.AbramandSaraiwere still childless. God promised that theywould have a son. To confirm His

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promise,GodtookAbramoutsidehistentandaskedhimtolookupattheheavensandcountthestars.GodtoldAbramthathisdescendantswillbeasnumerousandcountlessasthestarsinthesky.

HowdidAbramrespond?TheBiblesaysAbrambelievedGodandHecreditedittohimasrighteousness.Canyoubelieveit!Abramwasanoldman—85yearsandhiswifewas75yearsandyethechosetobelieveGod’spromisethathewouldhaveason.

AbramhadfullconfidenceinGodthatHewouldkeepHisword.HealsoknewthatthepromisesGodmadeforthefuturewouldcometrue.ThisisoneofthereasonswhyGod chose tomakepromises toAbrambecauseHe knewAbram faithfullybelievedandtrustedinGodalways.

Laterthatday,GodmadeacovenantwithAbram.Inthecovenant,GodpromisedhimmuchmorelandthanthelandGodoriginallypromisedofthelandofCanaan(Genesis12:6-7).

AgainGodappeared toAbramwhenhewas99years old, and said, “I amGodAlmighty;walkbeforeMeandbeblameless.IwillconfirmMycovenantbetweenMeandyouandwillgreatlyincreaseyournumbers”(Genesis17:1,2).

GodmadeacovenantwithAbraham.Godpromised:

• To make him the father of nations. In the first promise God madewithAbraham,HesaidHewillmakehim intoagreatnation. Inthiscovenant,Godpromisedtomakehimthefatherofnations.Hence,GodchangedhisnamefromAbramtoAbraham(Abrahammeansfatherofnations).LikewisehechangedSarai’snametoSarahbecauseshewillbethemotherofmanynations.

• Tomakehimveryfruitful.

• TogivethewholelandofCanaan,asaneverlastingpossessiontoAbrahamandhisdescendants.(Everlastingmeansforever).

• TobetheirGod.

• AbrahamandSarahwillhaveasoninayear’stime.GodtoldthemtonametheirsonIsaac.

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JustasGodhadpromisedAbraham,SarahgavebirthtoasonandtheycalledhimIsaac.Abrahamwas100yearsandSarah90yearswhenIsaacwasborn.WhenIsaacwasayoungboy,GodtestedAbrahamtosee ifAbrahamlovedGodmorethanhisson.

Children,doyourememberwhattestGodgaveAbraham?(Let the children respond).

GodaskedAbrahamtosacrificehisonlyson,Isaac.DidAbrahamobeyGod?(Let the children respond).

Yes!HeimmediatelyobeyedGod.TheBibletellsusthatAbrahamwokeupthenextmorningandtookhisonlyson tosacrificehimon themountain thatGodwouldshowhim.WhenAbrahamreachedthemountain,Godtoldhimtosacrificehisson.Hebuiltanaltarandlaidhisonlysononit.Whenhewasabouttoslayhisson,Godstoppedhim.HespoketoAbrahamfromheavenandsaid,“Iswearbymyself…thatbecauseyouhavedonethisandhavenotwithheldyourson,youronlyson,Iwillsurelyblessyouandmakeyourdescendantsasnumerousasthestarsintheskyandas thesandon theseashore.Yourdescendantswill takepossessionofthecitiesoftheirenemies,andthroughyouroffspringallnationsonearthwillbeblessed,becauseyouhaveobeyedme”(Genesis22:16-18).

GoddidnotwantthesacrificeofAbraham'sson.HewantedtoknowifAbrahamtrustedHimenoughtomakethehardestchoiceGodcouldputbeforehim.Abrahampassedthetest.WhenGodsawthatAbrahamloved,trustedandobeyedHimtotheextentthathewaswillingtosacrificehisonlyson,HetoldAbrahamthatthepromisesHehadmadetoAbrahamwouldnowfullydependonGodHimself.HecompletelycommittedHimselftofulfillingthepromisesHehadmadetoAbrahambecauseofhisfaithandobedience.

Note: All discussion questions must be answered by the children, and NOT by the teacher. The guidelines given here are only meant to assist the teacher during the discussion.

Were all the promises God gave Abraham easy for him to believe? No!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

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Do you think Abraham understood why God was asking him to leave his country and sacrifice his son? No!

Why did Abraham obey God?HehadfaithinGod.HetrustedGodandbelievedthatGodhadagoodreasontoaskhimtodowhatHewantedhimtodo.

Did Abraham question God before obeying Him?No!

Why did Abraham receive the promises from God? HebelievedandputhisfaithandtrustinGodevenwhenhecouldnotunderstand.He obeyed God even when it was difficult and things seemed impossible andhopelessinHislife.

HehadgreatconfidencethatGodwouldfulfillHispromises.

Why did God choose to carry out His plan through Abraham and not through anyone else? To find the answer, read Genesis 26:4-5DuringAbraham’stime,peopledidnotknowmuchaboutthetrueandlivingGod.TheydidnothaveapersonalrelationshipwithGodnordidtheyknowHisname.InthiscontextwhenGodspoketoAbraham,HebelievedandobeyedGodeventhoughhehadnotseenGodorknownaboutHim.

GodchoseAbrahambecausehehadfaith—afaiththatwasseeninhisobedientactions.HefullytrustedinGod;hedidallthatGodhadcommandedhim.

God viewed Abraham's faith as righteousness. In other words, even thoughAbrahamwasnotperfect,GodregardedhimasarighteousmanbecausehedeeplybelievedandobeyedGod.

God says in Genesis 26:4-5 “… all nations on earth will be blessed, becauseAbrahamobeyedmeandkeptmyrequirements,mycommandments,mydecrees,andmylaws.”

Can we enjoy the blessings of Abraham today even though we are not Abraham’s offspring (Israelites or Jews)? How? To find the answer, read Galatians 3:26-29.

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Galatians3:26-29:“YouareallsonsofGodthroughfaithinChristJesus,forallofyouwhowerebaptizedintoChristhaveclothedyourselveswithChrist.ThereisneitherJewnorGreek,slavenorfree,malenorfemale,foryouarealloneinChristJesus.IfyoubelongtoChrist,thenyouareAbraham'sseed,andheirsaccordingtothepromise.”

Yes!The answer is found in thefirst promiseGodmade toAbraham.God toldAbraham that through him all the people of the earth will be blessed. In thecovenantGodmadewithAbraham,GodtoldAbrahamthatthroughhisoffspringallthenationsoftheearthwouldbeblessed.Sowetoowillbeblessed.AsGalatians3:26-29sayswewillbeblessedonlywhenwebelievebyfaiththatJesusisGodandthatHediedforoursins.Also,wemustaskHimtoforgiveusoursinsandacceptHimintoourlives.Whenwedothis,webelongtoChristandbecomechildrenofAbrahamandheirsofthepromiseGodgaveAbrahamandallthepromisesinHisWord.

Before most of God’s promises mentioned in the Bible, there is a command. We need to obey for the promise to come true. Below are a few examples. Underline in red what God wants us to do and underline the promise in blue. 1.Matthew 11:28-30:CometoMe,allwholaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.

Answer:Red–CometoMe;Blue–Iwillgiveyourest.

2.Proverbs 3:5-6:TrustintheLordwithallyourheartandleannotonyourownunderstanding; in all yourways acknowledgeHim;Hewillmake your pathsstraight.

Answer:Red–TrustintheLordwithallyourheartandleannotonyourownunderstanding; in all yourways acknowledgeHim;Blue–Make your pathsstraight.

3. Luke 11:9:Askanditwillbegiventoyou;seekandyouwillfind;knockandthedoorwillbeopenedtoyou.

Answer:Red–Ask,seek,knock;Blue–itwillbegiventoyou,youwillfind,doorwillbeopened.

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4. John 15:7:IfyouremaininMeandMyWordsremaininyou,askwhateveryouwish,anditwillbegivenyou.

Answer:Red–IfyouremaininMeandMywordsremaininyou,ask;Blue–itwillbegivenyou.

5. Psalm 55:22:CastyourcaresontheLord,andHewillsustainyou… Answer:Red–CastyourburdenontheLord;Blue–Hewillsustainyou.

6. 1 Peter 5:7:CastallyouranxietyonHim,becauseHecaresforyou. Answer:Red–CastallyouranxietyonHim;Blue–Hecaresforyou.

ListedabovearejustafewpromisesGodhasgivenus.TheBiblehasmorethan3000promises.ComparedtoafewpromisesthatGodmadeAbraham,Hehasmademorethan3000promisesforeachoneofus.JustasGodwasfaithfulinfulfillingthepromisesHemadetoAbraham,similarly,GodisfaithfulinfulfillingthepromisesgiveninHisWord.

What do we need to do for God’s promises to come true in our lives?Firstly,weneedtoreadGod’sWordtoknowthepromisesHehasmadeforus.Everyday,whenyoureadtheBible,underlinethepromises.

Secondly,weneedtoobeyGod.

In these promises we just read, what are the commands we need to obey for the promise to come true in our lives? WeneedtogotoGod,trust,ask,seek,knock,remaininHim,andfollowor obeyHisWords, casting, giving or handing over our problemsanddifficultiestoGod.

Are some of these commands easy to follow? (Let the children respond). Yestheyareeasy.

Do we obey them? (Let the children respond).Mostoftenwedon’t.

APPLICATION

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Why? (Let the children respond). Itisaloteasiertogotoourparentsandfriendsandaskthemforhelp.Wedon’tgotoGodbecausefirstlywecan’tseeHim,andthenwearenotsureifHewillanswer.IfwearesureGodanswers,wedon’tknowhowandwhenHe’sgoingtoanswer.IfGodanswers,wearewonderingifit’sGod’svoicewearehearingorweareunsureifit’sGodspeakingtous.OftenGodisquietlyworkingoutthingsonourbehalf.Sometimesbecauseweareunabletoseeit,wethenwonderifGodisdoinganything.Oh!WehavesomanyDOUBTS.

Comparedtous,AbrahamdidnotknowGod’sname,heknewverylittleaboutthenatureandcharacteristicsofGod.HedidnotevenhavetheBibletoknowaboutGod.Yet,whenGodspoketoHim,heobeyedGod.

ItwaseasyforAbrahamtoobeybecausehehadthefaith. HehadfaiththatitwasGodwhospoketohim. HehadthefaiththatGodwillshowhimthelandwhereheneedstostay. HehadthefaiththatGodwilltakecareofhimandhispeople. HehadthefaiththatGodwillprotectthem. Hehadthefaiththateventhoughhiswifeandhewereold,theywouldhaveason.

Thirdly,weneedtohavefaith.ItisfaiththatwillleadustoobeyGod.

Abraham’sfaithledhimtoobeyGod.Romans4tellsusthatAbrahamwasnotsavedbecauseheobeyedGod; rather,hisobedience toGodwasa resultofhisfaith.TheBibletellsusthatwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod.ThatiswhyGodwaspleasedwithAbraham’sfaithandmadeallthosewonderfulpromisestohim.

Similarly,itwillbeeasyforustoobeyGodwhenwehavefaiththat: Godhearsus. Godhaspromisedtoanswerus,Hewill. Godhaspromisedtohelpus,Hewill. Godhaspromisedtocareforus,Hewill. Godhaspromisedtoguideus,Hewill.

LetusnotdoubtbutalwayshavefaithtoobeyHimandseeHispromisecometrueinourlives.

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Lastly,weneedtospeakthepromiseinfaithoverourlives.Orifourfamilyorfriendsareinneed,wemustspeakthepromisesinGod’sWordovertheirlives.

Youcansay,LordJesusIthankyouforthispromiseinyourWord.Ispeakthisinfaithover____(mentiontheperson’sname)/mylife.Ibelieveitisdone.

The3000promisesintheBibleareforeveryareaofourlives:

• Ourstudies• Health• Safety• Protection• Healing• Toovercomefear• Tobethebestinwhatwedo• Forstrength,etc.

GivenbelowareafewpromisesfromtheBible.Tickatleastthreepromisesthatyoucanclaimoveryourlivesinprayer,oroverthelivesofyourfamilymembersorfriends.Readthepromise,obeythecommandandinfaithclaimthepromise.Nextweek,sharewithyourclasshowinfaithyouobeyedGod’scommandandhowGodfulfilledthosepromises.

Afewpromisesyoucanclaimoveryourlifeandoverthelifeofyourfamilyandfriends:

Wehavebeenpromisedeternallife 1John2:25

Godhaspromisedforgivenessforalloursins 1John1:9

WearepromisedtheHolySpirit Luke11:13

Godcandoimpossiblethingsinourlives Luke18:27

Hehaspromiseddeliverancefromfear Psalm34:4

FOLLOW UP

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Allofourneedswillbesupplied Philippians4:19

Godwillnotwithholdanygoodthingfromus Psalm84:11

God has promised wisdom James 1:5

Godhaspromisedpeace Isaiah26:3

Godhaspromisedescapefromtemptation 1Corinthians10:13

God has promised us health and healing Jeremiah 30:17

Godhaspromisedprotectionfromharmanddanger Psalm91:10

Godpromisestoanswerourprayers Matthew21:22

Godpromisestodomightythingsthroughourfaith Matthew17:20

God promises to teach and guide us Psalm 32:8

Godpromisestogiveuswhatweaskfor John14:13

Godpromisestoalwaysbewithus Matthew28:20

God promises to give us strength Philippians 4:13

CLOSE WITH PRAYER

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Promises God Made to Jacob

LEARNING OBJECTIVES• Eventhoughwesin,GodisfaithfulinkeepingHispromises.• God wants us to respect and treat as holy ... His spiritualblessingsandpromises.• Childrenwilllearntochoose,respectandtreatasholy...theirspiritualbirthright—God’spromisesandblessings.

SCRIPTURE PORTIONGenesis 27, Genesis 28:10-22; Genesis 32:22-32

RECAP• Whatdidwelearnaboutlastweek?• RecitetheMemoryVerseforlastweek.

MEMORY VERSE Ephesians 1:3 (CEV): “Praise theGodandFatherof our LordJesusChrist for thespiritualblessingsthatChristhasbroughtusfromheaven!”

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Activity: Discussthemeaningoftemporaryandeternal.

Preparation:On two strips of chart paper,write in block letters thewords ‘Temporary’ and‘Eternal.’

Presentation: Display the word strips you have prepared—‘Temporary’ and ‘Eternal.’ Discussas a classwhat eachwordmeans. (Temporary: lasting only a shortwhile, notpermanent.Eternal:somethingthatwill lastforever).Askthechildrentolookattheobjectsgivenintheirstudentworkbookandidentifywhichpicturesrepresentthingsoftemporaryandeternalvalue.

ChocolateBible—WordofGodEarthHeavenTVReadingtheWordofGodGossiping about someoneSharingthegospelwithsomeone

Explain: Verybrieflydiscusseachpictureandwhyitgivestemporarypleasureorhaslastingvalue.

Materials Needed:On two strips of chart paper,write in block letters thewords ‘Temporary’ and‘Eternal.’

ATTENTION GETTER

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INTRODUCTION

Lastweek,welookedatthewonderfulpromisesGodmadetoAbraham.AlthoughAbrahamdidnotseethefulfillmentofmostofthepromisesduringhislifetime,GodwasfaithfulinkeepingandfulfillingHispromises.AfterthedeathofAbraham,GodconfirmedHispromisetoAbraham’ssonIsaac.Inourlessontoday,we’llseehowJacob(thesonofIsaacandRachel)stolehisbrotherEsau’sbirthright.EventhoughJacobsinnedagainstGod,Godwasfaithful in fulfillingthepromiseHemadetoAbrahamandblessedJacob.

TEACHING CONTENT

Jacob Takes Esau’s BirthrightIsaacandRebekahweremarriedfor20yearsbuttheydidnothavechildren.Godwas faithful in fulfillingHispromise toAbraham.Heblessed IsaacandRebekahwithtwins—EsauandJacob.GodrevealedtoRebekahthatoneofhertwosonswouldbestrongerthantheother;andtheolderwouldbeaservantoftheyounger!

Themeaningofthiswillbecomeclearertoyouaswegoonwiththestory.

Oneday,whenEsaucamehomefromhunting,hewasveryhungry;soheaskedJacobforsomeofthetastystew-souphewascooking.JacobsaidhewouldgivehimthestewifEsausoldhisbirthrightatthatmoment.AsEsauwasveryhungry,hesaidthatabirthrightwasofnouseifhediedofhunger.SoJacobmadeEsauswear to sell hisbirthright in exchange for somebreadandstew.EsausoldhisbirthrighttoJacob.

WasEsau’schoicetemporaryoreternal?(Let the children respond). Tosatisfyatemporaryhunger,Esaugaveuphiseternalspiritualblessing.

Abirthrightwasaspecialhonorgiventothefirstbornson.Thefirstbornsonwouldgetadoubleportionoftheinheritancemoneyafterhisfatherdied.Hewouldalsohavethehonorofservingasthefamilyleaderandcarryingthefamilynameandtitle.ThiswasalsoaspiritualpositionGodusedtoleadthefamilythroughthefather.

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Inadditiontoalloftheseprivileges,Esauhadanextraprivilege.Becauseofhisbirthright, the covenant promise made to his grandfather Abraham, would bepassedontohim.Esauwasthefirstbornandthisbirthrightwashis.Butlikemany,hefailedtoappreciateitsvalueandsacredness.

Thereisalessonhereforus:ifyouhaveacceptedJesusasyourLordandSavior,Godhasgivenyouabirthright.YounowareachildofGodandwhenyoudie,youwillliveforeverandeverinHeavenwithHim.Don'ttreatyourbirthrightlightly!Asyougothroughlife,thethingsoftheworldwilllookverygood(name a few sins), butdon'tsellyourselftothosethings!Don'ttradeyourbirthrightforsomethingasworthlessasEsaudid.

Jacob Cheats Esau and his Father JacobnotonlytookEsau’sbirthrightbutalsocheatedhimandtookEsau’sblessingsfromhisfatherIsaac.

Isaacknewthathewoulddiesoon;sohewantedtogiveEsau,hisfirstbornson,thebirthrightblessing.WhenRebekahheardthis,sherememberedwhatGodhadtoldher—thatJacobwouldruleoverEsau.ButRebekahfailedtotrustGod.TomakesurethatJacobgothisfather’sblessings,shecookedamealandaskedJacobtotakeittohisfather,andgettheblessing.

Jacobdid justashismothersaid. Isaaccouldnotseebecausehewasveryold,so Jacobwent in place of Esau and got the blessings from his father. Just asJacobleft,Esaucameinwiththemeathecookedforhisfather.IsaacandEsaurealisedthatJacobhadtrickedandcheatedthem.Esauwasveryupsetandangry;hedecidedtokillJacobafterhisfatherdied.WhenRebekahheardofEsau’splans,shetoldJacobtorunawayandlivewithherbrotherLabaninHaran.

BycheatingEsauandIsaac,RachelandJacobwereabletogetawaywithwhattheywanted;buttheirsinbroughtthemmuchsuffering.Rebekahhadtosendawaytheson she loved the most; she never got to see her beloved son Jacob ever again.

God’s Promise to Jacob JacobtravelledtowardsHaran.Whenthesunset,heputastoneunderhisheadandlaiddowntosleep.Hehadabeautifuldreaminwhichhesawaladderfrom

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earthreachingtoheaven;angelswerewalkingupanddowntheladder.Godstoodabovetheladderandsaid:"…IamtheLordGodofAbrahamyourfatherandtheGodofIsaac;Iwillgiveyouandyourdescendantsthelandonwhichyouarelying.Yourdescendantswillbelikethedustoftheearth,andyouwillspreadouttothewestandtheeast,tothenorthandtothesouth.Allthepeopleonearthwillbeblessed throughyouandyouroffspring. Iamwithyouandwillwatchoveryouwhereveryougo,andIwillnotleaveyouuntilIhavedonewhatIhavepromisedyou”(Genesis28:13).

Wow!GodspoketoJacob inhisdreamandgavehimthesameblessinghehadgivenhisgrandfather,Abraham,andhisfather,Isaac.GodwasfaithfulinkeepinghispromisetoAbrahambyconfirminghisblessingtohisdescendantJacobinspiteofhimcheatinghisbrotherandfather.

ThenJacobawokefromhissleepandsaid,“SurelytheLordisinthisplace,andIwasnotawareofit...”Hetookthestonewhichheplacedunderhishead,setitupasapillarandpouredoilonit,callingtheplaceBethel.Hemadeapromise,“IfGodwillbewithme,andwillwatchovermeonthisjourneyIamtaking,andwillgivemefoodtoeatandclothestowearsothatIreturnsafelytomyfather’shouse,thentheLORDwillbemyGod”(Genesis28:20-21).

JacobchosetolethisdreambeapermanentmomentofjoybycommemoratingtheeventandmakingapromisetoGod.

JacobcontinuedhisjourneytoanewunknownplacecalledHaran.Hefeltlikeadifferentpersoninside...becauseGodhadtoldhimhewasnotaloneanymore.

Jacob Wrestles with Man and GodAfterlivingfor20longyearsinHaran,GodtoldJacobtogobackhomeandGodpromisedtobewithhim.Jacobtookhisflocks,herds,wivesandchildrenandleftHaran.JacobknewhewouldhavetofacehisbrotherEsauwhomhecheatedofhismostpreciouspossession—hisBlessingandBirthright.Jacobwasafraidandanxious.

Thatnightbeforehewasgoingtomeethisbrother,Jacobfoundhimselfwrestlingwithamanallnighttilldaybreak.However,thiswasn’tlikethewrestlingmatch

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wehaveinsportingevents.Jacobwassotroubledthathewantedananswer;hewantedrelieffortheproblemhewasfacing.That’swhyhewasnotwillingtoletgoofthemantillheblessedhim.ThemanaskedJacobtoletgoofhim.ButJacobsaidhewouldletgoonlyifthemanwouldblesshim.

Jacobheldontothemanbecausehewantedablessingthatwaseternal.

Thenthemansaid,“Yournamewillno longerbeJacob,butIsrael,becauseyouhave struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Then JacobrealisedhehadstruggledwithGodtheentirenight.GodchangedhisnamefromJacob,whichmeans“deceitful” to Israelwhichmeans“onewhostruggleswithGodandovercomes.”GodchangedhisnamebecauseaninnerspiritualchangehadtakenplaceinJacob’sheart.Hischaracterhadchanged.JacobhadanencounterwithGodandhewasforeverchangedfromtheinsideout.

WhenEsaumetJacobhewasveryhappytoseehim.Theylivedinpeacetherestoftheirlives.


To fulfill God’s promise to Rebekah, was it necessary for Jacob to cheat his brother and father? Why? No!Goddoesn’twantustousedishonestorwrongwaystohelpHimfulfillHispromiseinourlives.

What was the result of Jacob’s sin? Hewasseparatedfromhisfamily.Hisfatherwasupsetwithhim.Hisbrotherwantedtokillhim.Hehadtorunawayandliveinanew,unknownland.Hewassadandlonely.

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Why did God bless Jacob even though he sinned? GodrememberedthepromiseHemadetoAbrahamandRachel.

Why does God bless you even though you sin (name a few sins that they do)?God isapromise-keepingGodandHecanneverevergobackonHisnatureandpromises.

Since, God always keeps his promises, does it mean we can continue to sin? No!

Why did Esau give away his birthright?He thought thathishungerwasmore important thanhisspiritualbirthrightandblessing.Helivedmoreforhispleasures,anddidnotrespectortreatasholy,hisspiritualbirthright.Hisspiritualbirthrightandblessingdidnotmeananything tohim.Hechosewhatwastemporaryoverthatwhichwaseternal.

What is the birthright we receive when we accept Jesus into our lives?WebecomesonsanddaughtersofthelivingGodandthedevilhasnoauthorityoverourlives.WebecomepartoftheblessingsGodgaveAbraham.Wereceiveeveryspiritualandphysicalblessing(list out a few spiritual and physical blessings).TheHolySpiritlivesinusandwereceivethegiftsandfruitsoftheSpiritinourlives.Wearefreefromthepowerofdeath.Wereceiveeternallife—whichmeanswewillgotoheavenwhenwedieandlivewithHimeternally.

Why do we and other people like Esau, not value or treat as holy our spiritual birthright—the blessings and promises? Wearemoreconcernedaboutenjoyingour liveswiththepleasuresofsin inthepresent.Wethinkthatdeathandthelifetocomearewayoutinthefuture.WethinkthatonceweacceptJesusintoourlives,alltheblessingsandpromisesareoursandwecanlivehoweverwewant.

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OldTestament

Read the following list. Circle ‘thumbs up’ for choices that represent eternal values and ‘down’ for choices that are not:

• Sayingaprayer—thankingGodbeforeyoueatyourmeals.

• Copyinginatestorexam.

• ReadingtheBibleeveryday.

• Joiningafewfriendsandmakingfunofotherchildreninyourclass.

• Makingfriendswithsomeonewhoislonelyinyourclass.

• Grumblingandcomplainingwhenyourparentsaskyoutohelpthem.

• Doingyourchores(cleaningyourroom,studyingetc.)cheerfully.

• Youdon’tattendchurchbecauseonSundaymorningyouliketowatchTV

orprefernottowakeupearly.

• You spend all your time on Saturday playing andwatching TV, and not

devoteeven10minutestolearningyourMemoryVerse.

• Insteadofputtingyourofferinginchurch,youuseittobuysomethingtoeat

atthecanteeninschoolonMonday.

• Usingbadlanguage/wordsisverycommonandcool inschool;soyouuse

themtoobecauseyouthinkthey’recool.

• Toavoidgettingpunishedyouchoosetolietoyourparentsandteachers.

• Listenattentivelytoyourteacherandnotplayortalkinclass.

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What’stheworstsinthatyou’veevercommitted?DidyouknowthatthereisnosintoobigortooawfulforGodtoforgive?God’sloveandmercyaregreater thananysin. Inspiteofoursin,God is faithful inkeepingandfulfillingHispromises.

WhatalovingandmercifulGodwehave!HechoosestoblessusinspiteofusnotobeyingHimandlovingHimthewayweshould.HowareyoutreatingHisblessings—salvation,eternallife,forgiveness,Hislove,Hispromises,healing,thepowertoovercomethedevil,etc.?Howareyouvaluingtheseblessings?Esaudidn'tappreciatetheblessingshehad.Hewastooquicktotradehiseternalblessingforatemporarybowlofstew(soup)tosatisfyhishunger.

JacobontheotherhanddidnotletgoofGodtillhereceivedhiseternalblessings.Thatbroughtaboutaninnerspiritualchangewhichchangednotonlyhisnamebutalsohischaracter.Hewasforeverchangedinsideout.

Thesamewilltakeplaceinourliveswhenweletgoofourtemporarypleasuresandchoosetoreceiveeternalblessings.

AreyoutradingyoureternalblessingsforthetemporarysatisfactionofwatchingTV,copyingtogetalittlemoremarks,lyingtosaveyourselffrompunishment,usingbadwordsoractinginwaysthatwouldpleaseyourfriendsandtheworld?

Whenwechoosethingsthatyieldeternalblessings,itdoesnotmeanthat lifewill be boring or thatwe’ll not have fun or be cool. But itwill cause others to also choose to value and desire blessings that areeternal.Thiswillalso leadthemtoknowthegiverofoureternalblessing—Jesus.

AskGodtohelpyouchoosethingsthatwillyieldeternalblessings.

APPLICATION

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Old Testament

Writedown5temporarypleasuresyouwillgiveupforeternalblessings.

E.g.:

TEMPORARY PLEASURES ETERNAL BLESSINGSSpeakinglies Jesus said those who are pure in heart will

seeGod.Copyinginthetest Jesus said those who are pure in heart will

seeGod.Hatemy brother, sister or anyonewhomakes fun ofme or are rudetome.

Those who love their enemies will be the sons/daughtersoftheirheavenlyFather.

I’ll give up watching TV for 15minutes in the evening to readmyBibleandpray.

Whenwe seek God first, Hewill give useverythingweneed.

IfoughtwithmyfriendandI’mnotspeakingtoher.

ThosewhoarepeacemakerswillbecalledsonsofGod.

CLOSE WITH PRAYER

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Promises God Made to Joseph

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Godneverleavesnorforgetsaboutus.• God’spresenceisalwayswithus.• Eventhoughothersmaytrytoharmus,GodwillfulfillHisplanandpromises.

SCRIPTURE PORTIONGenesis Chapter 37, 39-45

RECAP• Whatdidwelearnlastweek?• RecitetheMemoryVerseforlastweek

MEMORY VERSEDeuteronomy 31:6: “Bestrongandcourageous.Donotbeafraidorterrifiedbecauseofthem,fortheLordyourGodgoeswithyou;Hewillneverleaveyounorforsakeyou.”

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Old Testament

Note to the Facilitator:ThestoryofJosephiswritteninaveryconcisemannertosavetime.

Materials Needed:• Glass• Water• FoodColororanytangorangeflavour

ATTENTION GETTER

Activity: Godwillneverforgetus.

Presentation:

Takeaglassfilledwithwaterandaddalittletangwithorangeflavourorfoodcolortoit.

Say:Ourlivesareplainandtastelesslikethiswater(show the glass tumbler containing water).Whenwe inviteJesus intoour life (add some tang with orange flavour or food color),Hebringsjoy,meaningandpurposeintoourlives.Wewillneverbealoneagain.Hewillalwaysbewithus.Just as we can’t separate the water and the color, we too will not be separatedfromtheloveofGod.Godwillneverleaveusorforsakeus.

Howmanyofyouhavebecomesointerestedinwatchingthetelevisionthatyouforgottobreathe?Maybeithappenedwhenyouwerewatchingacricketgame;youweresoexcitedtoseewhowouldwinthatyouforgottobreathe!Whataboutwhenyouaresleeping?Doyouforgettobreathethen? (Allow responses). Of course not! No one forgets to breathe.Breathingissoimportantandnecessarytolifethatnooneforgetstodoit.Whatabouteating?Haveanyofyouevergoneadaywhenyousimplyforgottoeat?(Allow responses).Oryouwerehavingsuchagooddaythatyousimplyneverthoughtaboutfood?Ofcoursenot!Weneedtoeattoliveandsonooneforgetsaboutfood.Itisimportant.

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Explain: Doyouknowthere issomeonethatGodnever forgetsabout?Henever forgetsaboutYOU!Justaswecannotforgetbreathingandeating,Godcannotforgetus.WearesoimportanttoHimthatHecannotforgetaboutus.Infact,alldaylongHethinksaboutus.Justaswebreathealldaylong,wecanknowthatGodisthinkingaboutusalldaylong.Eventhoughmanymonthsandyearsmayhavepassed,GodwillnevereverforgetthepromisesHehasmadetous.

INTRODUCTION

In our story today, we’ll see the beginning of the fulfillment of the covenant(promise)GodmadetoAbraham.GodtoldAbrahamthat for fourhundredyearshisdescendantswouldbestrangersinacountrythatwasnottheirownandtheywouldbeenslavedandmistreated.But,Hewouldpunishthenationwheretheyserved as slaves; and afterwards theywould come outwith great possessions(Genesis15:13).We’llseehowGodrescuedayoungboyandusedhimtobeginthefulfillmentofthispromise.

Activity:

Quiz

(Let the children answer the following questions:)

In which country did God say Abraham's descendants would live as strangers and be enslaved and mistreated? Egypt

In which land did Abraham, his son Isaac and grandchildren, Jacob and Esau and their children live?Canaan

If Abraham’s descendants lived in Canaan, how did they get to Egypt? (If they are able to answer the question above by mentioning Joseph and the famine, then don’t ask them the questions given in the next page).

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Bible Story: Joseph

God Delivers Joseph from the Wicked Plans of his BrothersJosephwasJacob’sfavoritesonbecausehewasfirstbornofhisbelovedwife,Rachel.Joseph’stenolderbrotherswerejealousofhimandhatedhim.WhydidJoseph’sbrothershatehimandwhyweretheyjealousofhim?(Let the children respond).

Youcanfindtheanswersinthepicturesgiveninourworkbook.Let’slookatthem.(Let the children look at the pictures and let them write the answer given in the space below the picture).

Say:

I’ll help you find the answer.

After Jacob returned from Haran where did he live with his family? InCanaan

How many sons did Jacob have? 12

Who was Jacob’s 11th and favorite son? Joseph

If Joseph was living with his father in Canaan, how did he land in Egypt?Let’sseehow…

Note to the facilitator:MostchildrenarefamiliarwiththestoryofJoseph.Thislessondoesnotmentionthedetailsof the lifeofJoseph.Tosave timeand tokeep theattentionof thechildren,youcoulddoaquiz.

TEACHING CONTENT

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First Picture:Richlyornamentedrobethathisfathergavehim.HisbrotherssawthattheirfatherlovedJosephmorethananyofthem;sotheyhatedhimandwouldnotspeakakindwordtohim.

Second and Third Picture: Joseph had two dreams and when he told them to his brotherstheyhatedhimallthemore.

Inhisfirstdream,heandhisbrotherswereinthefieldsputtingtogethersheavesofgrain.SuddenlythesheafthatJosephwasbindingstoodupright,andthesheavesthathisbrotherswerebindinggatheredaroundJoseph’ssheafandboweddowntoit.Hisbrotherssaid,“Doyouthinkyouwillactuallyruleoverus?”

Intheseconddream,thesunandthemoonandelevenstarsboweddowntohim.Hearingthis,hisbrothershatedhimallthemore.TheirhateturnedtothoughtsofmurderingJoseph.

Oneday,Josephwentlookingforhisbrotherswhowerelookingafterthesheepveryfarawayfromhome.Seeinghimcomingatadistance,hisbrothersplannedtokillhim.Oneofthebrothers,Reuben,triedtosaveJosephbyaskinghisbrothersnottokillhimbuttothrowhimintoadrywellwherehecouldbelefttodie.Reuben’splanwastocomeandrescuehimlater.

WhenJosephmethisbrothers,theytookoffhisrobeandthrewhimintoanemptywell.Theysawmerchantspassingthatway.TheysoldJosephtothemerchants.Josephcriedandpleadedwithhisbrothersbuttheydidnotchangetheirmind.ThemerchantsthentookJosephtoEgyptandsoldhimasaslavetoPotiphar.

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RichlyOrnamented Robewhichhisfather

gave him

Dream:Hisbrother’s sheaves were bowing

down to Joseph’s sheaves

Dream:Thesun,moon and 11 stars were bowing

down to Joseph

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Old Testament

EventhoughJoseph’sbrothersplannedtokillhim,weseehowGodprotectedJoseph.

The brothers dipped Joseph’s coat in goat blood and went home to show their father.TheytoldtheirfatherthatananimaldevouredJoseph.Jacobwassosadandmournedformanydays.

God Was With JosephThoughJosephwasinanewlandwithnofamilyandfriends,theBiblesaystherewassomeonewithhim.Doyouknowwhothatwas?TheanswerisinGenesis39:2(Let the children read the first line only).TheLordwaswithJosephandheprospered.PotipharsawthatGodwaswithJosephandgavehimsuccessineverythinghedid.PotipharapprovedofJosephandputhiminchargeofhishouseholdandeverythingheowned.Sofromaslave,Godraisedhimtothepositionofamanager.

Potiphar'swife liedtoherhusbandaboutJosephandhewasput in jail.Josephhaddonenothingwrongbuthewasseparated fromhis familyandwasnow inprison.Thoughhisfamilywasnotwithhim,wasJosephalone?No!WhowaswithJoseph?Theanswer is inGenesis39:20,21 (Let the children read the first line only)-TheLordwaswithhiminprison.Godshowedhimkindnessandgrantedhimfavorwiththeprisonwarden,andJosephwasmadein-chargeofalltheprisoners.Godgavehimsuccessinwhateverhedid.

While in prison, God gave Joseph the meaning of the dreams that the king'scupbearerandbakerhad.IthappenedjustlikeGodtoldJoseph.Thecupbearergothisjobbackandthebakerwashanged.

JosephrequestedthecupbearertospeaktoPharaohonhisbehalfandremovehimfromprison.Sadly,thecupbearerforgotabouthim,buttherewassomeonewhodidnotforgetaboutJoseph.GodneverforgotaboutJoseph.Eveninaterribleplaceliketheprison,GodneverleftJosephorforgotabouthim.

After two years, Pharaoh had two bad dreams. Pharaoh told his dreams to hisadvisorsbutnooneknewwhattheymeant.

ItwasthenthatthecupbearerrememberedJoseph.ThecupbearertoldPharaohandhehadJosephremovedfromprison.WhenPharaohtoldhisdreamstoJoseph,GodgaveJosephthemeaningofthedreams.JosephnotonlygavePharaohthemeaningofthedreambutalsowentontogivehimsomegoodadvice.

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PharaohsawthatJosephwasverywiseandthatGodwaswithhim.SohemadeJosephthesecondhighestinthecountryandputhiminchargeofthewholelandofEgypt.

Wow!Inoneday,Josephwentfrombeingaprisonertothesecond-in-commandinEgypt.

God Brings Jacob and His Family to Live in EgyptEverythinginEgypthappenedjustasGodhadtoldJoseph.Whenthe7yearsoffaminebegan,itwassoseverethatpeoplecamefromallcountriestobuygrainfromJoseph.Thewholeworldwasinneedoffood.SomeofthosepeoplewereJoseph'sbrothers.Whenhisbrotherscame,theyallbowedtohimbecausehewasanimportantperson.Justashedreamedtheywould,atthebeginning.Josephrecognisedhisbrothers,buttheydidnotknowwhohewas.(Ithadbeenover10yearssincetheyhadseenhim).

Josephaccusedhisbrothersofbeingspiesandputalloftheminjail.Onthethirdday,JosephtoldthemtheycouldallgohomewiththeirgrainexceptforSimeon.IftheywantedSimeontobereleased,theywouldhavetobringBenjaminwiththemthenexttime.

ThebrothershadtofollowJoseph’sinstructions.WhentheyreachedCanaantheytoldtheirfather,Jacob,everythingthathadhappenedtothem.Jacobwasveryupset.HedidnotwanttosendBenjaminwiththem.HewasscaredthathewouldloseBenjaminjustlikehelostJosephandSimeon.

Aftersometime,thegraintheyhadbroughtfromEgyptgotover.Whentheyhadnofoodlefttoeat,JacobagreedtosendBenjamin.

Whenthebrothers,alongwithBenjamin,reachedEgypttheywenttoJoseph.JosephwassohappytoseehisownbrotherBenjamin.Afterhavinglunchwithhisbrothers,Joseph instructedhisservants tofill thebrothers’bagswithgrain.Nowhewasgoingtotesthisbrotherstoseeiftheylovedeachother.JosephtoldhisservanttoputhispersonalsilvercupinBenjamin’sbag.ThebrothersleftforCanaan,butwhentheyhadbeengoneonlyashortwhile,Josephsenthisservantsafterthem.

TheservantstoldthemthatwhoeverhadstolenJoseph’scupwouldremainbackasaprisoner inEgypt.Whentheservantssearchedthebags,thebrotherswerehorrified to find the cup in Benjamin’s bag. Instead of leaving Benjamin, theyreturnedwithhimtoEgypt.Josephsaid,“Youareallfreetogo,exceptBenjamin.Hemustbecomemyslave.”Doyouthinkthebrothers(sotheycouldsavetheirveryownlives)werewillingtoletgoofBenjaminastheyhaddonetoJoseph?

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Old Testament

Judahwaswilling to stayasa slave inEgypt inplaceofJoseph.ThebrotherspromisedtheirfathertheywouldbringBenjaminsafelybackhome.TheyknewifanythinghappenedtoBenjamin,theirfatherwouldsurelydie.

Josephrealisedhisbrothers'heartswerechangedandtheywerenowbettermen.Hefinally revealed tohisbrotherswhohewas.Heaskedthemnot tobeangrywitheachotherforsellinghim.Josephdidnottakerevenge,butwasabletoseethegreaterpurposeofGodinhislife.Hence,hewasabletoovercomehishurtandforgivehisbrothersfortheeviltheyhaddonetohim.

PharaohaskedJoseph’sbrotherstogobacktoCanaanandgettheirwives,childrenandfatherandbringthemtoEgypt.HepromisedtogivethemthebestlandinEgyptwheretheycouldlive.Inthisway,Josephwasabletomeethisfatherand,livewithhimandhisbrothersinEgypt.

Intoday’slesson,wesawthatthoughJoseph’sbrothersintendedtoharmandgetridofJoseph.GodusedthistobeginthefulfillmentofthepromiseHemadetoAbraham.GodwasveryfaithfultoJosephandneverforgotabouthim.Godwasveryawareofwhatwashappeningtohim,andHewasverypleasedbyJoseph’sobedience.EventhoughmanypeopletreatedJosephbadlyandunfairly,hechosetoobeyGodandHiscommands.

AsaresultofJoseph’sobedience,honestyanddesiretohonorGodineverythinghedid,histwosonsreceivedthebirthrightblessing.AlthoughRubenwastheoldest,thebirthrightblessingswenttoJoseph’ssons,EphraimandManasseh.Thefamiliesofeachofthe11brothersformedonetribeeach.ButJoseph’stwosons,EphraimandManasseh,wentontobecometwotribes.SoJosephreceivedadoubleportionoftheblessing.Ephraimwasgiventherighttotakeonhisgrandfather’sname—thenameofIsrael.



How did Joseph become a manager in Potiphar’s house and in-charge of other prisoners while in prison? GodwaswithJoseph;sohedidwellwhenhe lived inPotiphar’shouse.When Potiphar saw that God was with him and that God gave him success

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ineverythinghedid,Josephfoundfavorinhiseyes.Potipharputhiminchargeofhishouseandtheotherslaves.

When Josephwas in prison, God waswith him and showed him kindness. Hegrantedhimfavorintheeyesoftheprisonwarden;sothewardenputJosephinchargeofalltheotherprisoners.GodgaveJosephsuccessinwhateverhedid.

Have you ever felt forgotten by your family or friends? Yes/No

When have you felt forgotten by them?E.g.,Whentheyforgotyourbirthday.Orwhenyouaskedyourdadandmumtobuyyouabookorsomethingyouhadtaketoschoolandtheyforgot.Maybetheyhadtopickyouupfromsomewhereandtheyforgot.

Do you feel at times that God does not love you and has forgotten you?Yes/No

When do you feel that God has forgotten you and does not love you? E.g.,When:Yourprayersarenotanswered.Youaresick.Youstudiedwellforyourtestandyoudidnotgetgoodmarks.Youtookpartinacompetitionandyoudidnotgetaprize.Peopleblameyouforsomethingthatyoudidnotdo.Friendsmakefunofhowyoulook.Gotpunishedforsomethingyoudidnotdo.

Does God ever leave us or forget us? How do we know?No!OurfriendsandfamilymayleaveusandforgetaboutusbutGodneverdoes.WecanknowthisforsurebecauseHepromisedinHisWordthatHewillneverleaveusorforgetus.

Isaiah49:15saysawomanmayforgetherchildandhavenocompassiononherson,butGodsaysIwillnotforgetyou.

InHebrews13:5-6Godsays,‘Iwillneverleaveyounorforsakeyou.’Sowecanconfidentlysay,‘TheLordismyhelper;Iwillnotfear;whatcanmandotome?’”

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Godloveseachoneofyouverymuch.However,theBibledoesn’tsaythatthosewholoveJesusandobeyHimwillneverhaveproblemsandtroublesinlife.Whenyoufaceproblemsandtroubles,don’tbediscouraged,anddon’twonderifGodiswithyouorifHelovesyou.Remember,HelovesyouandHeisalwayswithyou.Evenifyourfriendsandfamilyleaveyou,Godwillneverleaveyouorforsakeyou.Godwillblessyouevenwhenyouaregoingthroughtheproblem.

Why did Joseph have to suffer even when he did not do anything wrong? Josephsufferedbecauseofhisownbrother’shatredand jealousytowardshim.AlsobecausePotiphar’swife'sevildesireswerenotfulfilled,shefalselyblamedhimforsomethinghedidnotdo.

Is it true that bad things happen only to wicked people and that only they suffer? No! We see that though Joseph was good and did what was right, he still went throughsuffering.Allpeoplesuffer.

Is it true that God will remove all troubles from the lives of those who love and obey him? No!ThoughGodlovedJoseph,hestillfacedallalotoftroubles.Josephlivedinastrangelandasaslaveandprisonerfor13years.Duringtheseyearshewasseparatedfromhisfather,motherandhisbrothers.ButGodgrantedJosephfavorandblessedhiminthemidstofhisproblemsandtroubles.HewasmadeamanagerinPotiphar’shouse,wasinchargeofalltheprisoners,andbecamethePrimeMinisterofEgypt.

WewillgothroughproblemsanddifficultiesbutGodwillhelpusandgiveusthestrengthtoovercomeourproblems.

What did Joseph do when he went through problems and troubles even though it was not his fault?HeknewGodwaswithhim.Hewaspatient.HeobeyedGodanddidnotsinagainsthim.Hedidnotcomplainorgrumble.Hedidnottakerevengeandforgavethosewhohurthim.

APPLICATION

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SatanwilltemptyoutothinkthatGoddoesnotloveyouorcareforyou,thatHewillnotblessyouorhelpyou.TheBiblecallssatanaliarandthefatherofalllies.Soallthatsatanspeaksarelies;weshouldn’tbelievehim.Atthesetimes,readthepromisesinGod’sWord,believethemandaskGodtoblessyouandgiveyoufavor.Whenyoudothis,youwillbesurprisedtoseewhatGodcando.

Whataresomeofthethoughts/problemsthataretroublingyou?

Doyouthink:−Noonelovesyou.−Youarenotsmartorgoodlooking.−Youarenottalented.−Notgoodinstudies.

Doyoufaceproblemslike:−Youarenotdoingwellinstudies.−Friendsinschoolmakefunofyou.−Becauseyoudon’tusebadwords,copyduringatest,orlie,yourfriendsarenolongerwithyou.−Maybeyou’reconstantlysickorhavingsomeweaknessordeformity.−Duringyourtestyoudon’trememberwhatyoulearned.

Writedownfiveproblemsyouaregoingthrough,andagainsteachproblemwritedownwhatGodpromisesinHisWordtohelpyou.PrayandtrustGodtohelpyouandfulfillHispromiseforyou.

PROBLEMS PROMISE

CLOSE WITH PRAYER

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Old Testament

Moses and the Burning Bush

LEARNING OBJECTIVES• Godhasaspecialplanandpurposeforourlives.• GodwillfulfillHisplanandpurposeforourlivesifwearewillingandallowHimto.• GodwillgiveusHiswisdomandstrengthandguideusinfulfillingHisplanforourlives.

SCRIPTURE PORTIONExoduschapter1tochapter4:20

RECAP• Recitelastweek’sMemoryVerse.

MEMORY VERSEJeremiah 29:11:“IknowtheplansIhaveforyou,declarestheLord,planstoprosperyouandnottoharmyou,planstogiveyouhopeandafuture.”

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Materials Needed:Blueprintofabuilding

Object Lesson: A Blueprint

Materials: Blueprintordiagramofabuilding.

Preparation: Getadesignorablueprintofabuilding.

Presentation: When someone decides to build a house or building, what does he dofirst?Doeshesimplybuysomecement,mudandbricksandstartbuilding?No!Firsthemakesaplan.Thisplaniscalledablueprintanditlookslikethis(hold a blueprint).Theblueprintshowsthemeasurementforeachroom,whereeachboardshouldgo,andhowtheroomsfittogether.Ifthebuilderfollowstheblueprint,thenthehousewillbebeautifulandverynicelymade.

Didyouknowthatbeforeyouwereborn,Godmadeablueprintforyourlife?Hehasaplanforeachoneofyourlives.HehasworksthatHewantsyoutodoandHehaspeoplethatHewantsyoutotouch.Hecreatedeachofyouforaveryspecialpurpose.Theblueprintsforeachoneofyourlivesaredifferent,buteachisveryspecial,andonlyyoucanfulfilltheplanthatGodhasforyourlife.

Justasthebuilderfollowstheblueprinttomakeagoodbuilding,weshouldaskGodtoshowustheblueprintforourlives,sowecanfulfillthepurposethatHehasforus.

ATTENTION GETTER

INTRODUCTION

Joseph and his brothers comfortably settled in Egypt and were growing in number. Was this the land God promised Abraham He would give His people? (Let the children respond). No!

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Old Testament

Which was the land God told Abraham He’d give his descendants? (Let the children respond). Canaan.RememberlastweekwhenwelearnedthatGodusedJosephtobeginthefulfillmentofthepromisehehadmadetoAbraham.Whatwasthepromise?(Let the children respond).

GodtoldAbrahamthatforfourhundredyearshisdescendantswouldbestrangersinacountrynottheirown,andthattheywouldbeenslavedandmistreatedthere.ButHewouldpunishthenationwheretheyservedasslavesandafterwardstheywouldcomeoutwithgreatpossessions(Genesis15:13).

In our story today,wewill seewhy the Israelites, Joseph’s brothers and theirfamilies,weretreatedasslaves.We’llalsoseethatGodchosealeadertoleadHispeopleoutofEgyptandbacktothelandHepromisedAbraham.We’lllearntodayaboutthemanGodchoseandhowHeledhim.

TEACHING CONTENT

Bible Story: Birth and Call of Moses

Birth of MosesA new Pharaoh (explain Pharaoh is an Egyptian term for King)whodidn’tknowJoseph ruledEgypt.Hewasafraidof the Israelitesbecause theyweregrowingmoreinnumberthantheEgyptians.HethoughtifenemiescameandfoughtagainsttheEgyptians,theIsraeliteswouldjointheenemiesandoverthrowtheEgyptians.

SoPharaohcameupwiththreeplanstoreducethenumberofIsraelites,butallhisplansfailed.Doyouknowwhy?BecauseofthepromiseGodmadetoAbraham.Whatwasthepromise?Itwas:“Iwillsurelyblessyouandmakeyourdescendantsasnumerousasthestarsintheskyandasthesandontheseashore.”

WhatwerethethreeplansPharaohmade?

Plan One: PharaohandtheEgyptianstreatedtheIsraelitesasslaves(explain who a slave is).Theywereforcedtoworklonghoursinthemudpitstomakebricksandinthefield.Theywerealsomadetobuildbigcities.Buttheycouldn’tkeeptheIsraelitesfromincreasinginnumbers.

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Thus we see the fulfillment of what God told Abraham—that his descendantswouldbestrangersinacountrynottheirown,andthattheywouldbeenslavedandmistreatedforfourhundredyears.

Plan Two: Pharaoh ordered themidwives to kill all the boy babies born to theIsraelites(A midwife is a nurse who helps women during childbirth). The midwives fearedGodandchosetoobeyGodratherthanPharaoh.TheydidnotkillthenewbornbabiesandtheIsraelitesmultipliedandgrewverymighty.

Plan Three: Pharaoh came upwith a third, very cruel plan.He commanded hispeopletothroweveryboybabythatwasborntotheIsraelitesintheriverNile.

ItwasduringthistimethatababyboywasborntoJochebedandAmram.JochebeddidnotwanthersontobethrownintheriverNile;soshehidhimforthreemonthsathomefromtheEgyptians.Whenitwasimpossibletohidehimanylongerathome,sheputhiminabasketandplacedhimamongthereeds(thick,longgrass)alongtheriverNile.

Thenextmorning,thePrincess(DaughterofPharaoh)cametoswimintheriver.Shefoundthebabyinthebasketandwantedtokeephim.Miriam,whowaswatchingherbrotherinthebasket,offeredMoses’motherasanursemaidtolookafterthebaby.TheprincessagreedandsoJochebedgottoraiseherownson.

ThePrincessnamedhimMosesbecauseshehadtakenhimoutofthewater.WhenMoses grew older,Moseswas brought up in the palace as an Egyptian prince.MosesgrewupknowinghewasnotanEgyptianbutaHebrew.Hethoughthecouldusehispowerandstrengthtohelpdeliverhisownpeople.

One daywhenMoseswas about 40 years old, he saw an Egyptian beating anIsraelite.Whennoonewaslooking,hekilledtheEgyptianandhidhiminthesand.

The next day, Moses saw two Hebrew men fighting with each other. Mosesintervenedtosortoutthematter.OneofthemensaidtoMoses,“AreyouthinkingofkillingmeasyoukilledtheEgyptian?”MoseswassurenoonewaswatchingwhenhekilledtheEgyptian;butnowherealisedthatsomeonedidsee.

WhenPharaohheardofthemurder,hewantedtokillMoses.MosesranawaytothelandofMidianandlivedtherefor40yearsasashepherdwithJethro’sfamily.Thusweseethathisconfidenceinhisownefforts,towinfreedomforhispeople,failedmiserablyandevendelayedtheprocess.

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Call of MosesAfterfortyyears,thePharaohdied.ThenewPharaohmadelifeevenharderfortheHebrewpeople.TheHebrewpeoplecriedouttoGodandHeheardtheircry.

OnedaywhenMoseswas80yearsold,hewastendingtheflockofJethronearHoreb,themountainofGod.Mosessawaburningbushthathadcaughtfire;buttheamazingthingwasthatthebushwasnotgettingburntout.WhenMoseswentclosertoseethebush,GodcalledouttoMoses,revealingHimselfastheGodofhisforefathers—Abraham,IsaacandJacob.GodtoldhimthatHehadheardthecryofHispeopleandwouldtakethemoutofEgypttoagoodandlargeland,alandflowingwithmilkandhoney.GodaskedMosestogotoPharaohandtellhimtoletHispeoplegooutofEgypt.

Moses told God that he was not the one who should go to Pharaoh to deliver the IsraelitesoutofEgypt.HoweverGodassuredhimthatHewouldbewithhim.

MosesaskedGod,“SupposeIgototheIsraelitesandtellthem,theGodofyourfathershassentmetoyou,andtheyaskme,whatisHisname,thenwhatshallItellthem?”GodtoldMosestoreplythatIAMWHOIAMhadsenthim.GodalsoaskedMosestotelltheIsraelitesthattheLORD,theGodofhisforefathers—theGodofAbraham,theGodofIsaacandtheGodofJacob—hadsenthim.

ThiswasthefirsttimeGodwasrevealingHimselftothenationasawhole.

WhydidGodrevealHisnameas‘IAMWHOIAM?’GodexpressesHimselfasapersonalGodwhoisbehindeverythinginhistory.Heisanunchanging,eternalbeingwhoisself-existent.ThismeansGodisnotdependentonanyoneoranythingforHisexistenceandlife.Heiseternal—meaningwithoutbeginningorend.TherewasneveratimewhenHeneverwasandtherewillneverbeatimewhenHewillceasetoexist.Heisunchangeable—alwaysthesame,yesterday,todayandforever.

GodalsointroducesHimselfastheLORD,theGodofyourfathers,GodofAbraham,GodofIsaac,andGodofJacob.

GodtoldMoseswhenhegetstoEgypttotakealongwithhimtheIsraeliteeldersandrequestPharaohtolettheIsraelitesgosothattheycouldgotothedesertforthreedaysandworshiptheirGod.GodtoldMosesthatPharaohwouldnotlistenuntil heand theEgyptianssawall thewonders thatHewoulddoamong them.

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Moseswasscaredandveryhesitant togotoEgypt. Godgraciously respondedbygivingMosesseveralsignsthatwouldproveMoseswasspeakingwithGod'sauthorityandpower.

Thesignswere:First,GodaskedMosestothrowhisrodontheground.Whenhedidthis,itbecameasnake.Godaskedhimtopickupthesnakeanditturnedbackintoarod.

Second,GodtoldMosestoputhishandinsidehisrobe.Whenhedidso,hishandbecameleprouslikesnow.LeprosywasoneofthemostfeareddiseasesinMoses’time.Itwasaverypainfulsicknessforwhichtherewasnocureandinthosedaysthissicknessalwaysendedindeath.

Godaskedhimtoputhishandagainintohisrobe,andhishandbecamethesameasbefore.

GodtoldMosesthatiftheydidn’tbelievethesetwosigns,hecouldthentakesomewaterfromtheriverNileandpouritontheground.Thewaterwouldthenturnintoblood.

Evenafterallthis,Moseswasstillnotreadytogo.HetoldGodthathewasnogoodatspeakinginfrontofpeople.GodwasangrywithMosesandchoseAaron,Moses’brother,togowithhimasaspokesman.GodtoldMosesthatHewouldteachbothofthemwhattodoandwhattospeak.Finally,Mosesdecidedtogo.



When all the Israelite babies were killed, why was baby Moses saved? To find the answer read Hebrews 11:23.Infaith,MosesparentshidhimbecausetheyhadthetrustandfaiththatGodwouldprotecttheirson.Hebrews11:23says,“ByfaithMoses’parentshidhimforthreemonthsafterhewasborn,becausetheysawhewasnoordinarychild,andtheywerenotafraidoftheking’sedict.”

Did God have a plan for Moses? What was God’s plan for him?Yes!GodchosehimasaleadertodeliverHispeoplefromslaveryinEgypt.

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Was Moses hesitant to go to Egypt because he had to do everything by himself? No!GodtoldhimwhattodoandwhattosaytotheIsraelitesandthePharaoh.HesaidHewouldperformmanywondersafterwhichtheEgyptianswouldletthemgo.HealsotoldthemthatHewouldteachbothMosesandAaronwhattodoandwhattosay.

IfGodleadsyoutodosomething,Hewillalwaysenableyoutoaccomplishit.

After God answered all of Moses’ questions, performed miracles and assured him of help, Moses was still not ready to go. Do you think God made a mistake in choosing him? No!Mosesfelthewouldn’tbeabletodelivertheIsraelites.Sohemadealotofexcuses;butGoddidn’tacceptanyofthem.NowMoseswasreadyfromGod’sperspective, becausenowMosesknewhewas inadequate inhisownstrength.MosesfinallyunderstoodthathecouldnotcarryoutGod’spurposeonhisown.ThatisexactlywhereGodwantedhim—dependentonHimalone.

Godcannevermakeamistake.Godknowsusbetterthanweknowourselves.HeknowsexactlywhotochoosetocarryoutHisplans.HealsoknowshowHewantstouseusforHisglory.

What did God say His name was and what does it mean? ‘IAM’—ItmeansGodalwayswasandHealwayswillbe.HehadnobeginningandHewillhavenoend.Hejustis!GodwantedMosesandthepeopletoknowthatHeistheall-powerfulGodwhowouldbewiththem,togivethemthepowertofollowHim.HewantedthemtotrustGodtogivethemthepowertheywouldneed,todowhatHeasked.

APPLICATION

JustasGodhadaplanforMoses’life,Godhasaplanforeachofyourlives.Maybeyouthinkyouarenotspecialorimportant.Thatisnottrue.YouareveryspecialandGodhasawonderfulplanforyourlife.

JustasMoseswasscared,peopleareoftenscaredthatGod’splanforthemmaynotbegood.TheyworrythattheymaynotlikeGod’splanfortheirlives.Children,

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IwantyoutoknowthatyoucantrustGod’splanandcanbeconfidentthatGod’splanisthebestplanforyourlife.Today’smemoryversewillhelpyourememberthatGod’splansarealwaysgood.Goddoesnotwanttobringyouharm;Hewantswhatisbestforyourlife.

Goddoesgiveusachoice,justlikeHedidwithMoses.WecanchoosetoacceptGod’splanorrejectit.WehavetodecidewhetherwewanttochooseGod’splanorourownplan.Children,God’splan isalways thebestand itwill bringmuchhappinesstoyourlife.

WhenyouchoosetoacceptGod’splan,GodwillstepbysteprevealHisplansforyourlife.OnewayGodrevealsHisplansiswhenyouspendtimeeverydayreadingyourBibleandpraying.

IfyouliketocommittospendingtimewithGodeveryday,writedownthetimeyouwouldcommittodothis.Whenyouareprayingsay,"Godpleaserevealyourplanformylife."

AnotherwayofknowingGod’splanforyourlifeisbyknowingthetalentsHehasblessedyouwith.ListthetalentsGodhasblessedyouwith.Besideeach,writedownifyouareusingthetalent.Ifyes,howareyouusingit?Ifno,howwouldyouliketostartusingit?

TALENTS AM I USING MY TALENTS

HOW AM I USING MY TALENTS

HOW WILL I START USING MY TALENTS

CLOSE WITH PRAYER

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The Ten Plagues

LEARNING OBJECTIVES• OurGodistheonlytrueandlivingGod.• OurGodismightyandpowerful.• GodwantseveryonetoworshipandobeyHim.

SCRIPTURE PORTIONExodus4:29to12:36

RECAP• Whatdidyoulearnlastweek?• RecitetheMemoryVerseforlastweek.

MEMORY VERSE Proverbs 28:14: “Blessed is the man who always fears theLord,buthewhohardenshisheartfallsintotrouble.”

Materials Needed: • Handpuppetsofthetenplaguesattachedwiththislesson.• WoodenStickwithalittleredfoodcolorstuckattheendofthestick.

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• Transparentglassfilledwithwater.• 1hard-boiledegg–write‘A’ontheeggwithamarker.• 1uncookedegg–write‘B’ontheeggwithamarker.• Tableorhardflatsurface.

Note to the Facilitator:• Thisisalonglessonandcangetabitmonotonous;sopleaseusethecreativetipsgivenbelowtokeeptheattentionofthechildren.

• Thesentencesthatareinboldintheteachingcontentareveryimportantandhavetobetoldtothechildren.

• Toinvolvethechildrenduringtheteachingofthetenplagues the Teacher can do the particular action (as shown in the picture)whenever you say, ‘Pharaoh’sheartwashardened.’

Thechildrencanrespondbydoingtheparticularactionshowninthepicturewhentheysay:‘Andhedidnotletthepeoplego.’

Thiswillenablethechildrentolistenattentivelyandstayalertbydoingtheaction.

ATTENTION GETTER

Being able to spin an egg that has been hard-boiledwill show the kids how ahardenedheartmakesitdifficulttoresistthedevil.

Materials Needed:1hard-boiledegg–writeAontheeggwithamaker.1uncookedegg–writeBontheeggwithamarker.Tableorhardflatsurface.Say:Ihavetwoeggshere.Exceptforthefactthatoneismarked“A”andtheotheroneismarked“B,”theylookthesame.However,theyareverydifferent.Letmeshowyou.Ineedonevolunteer. (Give the volunteer the hard-boiled egg).WhatIwould

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likeyoutodoisspinthiseggaroundlikeatop.Canyoudothat?Thatwaseasy,wasitnot?NowIneedanothervolunteertospinthisotheregg.(Give the second volunteer the uncooked egg. Softly caution the child that it’s a raw egg and ask them to be gentle so the egg does not break and mess up the place).

Whatiswrong,areyouhavingtroublespinningthisegg?Somechildrenmaycatchonearly.Inanycase,letthechildrenexperimentwiththetwoeggsforafewsecondsbeforetakingthemback.Explainthatthedifferencebetweenthetwoeggsisthatoneishardinside,whiletheotherisstillliquid.Wecanspintheeggwhichishardinside.

TheBiblesays,“BlessedisthemanwhoalwaysfearstheLord,buthewhohardenshisheartfallsintotrouble”(Proverbs28:14).Thishard-boiledeggislikesomeonewithahardenedheart,whodoesnotfeartheLord.Thedevilcanmakethispersondothingstheyknowarewrong.Inasense,thedevilhassomecontrolovertheirlife;thatisveryscary,isitnot?SomeonewhoisobedienttotheLord,anddoesnotlethisorherheartbecomehardened,canresistthepowerofthedevil.Liketheeggwiththesoftcenterthatwecannotspinaround,aChristianwhoisobedienttotheWordofGodandwhofearstheLord,cannotbecontrolledbythedevil.Wemustmakesureourheartsdonotbecomehard,likeahard-boiledegg.

Today,we’lllearnaboutaKingwhoseheartwassohardthatHewasnotwillingtolistenandobeyGod.

INTRODUCTION

Lastweek,welookedathowGodhadbegunfulfillingHispromisetoAbraham,andHisplantoraiseMosesasaleaderwhowoulddeliverHispeopleoutofEgypt.Today,we’llhearhowGoddeliversHispeopleoutofEgypt.ThiswasalsothefirsttimethattheHebrewpeoplewouldhearandseethepowerandmiraclesoftheGodtheyprayedto.ThiswouldalsobethefirsttimethatthenationofEgyptandsurroundingnationswouldknowthattheGodoftheHebrews(Israelites)istheonlytrueandlivingGod.

TEACHING CONTENT

Bible Story: The Ten Plagues

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WhenMosesandAaronreachedEgypt,theyalongwithafewIsraeliteelders,wenttoPharaoh’spalaceandsaid,“…ThisiswhattheLORD,theGodofIsrael,says:‘Letmypeoplego,sothattheymayholdafestivaltomeinthewilderness’”(Exodus5:1).Pharaohwassurprisedandreplied, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him and let Israel go”(Exodus5:2)?Pharaohaskedthemtogetbacktowork.

SincePharaohwasstubbornandrefusedtolistentoGod,Hesenttenplagues.HewantedtoshowPharaohandtheEgyptiansthatHeisGodaboveallgods;Healoneistheliving,powerfulandmightyGod.GodsenttheplaguesonlyontheEgyptiansandnotonGoshen,wheretheIsraeliteslived.

WhatwerethetenPlagues? (As you talk about each plague you can put the puppets on each fi nger, or a child’s fi nger as shown in the picture).

PLAGUE 1: (Hold up the stick which has some red food color at the end of it. When you narrate the lines below you can put the stick in a glass of water, and it will turn red).

GodaskedAarontostriketheNileRiverwithhisstaff.GodturnedallthewaterinEgypttoblood.WhenPharaoh’smagicianswerealsoabletodothis,Pharaoh’sheartbecamehardandhewouldnotlisten.

PLAGUE 2: God sent frogs and they covered the entire land. The frogs wereeverywhere, so that peoplewerewalking and sleeping on frogs. Themagicianscouldalsomakefrogsappear.PharaohwassofedupofthefrogsthatheaskedMosestopraytoGodtotakeallthefrogsaway.Whenallthefrogsdied,Pharaoh’sheartwashardenedandherefusedtosendthepeople.

PLAGUE 3: GodaskedAarontostrikethegroundwithhisstaffandthedustturnedintolice.Theywereonallthepeopleandanimals.Whenthemagicianstriedtodoittheycouldn’t.They told Pharaoh that ‘this is the fi nger of God.’

Teacher: Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (say with action).

Children: And he did not let the people go (say with action).

PLAGUE 4: GodsentfliesalloverEgypt.PharaohpromisedMosestoletthepeoplegoifGodwouldremovetheflies.WhenGodremovedthefiles,


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Children: and he did not let the people go (say with action).

PLAGUE 5:GodsentaterriblediseaseonalltheanimalsbelongingtotheEgyptiansandallofthemdied.NotoneoftheanimalsbelongingtotheIsraelitesdied.WhenPharaoh heard this:



PLAGUE 6: GodtoldMosesandAarontotakeahandfulofash(explain ash)fromastoveandthrowitintotheairinfrontofthePharaoh.Whentheydidit,therewereterribleboilsonalltheEgyptians.

Teacher: God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (say with action).


PLAGUE 7:Intheseventhplague,GodexplainedtoPharaoh,throughMoses,thereasonfortheplagues:

ButIhaveraisedyouupforthisverypurpose,thatImightshowyouMypowerandthatMynamemightbeproclaimedinalltheearth.

Godsentthunder,lightningandveryheavyhailthatfelluponEgypt,killingpeople,animalsandplants.Pharaohadmittedhehadsinnedand thatheandhispeoplewereinthewrongandonlyGodwasintheright....butstillchangedhismindagainassoonasthestormstopped.



PLAGUE 8: Then God told Moses “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD”(Exodus10:1,2).

MosesandAarontoldPharaohthatifhewillnotlettheHebrewpeoplego,Godwouldbringlocuststhenextday,whichwouldeatupeveryplantinEgypt.Pharaoh

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The Ten Plagues

thenagreed.ButwhenheheardalltheIsraeliteswouldgowiththeiranimals,hetoldMosestotakeonlythemenandtoleavethewomenandchildrenbehind.

ThenMoseswentoutandstretchedhisarms.Locusts(biggrasshoppers)coveredtheentire land.Theyateupall theplantsandcrops inEgypt.Pharaohsent forMoses and Aaron and told them “… I’ve sinned against the Lord your God, and against you. Now forgive my sin once more, and pray to the Lord your God to take this deadly plague away from me” (Exodus10:16.17).WhenMosesprayed,Godsentastrongwindwhichcarriedawayall the locustsanddumpedthemintotheRedSea.



PLAGUE 9:ThenGodtoldMosestostretchhishandtowardsthesky,andtherewasthickdarknessinEgyptforthreedays.Itwassodarkthatpeoplewereneitherabletoseeeachothernormovearoundanywhere.

ThenPharaohsentforMosesandaskedhimtotakeeveryoneandgoworshiptheLord.Butheorderedthattheanimalsbeleftbehind.Mosessaidhewouldtakealltheanimalssince theymustoffersomeof themassacrifice toGod.AgainGodhardenedPharaoh’sheart.



PharaohwasveryangrywithMosesandtoldhimtogetoutofhissight,andthathewouldneverwanttoseehimagain.

PLAGUE 10: Finally, God warned of a tenth plague, so devastating that Pharaoh would send the Hebrew people out of Egypt. First, God told the Hebrew peopleonthe14thdayofthemonththateachfamilyshouldkillamalesheeporgoatthatisayearold,attwilight,andputsomeofitsbloodonthesidesandtopofthedoorframe.Thentheyhadtoroastthemeatandeatitwithbitterherbsandbreadwithoutyeast,andnotleavetheirhomestillmorning.Thatnightthe angel of deathwould pass through Egypt and hewould spare those homeswhosedoorpostsweremarkedwithblood.

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GodaskedthemtocelebratethisPassoverfestivaleveryyear.Whentheycelebratedthisfeast,theyweretotelltheirchildrenandthegenerationstocomehowGodbroughtthemoutofEgypt.

During the night, the angel of death killed the firstborn in every Egyptian house. Even Pharaoh's firstborn son died. Pharaoh commanded Moses to go immediately, taking everything with them.

TheIsraelitesgatheredgoldandsilverfromtheEgyptians,whowillinglygaveuptheirwealthbecausetheywerenowterrifiedofthepowerfulGodoftheIsraelites.

Thus,weseethefulfillmentofoneofthepromisesthatGodmadetoAbraham—“ButIwillpunishthenationtheyserveasslaves,andafterwardtheywillcomeoutwithgreatpossessions”(Genesis15:14).



Why did Pharaoh not allow the Israelites to leave Egypt? Hewasstubbornandhard-hearted;andGodhadhardenedhisheart.

Why was Pharaoh so stubborn? He thought hewas very powerful andgreat.TheKings (who called themselvesPharaohs)thoughttheyweregods.

Why did God harden Pharaoh’s heart?TheEgyptiansworshipedfalsegods/idols.EvenmostoftheIsraeliteswhohadheardabouttheGodoftheirfathersAbraham,IsaacandJacob,hadnotexperiencedHiminapersonalway.GodwantedtoprovetoboththeEgyptiansandtheIsraelitesthatHeisthetrueandlivingGodwhoismighty,powerfulandgreat.TheywouldhavenodoubtthatHeistheonlytrueGod,creatorandruleroftheuniverse.

How does God show His strength, might and power today? GodisconstantlytryingtoproveHispowerandstrengthtouseveryday.

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Godgivesusthestrengthandpowertoexcelanddowellinsports,studies,playinginstrumentsandotherthings.

GodgivesusthestrengthandpowertoovercometemptationsandlivealifethathonorsandpleasesHim.

TheHolySpiritmanifeststheninegiftsoftheSpiritthrougheachoneofus.Whenwepray:

Thesickarehealed.

Peoplereceivesolutionsfortheirproblems.

Theyreceivetheguidancetheyhavebeenlookingfor.

Theyaredeliveredfromtemptationsorbadhabits.

Toooftenwhenwearesuccessfulatsomething,wetakethecredit,don’twe?Isn’titeasytothink,“Wow,wasn’tIgood?Iamtalentedandsmart!I’mpowerful!”Thetruthiswedidnotaccomplishanyofthesethingsinourownstrengthandpower;it’salwayswithGod’spowerandabilityalonethatwecandoallthings.

Do you think God was acting cruelly when he destroyed the Egyptians with the 10 plagues?GodisaGodoflove,compassionandmercy.Whenpeopledon’tyieldandcontinuetobestubbornandhard-hearted,HeshowsforthHisjudgmentandpunishessin.Pharaohandhisofficialswerestubborn,notwillingtolistenorobeyGod.Overandover,GodshowedPharaohhowpowerfulandstrongHewas.ButPharaohandthepeoplerefusedtohumblethemselvesbeforeGod.

Did the Egyptians believe that the God of the Israelites was powerful? Yes,somedid.Butsomewerestillstubborn,especiallyPharaoh.

What stories did God want Moses to tell his grandchildren?Totalkaboutall themiracles,signsandwondersHehaddonewhentheywerelivingasslavesinEgypt—howHebroughtthemoutofEgyptandoutofslavery.

Why did God ask Moses to tell his grandchildren about the miracles he was witnessing?SotheywouldknowthatitwasGodwhobroughttheIsraelitesoutofslaveryfromEgypt.Hebrought themoutwithHismightyhandandpower.Theywould then

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realisethattheirGodwastheonlyGod—aGodwhoislivingandallpowerful,aGodwhokeepsthepromiseHemadetoAbraham,IsaacandJacob.ThentheywouldbelieveinandputtheirtrustinHimandworshipHimalone.

Does God want us to also tell others about His miracles and His love? Why?Yesit’simportantforustotellothers—ourfriendsinschoolandintheneighborhood—aboutthewonderfulmiraculousdeedsGoddid intheBible.WecanalsosharewiththemthemiraclesGodhasdoneinourlives.ItencouragesotherstobelieveinHimandtotrustHimtoworkintheirlivesaswell.

GodwantseveryonetoknowthatHe is theonlytrueGodandSavior,andthatthereisnoother.NooneisasmightyandpowerfulasHim;Heistheonlyonewhodeservesourworship.

Overandoveragain,GodshowedPharaohhowpowerfulandstrongHewas.ButPharaohrefusedtohumblehimselfandobeyGod.

Often,we too are like Pharaoh and his officials, being stubborn andhard-hearted.TheBiblesays,“BlessedisthemanwhoalwaysfearstheLord,buthewhohardenshisheartfallsintotrouble”(Proverbs28:14).Thedevilcaneasilyuseapersonwithahardenedhearttodothingsthatarewrong.ApersonwhoisobedienttotheWordofGod,andwhofearstheLord,cannotbecontrolledbythedevil.

Therearemanyareasinourliveswhereourheartsarehardened.Godisgivingusanopportunitytochange.Let’schangeandnotwaittillGodhastodealwithusinthehardwaythatHedidwithPharaohandtheEgyptians.

Allyouneedtodoisacceptyoursin,submitandsurrenderthoseareastoGod.Onceyoudo,Godpromisestoremoveyourheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartofflesh.TheHolySpiritwillcauseyoutoobeyHimandwalkinHisways.Isn’tthatwonderful?

APPLICATION

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The Ten Plagues

CLOSE WITH PRAYER

Listdownareasinyourlifewhereyouarestubbornandhard-hearted.

(Listed below are a few examples. Let the children write down the areas they are stubborn and hard-hearted.)

E.g.:

−WatchingTVprograms.−Playingforhoursandrefusingtodoyourhomework.−Actingselfishandnotwantingtosharewithyourfriends,brotherorsister.−NotwillingtoreadtheBibleorlearnMemoryVerse.−Notwillingtoeatwhatyourmotherprepares.−Notwillingtolistentoyourparentsandteacherswhentheycorrectyoufordoingsomethingwrong.−Notwillingtogiveupyourbadhabits.

DoyouwanttosubmittheseareastoGod?Ifyouwouldliketo,let’sprayandasktheLordtohelpus.

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God’s Providence and Protection

LEARNING OBJECTIVES• Godprovidesandcaresforus.• TrustGodtoprovideforourdailyneeds.• Complainingissin.

SCRIPTURE PORTION

Exodus13:21-31;Chapter14,15:22-27andChapter16

RECAP• Whatdidwelearnlastweek?• SharehowyouwereabletodothethreethingsGodwantedyoutodo.• RecitetheMemoryVerseforlastweek.

MEMORY VERSE Philippians 2:14:“Doeverythingwithoutcomplainingorarguing.”

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Materials Needed:

• Aninexpensivepairofplasticsunglasses• Afewdropsofbabyoiloranyotheroil• Lemonadewithoutsugar• Afewsmallplasticglassestoservethelemonade• Sugar• Spoon

ATTENTION GETTER

Activity

Bringaninexpensivepairofplasticsunglasses.Sharethatcomplainingorgrumblingaffects our vision. Explain thatwhenwe complain,we are thinking only aboutourselvesandnot trustingGod.Rubbabyoil on theglass lens.Ask thekids tolookthroughtheglasses.Itishardtoseethingscorrectly.Whenwecomplainandgrumble,wedonotseethingscorrectly.WefailtoseethatGodisgoodandthatHecanprovideforus.WefailtotrustandputourfaithinHim.

OR

Make lemonade for thekidswithoutadding sugar andbring it in a bottle.Poursomeinaglassandgiveittoafewtotaste.Sincethelemonadetastesflat,thechildrenwouldprobablymakeaface.Ifyouaskifthey’dlikesomemore,they’dprobablyrefuse.Sharehowcomplainingmakesapersonverybitterandsourlikethislemonade.Nowaddsugar.Explainthatsweetnessandkindnesshelpsothersandencouragesthem.Askthekidshowtheycanbelike“sugar.”

INTRODUCTION

Lastweek,weheardhowtheIsraeliteshurriedlyleftEgyptforthePromisedLand—thelandGodpromisedHewouldtakethemto.

Today,we’ll see howGod provided, cared and loved the Israelites. Though theIsraelites experienced God’s power, providence, love and care, they constantly

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God went ahead of the Israelites in a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of light during the night:AstheIsraelitesjourneyedthroughthedesert,Godwentaheadoftheminapillarofcloudtoguidethemduringtheday.Duringthenight,Godwentwiththeminapillaroffire,toprovidelightsothatthepeoplecouldtravel,cookandeat.Children,don’tyouthinkthatwassowonderful!GodwasHimselftravelingwithHispeople,guidingthemandprovidingfortheirneeds.Similarly,onourlife’sjourney,Godiswithusandinus—theHolySpiritwhoguides,leads,caresandprovidesforallourneeds.

GodaskedMosestocampbytheRedSeaandtoldhim“…IwillhardenPharaoh’sheart,andhewillpursuethem.ButIwillgaingloryformyselfthroughPharaohandallhisarmy,andtheEgyptianswillknowthatIamtheLord”(Exodus14:4).

Israelites’ first complaint: We will be killed in the desert! God protects the Israelites from Pharaoh’s army:WhenPharaohwastoldthattheIsraeliteshadfled,heandhisofficialschangedtheirminds.Pharaohtook600ofhisbestchariotsandallhisofficers,tobringtheIsraelitesbacktoEgypt.

WherearetheIsraelitesnow?

As God had told them, the Israelites had camped by the Red Sea. When theIsraelitessawtheRedSeainfrontofthem,andtheEgyptianarmycomingcloserfrombehind,theywereveryafraidandbegantogrumble.TheysaidtoMoses… (Ask a child to read aloud Exodus 14:12 and explain in their own words what the people complained about).

Read Aloud:

Exodus14:11:“…WasitbecausetherewerenogravesinEgyptthatyoubroughtustothedeserttodie?…Didn’twesaytoyouinEgypt‘Leaveusalone;letus

grumbledagainstGod.EventhoughtheygrumbledagainstGod,HestillprovidedandtookcareofthethousandsofIsraelitesontheirjourneytothePromisedLand.

TEACHING CONTENT

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servetheEgyptians?’ItwouldhavebeenbetterforustoservetheEgyptiansthantodieinthedesert!”

Canyou imagine!ThepeoplewantedtogobacktoEgypttoslavery!Thatwastheplacewhere theyhadcriedout inmisery,painandhopelessness.AfterGodhadrescuedthemfromslavery,theywantedtogobacktoit.TheyhadseenandexperiencedthepowerofGodwhenHebroughtthemoutofEgypt.Theyshouldhave known that God had the power to protect them and save them from theEgyptians.WhatdoyouthinktheIsraelitesshouldhavedone?TheyshouldhavetrustedGod;insteadtheywereafraidandbegantogrumbleandcomplain.

Ask the children:

WhatdoyouthinkMosesdid?Didhealsogrumbleandcomplain?(Ask one child to read aloud Exodus 14:13, 14 and let the children answer in their own words).

Read Aloud:

InExodus14:13-14,Mosesansweredthepeople,“Donotbeafraid.StandfirmyouwillseethedeliverancetheLordwillbringyoutoday.TheEgyptiansyouseetodayyouwillneverseeagain.TheLordwillfightforyou;youneedonlytobestill.”

GodtoldMosestoorderthepeopletomoveforward.Heaskedhimtoraisehisstaffandstretchouthishandoverthesea.WhenMosesdidthis,thewatersplitintotwo!AllnighttheLorddrovetheseabackwithastrongeastwindandthewaterlifteditselfandmadehugewallsofwater.Allthepeoplewalkedondryground(atthebottomofthesea).

Whentheywerewalkingondryground,theangelofGodandthepillarofcloudmovedandstoodbetweentheEgyptianarmyandthe Israelites.Throughoutthenightthecloudbroughtdarknesstoonesideandlighttotheotherside.WhenthePharaoh’sarmyenteredthepartedsea,Godmadethewheelsofthechariotscomeoff, so that they had difficulty driving.When the Egyptians saw this they said“Let’sgetawayfromtheIsraelites,theLordisfightingforthemagainstEgypt.”

Meanwhile,theIsraelitesgotsafelytotheotherside.Asthesunrose,GodtoldMosestostretchouthishandovertheseaagain.WhenMosesdid,thewallsofwater immediately fell, thunderingback into the sea!As the Israeliteswatched

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Pharaoh’s army being buried by the Red Sea, they knew their God was verypowerful.AndtheyfearedGodandputtheirtrustinhim,andinMoses,themanGodhadsenttodeliverthem.

Second complaint: No water! God provided water for the Israelites:ThenMosesledIsraelfromtheRedSea,andtheywentintotheDesertofShur.Forthreedaystheytraveledinthedesertwithoutfindingwater.WhentheycametoMarah,theycouldnotdrinkthewatertherebecauseitwasbitter.(ThatiswhytheplaceiscalledMarah.)SothepeoplegrumbledagainstMoses,saying,“Whatarewetodrink?”

Oh!Thepeopleagainbegantogrumble.MosescriedouttotheLord,andtheLordshowedhimapieceofwood.Hethrewitintothewaterandthewaterbecamesweet.

Third complaint: No Food! God sends bread and meat from heaven.WhentheIsraelitescametotheDesertofSin,theydidnothavefoodtoeat.SotheyagaingrumbledagainstMosesandAaron.

Ask the children:

Whatdoyouthinktheysaid? (Ask one child to read aloud Exodus 16:3 and let the children answer in their own words).

Read Aloud:

Exodus16:3:“…IfonlywehaddiedbytheLord’shandinEgypt!Therewesataroundpotsofmeatandateallthefoodwewanted,butyouhavebroughtusoutintothisdeserttostarvethisentireassemblytodeath.”

Ask:

Whatdoyouthinktheyshouldhavedoneinsteadofgrumbling?(Let the children respond).

TheyshouldhaveaskedGodandtrusted,andwaitedpatientlyuntilthefoodandwatercame.

GodtoldMosesthatHewouldraindownbreadfromheavenforthem.WhileMosesandAaronwereannouncingthistotheIsraelites,theLordpersonallyappearedinacloudandspoketoMoses:

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Read Aloud:

Exodus 16:11,12: “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘Attwilight(evening)youwilleatmeat,andinthemorningyouwillbefilledwithbread.ThenyouwillknowthatIamtheLordyourGod.’”

Thatevening,quail(akindofbird)cameandcoveredthecamp,andinthemorningtherewasalayerofdewaroundthecamp.Whenthedewwasgone,thinflakeslikefrostappearedonthedesertfloor.Theselatermeltedawaywhenthesungrewhot.WhentheIsraelitesfirstsawit,theydidnotknowwhatitwas.MosestoldthemthatitwasthebreadGodhadgiventhemtoeat.ThepeopleofIsraelcalledthebread'manna.'Itwaswhite,likecorianderseedandtastedlikewafersmadewithhoney.

GodprovidedtheIsraeliteswiththismiraculousbreadthewholetimetheylivedinthedesert.


Why did God lead the Israelites by a pillar of cloud and fire by day and night? ToguidethemontheirjourneyandtolettheIsraelitesknowthatGodwaswiththemdayandnight!Thepillarofcloudservedasaguideduringtheday,andthepillaroffirewaslightforthemduringthenight.

What has God given us to guide us in our life’s journey? TheBible.

After watching God’s powerful hand deliver them from Egypt, why were the Israelites afraid when they saw the Egyptians coming behind them? They did not have the faith and trust that God would protect them from theEgyptians.


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What helps us to have confidence in God when we are afraid or when we face a problem? WemustrememberGod’snature.Heisalwaysgood,loving,faithfulandthepromise-keepingGod.KnowthatGodneverchangesandHeisincontrolofourlives.ItalsohelpsustorememberHisfaithfulnessinthepast.

After the Israelites miraculously crossed the Red Sea, why did the people panic when they had no water to drink and food to eat? TheyhadnotrustandfaithinGod.TheydoubtedHisabilitytocareforthemandmeettheirneeds.

Does God provide everything you want in life? No!Goddoesnotprovideuseverythingwewant,butHedoesprovideallthatweneed.Somethingswemaywantmaynotbegoodforusormaynotbetherightthingforus.(Give a few examples of wants and needs so children can know the difference).

Is complaining a sin? Yes!

Why is complaining a sin?Whenyoucomplain,youaresayingthatGoddoesn’tknowhowtocareforyouormeetyourneeds.It’sonewayoftellingGodthatwhatHehasgivenyouisnotgoodenough.

Did God hear the Israelites grumbling? Yes!HetoldMosesheheardthepeoplegrumbling.

When we grumble or complain does God hear us?Yes!Wheneverwecomplainaboutsomething,weareactuallygrumblingagainstGod.

What should you do if you are ever tempted to complain about things? ThinkaboutallthethingsGodhasblessedyouwithandsaya“thank-you”prayertoHim.

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WhenyouprayeverydayaskHimtohelpyoubecontent.

Youmaywantmanythings,butwaitpatientlywithoutgrumbling.TrustthatGodinHisperfecttimewillprovideforyou.

CheckwhetheryouareobeyingGodandHisWord.

ThisstoryisanexampleforustotrustthatGodwillprovideforoureveryneed—tobeassuredthatHelovesandcaresforus.It’salsoanexampleforusnottogrumblebutwaitpatientlyforGodtoprovideforus.

Whenothersthinkofyou,aretheyremindedofyourcomplaining,ordotheythinkofyouassomeonewhoiscontent?BeingcontentisaGodlyattitude.It’sbeingsureofthefactthatGodknowsyourneedsandwillalwaysbefaithfultoyou.

Writedownalistofthingsthatyou’regratefultoGodfor:

Things I Have Things I Am

PrayeachdaythatGodwillhelpyoubecontentandhappywithwhatHehasgivenyou.

CLOSE WITH PRAYER

APPLICATION

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• Whatdidyoulearnlastweek?• RecitetheMemoryVerseforlastweek.

Twelve Men Who Spied Canaan

LEARNING OBJECTIVES• UnderstandthatGod’swayistherightwayandthatweshouldtrustHim.• RealizethatsinceGodiswithus,wehavenothingtofear.• Godisgracious,lovingandforgiving;butHepunishessin.• Listen and take advice frompeople and friendswho trust andhavefaithinGod.

SCRIPTURE PORTIONNumbers 13 and 14

MEMORY VERSE Proverbs 13:20: “Hewhowalkswiththewisegrowswisebutacompanionoffoolssuffersharm.”

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TwelveMenWhoSpiedCanaan

• Shareanyexperiencethisweek,wheninsteadofcomplainingyouthankedGod.

Materials Required:• Amagnet• Paper• Somemetalobjectsthatwouldattractamagnet

Object Lesson: Magnetic forcePutsomemetalobjectsthatwillgetattractedtoamagnet.Askachildtocomeforwardandgivehimamagnet.Holdapaperwithsomemetalobjectsandaskthechildtopassthemagnetovertheobjects.Thechildrenwillseethatwhenthemagnetpassesovertheobjects,theywill jumpupandclingtothemagnet.Themagnetdoesn'thavetophysicallytouchtheobjects.Itjusthastocomeclose,andalltheitemsinitspathareautomaticallyattractedtoit.

Learning:Children, we should always take care to be found with people of honorablecharacterbecausecharacterislikethemetalobjects.Ifwestayaroundrebelliousandbadpeople,theircharacterwilleventuallysticktous.Evenifweneveractuallydoanythingbadourselves,byhangingarounddishonestorevilfriends,wedrawabadreputationtoourselveslikemagnets.

ATTENTION GETTER

Bible Story: Twelve Men Who Spied the Land of Canaan

TheIsraelitestraveledfromEgyptthroughtheRedSeaandintodifferentplacesinthedesert.NowtheywerestandingattheedgeCanaan—thePromisedLand.AfterroamingaroundinthedesertforsolongtheywereprobablyveryexcitedtoenterthelandthatGodHimselfhadpromisedthem.

INTRODUCTION

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The entire Israelite community grumbled and rebelled against God, Moses andAaron. A few peoplewho did not have faith and trust in Godwere influencingothers.SincetheyfailedtotrustinGodandgrumbledagainstGod,Godpunishedthem.TheyhadtostayinthedesertforfortyyearsbeforetheyenteredthePromiseLand.Let’sseewhyGodgavetheIsraelitessuchaharshpunishment.

GodaskedMosestosendonemanfromeachtribeofIsraeltoexplorethelandofCanaan.

Ask: How many tribes were in Israel? Therewere12tribesinIsrael.MoseschoseonemanfromeachtribetospyoutthelandofCanaan.(Ask the children to read Numbers 13:18-20 and explain what Moses asked the 12 spies to do in Canaan). HeaskedthemtoseeifthepeoplewholivedinCanaanwereweakorstrong,fewormany,toseeifthelandwasgoodorbadandifthecitieshadstrongwallsaroundit.Healsoaskedthemtobringsomefruitfromtheland.

The12spiesexploredthelandandreturnedafter40days.Theybroughtwiththempomegranatesandfigs,andaclusterofgrapesthatwassolargeittooktwospiestocarryitonapole.Let’sreadNumbers13:27-28toseewhatthespieshadtosayaboutthelandtheyexplored—Canaan(Allow the children to read and answer).

Say:Theysaid:

• The land trulyflowswithmilk and honey:Thismeans that the land hadplentyofwaterandwasveryfertile.• Thepeople living therearepowerful:ThedescendantsofAnak theGiantlivedthere.• Thecitiesarefortifiedandverylarge.

TEACHING CONTENT

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TheIsraelitesknewthatthedescendantsofAnakweregiants!Theyhadheardthatthesepeoplewereexpertwarriors.Soallthattheysawandheardmadethemscaredand frightened. However, two of the ten spies—Caleb and Joshua—did not believeonlywhattheireyeshadseen.TheyhadfaithinGodandchosetobelievethatGodwouldn’tallowanythingbadtohappentothem.WhatwasCaleb’sresponse?Let’sturntoNumbers13:30andreadwhatCalebsaid.(Allow the children to read and answer).

Hesaid,“Weshouldgoupandtakepossessionoftheland,forwecancertainlydoit.”CalebandJoshuaknewthatwithGod’shelp,theycoulddoanything.TheotherspiesdidnothavefaithinGod,theywereafraid.Whatwastheresponseoftherestofthetenmen?Let’sreadNumbers13:31-33(Allow the children to read and answer).Thetenmensaid,“Wecan’tattackthosepeople;theyarestrongerthanwe are. All the peoplewe saw there are of great size…We seemed likegrasshoppersinourowneyes…”Thegiant-descendantsweresobigthatthetenspiesfeltlikesmallgrasshoppersintheirsight.

ThesetenmenspreadfearamongtheIsraeliteswiththeirnegativereport.Allthepeoplebecamediscouragedandfrightened,andbegantocryloudly.TheycomplainedtoMosesandAaron;let’sreadNumbers14:2-4toseewhattheycomplainedabout(Allow the children to read and answer).

Read Aloud:Numbers 14:2-4

Say:Can you imagine this! They wanted to trade their freedom for slavery again!InsteadoftrustingGod,theydependedontheirownwisdom.TheyforgotthemanyoccasionswhenGodhadhelpedthem—howHehadfreedthemfromslavery,madeawayforthemtopassthroughtheRedSea,giventhemfoodinthedesert,andprotectedandguided them.Nowall theycould thinkaboutwas theirproblems,wheninfacttheyshouldhaverememberedtheirblessings.

WhenCaleb and Joshua heard the people’s complaint they fell face down, toretheirclothesandencouragedthepeople.Let’sreadNumbers14:8-9toseehowtheyencouragedthepeople (Allow the children to read and answer. Reiterate the answer after the children have done so).

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WhatadifferenceinthewaythetenmensawGod,andthewayCalebandJoshuadid.ThesetwotrustedtheLordandplacedtheirfaithinhim.ButthepeoplerefusedtolistentoCalebandJoshua;theyweresoangrywiththemthattheyeventriedtokillthem.

TheLordsaidtoMoses,“Howlongwillthesepeoplerefusetobelieveinme?”Hedecidedtowipethemalloutwithaplague(sickness).DoyouthinkMoseswouldhavebeenhappytohearthis?DoyouthinkhelookedatthisasagoodopportunitytofinallygetridoftheIsraeliteswhohadgivenhimsuchahardtimewiththeirconstantgrumbling?

IfyouwereMoseswhatwouldyouhavesaidtoGod?Let’slookatwhatMosestells God in Numbers 14:13-19 (Let each child read one verse aloud and answer the question in their own words).

Wow!MosesaskedGodtoforgivethesinsofthepeoplejustasHehaddonefromthetimeHebroughtthemoutofEgypt.GodheardMosesandforgavethemoftheirsinofunbelief.Butthereispunishmentforsin.

Whatwastheirpunishment?Let’slookatNumbers14:28-35.(Let each child read one verse aloud and answer the question in their own words).

TheirpunishmentforrebellingandnottrustingGodwasthatnoneofthemwouldenterthePromisedLand.Godproclaimedthatanyonewhowas20yearsandabovewouldnotenterthePromisedLand.They’dwanderinthehotdesertfor40yearsuntilallofthemdied.OnlythefamiliesofJoshua,Caleb,andallchildrenbelow20yearswouldenterthePromisedLand.

WhydidGodsaythattheywould live40years inthedesert?Theanswer is inNumbers 14:34 (Let the children read and answer).The12spiestook40daystospythelandofCanaan;sotheirpunishmentwasoneyearforeachofthe40days.

TheLordstruckdownthetenmenwithaplagueandtheydied.

TheIsraelitescriedbitterlywhentheyheardofthepunishment.ThenextmorningtheyurgedMosestoletthementerthePromiseLandimmediately.Moseswarnedthemnotto,becausetheLordwasnotwiththem;iftheytriedontheirown,they’dsurelybedefeatedandgetkilledbytheenemy.HoweverthepeopledidnotlistentoMoses;theyattackedtheCanaanitesandwerekilledanddefeatedbythem.

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Whatasadend for thepeoplewhodisobeyed,grumbledanddidnot trustGod.Howeverwhat awonderful assurance for thosewho trusted and believedGod;after40yearsthey’dbeabletoenterthelandofpromise—Canaan.Thus,GoddidfulfillthecovenantHemadetoAbraham.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONSNote: All discussion questions must be answered by the children, and NOT by the teacher. The guidelines given here are only meant to assist the teacher during the discussion.

Though God forgave the people, why did he punish them? Theyhadtosuffertheconsequencesoftheirsin.Whenwedowrong,wetoowillsuffertheconsequencesforthewrongwehavedone.

Do you think their punishment was very harsh? Why? To find the answer read Numbers 14:11 and 22. No!TheIsraeliteshadgrumbledfromtheverydayGodbeganHisplanofdeliveringthemfromEgypt.Rememberhow,whenPharaohrefusedtoprovidethemstrawtomakebricks,theyblamedMosesandAaronofbringingdeathuponthem.

Godhimselfwassadthat inspiteofallthemiraculoussignsHehadperformed,andafterallthatHehaddoneforthem,theydisobeyedandtestedHim10times.Imagine!GodwaspatientwiththemeventhoughtheytestedHim10times.Sowhentheyfinallyrefusedtochangetheirways,Godpunishedthembylettingthemreceiveallthenegativethingstheyhadbelievedthey’dreceive.Theyhadsaidthattheywouldalldieinthedesertandthatisexactlywhathappenedtothem.

Why did the Israelites listen to the ten men, and not to Joshua, Caleb and Moses? Maybebecausethemajorityofmen—tenofthem—weresayingthatthey’dbedefeatedbytheCanaanites.Ontheotherhand,onlytwomenweresayingtheycouldwin.

How were Joshua and Caleb different from the ten men? Joshua and Caleb Ten men Never murmured MurmuredTheydidn’twishtoreturntoEgypt TheywantedtogobacktoEgypt

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Never complained Complained PuttheirfaithandtrustinGod DidnothavefaithandtrustinGodTrustedinGod’sstrength DependedontheirownstrengthWhat does the Bible say about choosing friends? (Read the passages below to find the answer.) Proverbs 13:20 says,we need towalkwith thewise and becomewise, for acompanionoffoolssuffersharm.

Proverbs 22:24-25 says, not tomake friendswith a hot-temperedman, do notassociatewithapersonwhogetseasilyangeredorwewilllearnhiswaysandgetourselvestrapped.Wewilltakeupevilpeople’shabitsifwejointhem.

1Corinthians15:33-goodpersonbecomesanevilpersonifhechoosesevilfriends.

Why is it important for us to choose friends who live right and do the right things?

Theverseswejustlookedattellusthathavinggoodfriendscanhelpusmakegoodchoices.Welearnandfollowthegoodthingstheysayanddo.

APPLICATIONBothJoshuaandCalebhadthecouragetostandupforGod,andwhattheybelievedwasthetruth.IftheIsraeliteshadlistenedtoJoshuaandCaleb,theytoowouldhavesurelyenteredthePromiseLandalongwiththetwo.

Often,liketheIsraelites,wetoolistentoourfriendsandtotheworld,sayinganddoingthingsthatweshouldn’t.Wedon’twanttostandupfor the truth.We arewilling to go against God and disobey Him byfollowingtheevilwaysoftheworld.

TheBiblesaysin:

Romans12:9:Hatewhatisevil;clingtowhatisgood.

Psalms97:10:LetthosewholovetheLordhateevil.

Proverbs 8:13: “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride andarrogance,evilbehaviorandperversespeech.”

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CLOSE WITH PRAYER

Whataresomethingsthatyouoryourfriendsthinkareokforyoutodo,butGodsaysisnotright.

• Oktocopyonelittleanswerinthetest.• Oktosayalietosaveyourfriendwhodidsomethingwrong.• Oktocheatwhileplayingagamesoyourteamcanwin.• OKtousebadwordsbecauseeveryoneusesthem.• Notcooltopraybeforeeatingmylunchifmyfriendsarewatching.• It’soktotalkbadaboutyourfriendorotherclassmateswhentheyarenotaround.• It’soktolaughandputdownotherswhodon’tspeakgoodEnglish,orarenotgoodinstudies.• It’sokforyoutoplaywithyourfriendsorcousinsonSundayratherthangotochurch.

What are some of the wrong behaviors / attitudes you have copied from your friends?1.___________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________

4.___________________________________________________

Children,thereareonlyafewpeoplewhoobeyGodandHisWord,anddowhatisright.Ontheotherhand,therearethousandswhodowrong.Butjustbecausethousandsdoacertainwrongthing,itdoesn’tnecessarilymakeitright.God’sWord(Bible)tellsuswhatisrightandwrong.WhenwefollowHisWord,wewillsurelyenterthePromisedLand.Whatisourpromisedland?Heaven!

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