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Joshua led the people in a battle to overtake the walled city of Jericho. Instead of soldiers, priests and musicians led the people in marching around the walls of the city. After seven days of this, the people shouted and blew trumpets. Immediately, the walls of the city collapsed, and the soldiers completely destroyed the city of Jericho. Only one woman and her family were spared. This was because she (Rahab) had previously protected two Israelite spies.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 5:13-6:27

Outline:

1. Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord’s arm)y. (Joshua 5:13-15)
2. The Israelites overcome Jericho. (Joshua 6:1-27

Tips for teaching children:

• Younger children can build “city walls” from blocks. They can then reenact marching around 7 times before shouting to make the walls fall.
• Roll paper into tubes to make trumpets.
• For older children lead a discussion about commandments are sometimes difficult. We do not always understand at the time. Scriptures you might use could be:
  • 1 Peter 2:13-15 
  • 1 Peter 3:9 
  • Ephesians 6:1 
  • Matthew 5:44 

Tips for teaching adults:

• This story is not too long so the entire passage could be read aloud in class. Choose different readers to read the different sections of the story. Refer to the outline above to break the reading into parts.
• Ask the class members: “If you were in charge of the battle of Jericho, what battle strategy would you have used?"  
• Choose someone to draw a picture of God’s battle plan on a whiteboard.  Class members should direct the drawing by referring to the bible reading.
• Joshua 5:13-15 is a significant text.  Refer to Exodus 3:1-5 and ask the students to reflect on the following:
  • How are the stories of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush and Joshua’s encounter similar?  
  • How are they different? 
• End the class with a prayer of humility, pledging ourselves to be obedient to God even when we do not fully understand or see the bigger picture.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Fall of Jericho

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 3-4; 5:10-12

Outline:

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

Tips for teaching children:

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

Tips for teaching adults:

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

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Crossing the Jordan 

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

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Joshua sent two spies over the Jordan River and into the city of Jericho. Rahab, a woman in the city, let the spies stay at her house. When the city officials searched for them, she hid them on her rooftop under stalks of flax. She told the spies she would not turn them in as long as they promised to save her and her family when they returned to conquer Jericho. Before escaping to the nearby hills, they instructed her to tie a red cord in her window so that they would know where she was when they came back.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 1-2

Matthew 1:5

James 2:25

Hebrews 11:31

Outline:

1. God prepares Joshua to lead (Joshua 1:1-9)
2. Joshua prepares the people to take the land (Joshua 1:10-18)
3. Rahab protects the spies (Joshua 2:1-24)

Tips for teaching children:

• Use a paper heart to discuss how following God can change lives.
  • Prepare a paper heart by gluing two pieces of paper together. One paper should be black and the other white. Cut the paper into the shape of a heart. 
  • With the black side of the heart facing up, talk about how Rahab used to be a bad person doing bad things until she learned about God. 
  • Then, turn the heart over to the white side and discuss how Rahab began to follow God. She left her people and began to live with the Israelites.
  • Using the heart again, apply this concept to people today and ourselves. We can choose to live a good life or a bad life.
• Take the children on a walk to “find Rahab’s house”. Before the children arrive, find a window in your building and hang a red streamer or scarf from it.  After learning about Rahab, take the children on a walk outside so that they can spot “Rahab’s house”.
  
  

Tips for teaching adults:

• Begin the class by asking these questions: Have you experienced leadership change in your congregation?  What was it like?  What went well and didn’t go well?  What does it look like to step into a role after someone great has gone before you? How would you deal with fear or inadequacy in those moments?
• Rahab was of questionable character and an outsider, so "what does Rahab’s story teach us about who God might include in His redemptive purposes?" What does Matthew 1:5 add to this discussion? What does this tell you about God?
• Ask everyone in the class to write on a piece of paper an area of your life where you need courage or more courage.  Have the class members place the papers you have written on into a bowl, and then begin drawing them out of the bowl and read to the class.  Pray for each of these areas.

Full teaching instructions are free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Rahab Helps the Spies

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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In this episode, David and Mary read Luke chapter 24.

Other verses you might like to read at Easter are...

1. Jesus is buried. (Luke 23:50-56)
2. The empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12)
3. Appearances after the resurrection (Luke 24:13-49)
   • Road to Emmaus (13-35)
   • The Disciples (36-49)

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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As the time of Moses’ death drew near, the Lord told him to appoint Joshua as the new leader of Israel. Moses appointed Joshua and told him and all of the people to be strong and courageous because the Lord would be with them as they entered the Promised Land. Even at the age of 120, Moses was strong and had excellent vision, so the Lord directed him to climb Mount Nebo and view all of Canaan, the Promised Land. After viewing the land, Moses died.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 27:12-23 and Deuteronomy 31:1-8; 32:48-52; 34:1-12

Outline:

1. Leadership passes from Moses to Joshua (Numbers 27:12-23 and Deuteronomy 31:1-8)
2. Moses dies (Deuteronomy 32:48-52; 34:1-12)

Tips for teaching children:

• Play follow-the-leader with younger children. First “Moses” can lead, and then ”Joshua”.
• With older children, discuss attributes of a good leader (in school, in clubs, organisations and even government). If you notice natural leadership qualities in children, be sure and encourage them.
• Review the life of Moses. Collect items or illustrations that depict his life. As children look at the items they can share what this relates to in Moses’ life. Items might include a basket, leaves coloured as if on fire, anything from the plagues, a stick/staff, water, sand, the number 10 and more.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Divide class into groups of 5 or 6, supply paper/pens.  Challenge the groups to write down as much as they know about Moses from books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy – his life, his experiences, his ups and down, his personality.  Spend about 20 minutes in the groups and then come together to share what each group has written down.  Did any group have a fact about Moses that the other groups didn’t have?
• Another idea is to have volunteers draw on a whiteboard something from the life of Moses or something they know about Moses.  The rest of the class guesses what is being drawn.  As a teacher you could help things along by writing several things from Moses' life on cards and have people randomly draw a card and then draw this on the whiteboard.
• Ask each group to choose one thing about Moses that instructs us to follow God more closely and more wholly and pray about that.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Death of Moses

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Enemies of the Israelites paid money to a sorcerer named Balaam so that he would call a curse on God’s people. The Lord spoke to Balaam, but Balaam did not listen. As Balaam and his donkey travelled along a road, an angel of the Lord blocked the path of the donkey. When Balaam beat the donkey, God miraculously caused it to talk to its owner. Finally, Balaam saw the angel and realized what had happened. He ended up blessing the Israelites instead of cursing them.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 22-24

Outline:

1. King Balak summoned Balaam, but God took control (Numbers 22:1-20)
2. Balaam’s donkey talked (Numbers 22:21-41)
3. Balaam blesses God’s people (Numbers chapters 23-24)

Tips for teaching children:

• Make a donkey puppet
• Explain the importance of words by using a tube of toothpaste as a visual aid. As you talk about kind words, squeeze a little paste out of the tube and onto a plate. Then, share examples of unkind words and squeeze more out. After you have done this a few times, then ask the children to put the paste back into the tube.  Of course, this cannot be done. 
  In the same way, once words have left our mouths, we cannot take them back. The blessing or damage has been done. Be careful about what we say.
• Take the time to specifically and genuinely bless each child with affirming words. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Ask the class an opening question: Have you said anything that you later regretted? Are there any volunteers to tell your story?
• Words are powerful.  Read James 3:9-10.  Have the class discuss this question: How have you been blessed by what others have said, and how have you been cursed by what others have said? 
• Divide the class into groups of 4. Here’s the challenge: Each group chooses two families/individuals in the church to visit to encourage and pronounce a blessing on them. Each group member should write a note of encouraging words to bless the ones they see. Go visit this family, taking your notes of encouragement. After a brief visit, read the cards to the family, pray with the family, affirm your love, and leave.  

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Balaam and His Donkey

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Forty years had passed since the Israelites left Egypt to go to the land the Lord had promised them. After camping in an area called Kadesh, they ran out of water. When the people complained to Moses and Aaron, the Lord commanded Moses to speak to a rock so that water would miraculously gush from it. Instead of obeying the Lord, Moses chose to speak angrily to the people and then strike the rock twice with his staff. The rock produced water, but Moses paid a high price for refusing to honour the Lord. He would not live to enter the promised land.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 20:1-13

Outline:

1. The people complain and argue (Numbers 20:1-5)
2. God instructs, but Moses and Aaron disobey (Numbers 20:6-11)
3. God proclaims the punishment for Moses and Aaron (Numbers 20:12-13)

Tips for teaching children:

• Gather rocks and paints and guide the children in painting them as if water is flowing from them.
• Guide children to create a model. They can then use it to tell today’s Bible story to the class. Provide rocks, water bottles, spray bottles, straws, tubing, waterwheels or any other water-related items.
• Discuss Ephesians 4:26-27.
  • Uncontrolled anger allows the Devil to tempt us to act in ways we otherwise would not:
    We might hurt someone, say hurtful things, swear, or make bad decisions that we will regret later.
  • Following this discussion, point out ways we might control our anger:
    We could pause and count to ten, take deep breaths, remove ourselves from the situation, or take a walk. We can pray alone or with someone. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Our story today is only 13 verses long so that it can be easily read during class time.  Choose three readers to read the different sections or choose four people to read the different characters in this story: the narrator, the people, God and Moses.
• Leaders are held to a higher standard than the average person.  Think of the leaders in your congregation.  What kind of expectations does the congregation have of a leader that they wouldn’t have for the average person in the congregation? Are these expectations fair?  What would be fair expectations?  Pray for your leaders.
• Leaders do carry a lot of responsibility in the church.  And they are often not appreciated or thanked.  As a class, do something good for your leaders and their families to show your appreciation and show that you are thankful for them.  Here are a few ideas: take them out to dinner, buy a gift, buy a gift card, or publicly thank them in the worship assembly for their leadership. You could create coupons that they could redeem, such as “one free dinner brought to your house” or “one free lawn-mowing”, etc.  

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Moses Does Not Honour God

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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As the people of God approached the land of Canaan that God had promised them, Moses took a census to record the number of people in the twelve tribes. A representative from each of these tribes entered into the land of Canaan to spy it out. When the spies returned, ten of them reported that the Canaanites were too big and strong to overcome. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, had confidence that God would help them conquer the land. The Israelites were then made to wander in the wilderness for forty years as a consequence of their lack of faith.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 1-3, 13-14

Outline:

1. Moses organised the tribes and camp. (Numbers 1-3)
2. Twelve spies checked out the land and then reported back. (Numbers 13)
3. The Israelites rejected God’s plan and received punishment. (Numbers 14)

Tips for teaching children:

• Talk about the tribes using a pizza as a visual aid. Cut into 12 slices and place on small plates. Place a cup or coloured plate in the centre of the table and then arrange the plates around the cup to mimic the placement of the tribes around the tabernacle. After this, you can use the pieces to represent the 12 spies. Then, of course, eat the pizza!
• If adults are meeting in another room from the children, then ask the children to be spies and obtain information. For example, find out how many people are wearing black shoes or how many purses are in the room. Children will enjoy trying to do this without adults seeing them. Make sure you let the leader of the adult group know before you do this.
• Depict giant grapes by blowing up purple balloons and tying them together to form a cluster.

Tips for teaching adults:

•  Bring grapes and pomegranates to class for the students to eat while you are teaching.
• Since this story is probably too long to read in class, ask the class to read Numbers 13-14 the week before, or alternatively, you can summarise the story during class time. 
• If the class is large enough, appoint twelve people to stand before the class and represent the spies.  Two of the twelve will act the parts of Joshua and Caleb. Each group should try to convince the class of their point of view.  As the teacher, encourage each group to refer to the Scripture for their argument. 
• A smaller class might focus on the opposing positions of the spies.
  • The ten believed Israel should not try to take the land.  Be sympathetic to their position and discuss why you think they make sense to many people.  
  • Why was it so difficult for Joshua and Caleb to change the people’s minds? 
• Ask the class to discuss some things that they are afraid of and how that affects their lives—their decisions, choices, and actions. Follow up with, “How do you handle your fear? How should you handle your fear?”
• Pray about these fears.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Twelve Tribes and Twelve Spies  

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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God wanted everyone to know He was holy. Moses told the priests and the people how to worship God through sacrifices and offerings. God then revealed His presence by appearing as fire in the Tabernacle, in the Holy of Holies. Instead of worshipping the Holiness of God, Nadab and Abihu made their own fire. This disrespect was so great that the fire of the Lord consumed them and their fire.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Leviticus 10

Outline:

1. Nadab and Abihu disrespect God and die (Leviticus 10:1-3)
2. Nadab and Abuhu’s bodies are carried out and buried (Leviticus 10:4-7)
3. New Laws about priests respecting God (Leviticus 10:8-20)

Tips for teaching children:

• Tell the story using a big candle representing God and matches representing Nadab and Abuhu’s fire.
  Refer to missionbibleclass.org for complete instructions.
• Talk about the holiness of God as it relates to the lives of the children you teach. How does God want us to respect Him at school, on the playground, and at church?
• Print or write “God is Holy” in the centre of a paper. Guide the children in gluing red, yellow and red tissue paper around the border for decoration. Alternatively, children can draw, colour or paint a border of their choice.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Read the story in class using three or four readers.  To do a dramatic reading, choose one person to read the narrator’s part, another God’s voice, another Moses’ and another Aaron’s.  
• For greater understanding, I suggest the class watch the Bible Project video on Leviticus (8 min).  It sets the story in the context of the book. Following the video, lead the class in a discussion of the video.  Some conversation starters might be as follows:
  • How does looking at the whole book of Leviticus help us understand the story of Nadab and Abihu better? 
  • What does this story have to teach us today as followers of Jesus about holiness and taking God seriously?  
  • What are some specific things we can do this week to live as a people who are set apart for God? In our home? Our work? Our communities? And at church?  
  • How can we honour and show our respect for God?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Nadab and Abihu  

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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On their journey to the land of promise, God instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle. This tent structure, its furnishings and even the clothes worn by the priests serving in it were special and beautiful. When asked to give supplies and use their skills to build the tabernacle, the people were so willing and generous that Moses finally had to tell them to stop. When all the work was completed, the presence of God filled the tabernacle and was visible to the people as a cloud by day and a fire by night. When the cloud moved, Israel knew it was time to pack up the Tabernacle along with the rest of their belongings and move to the next stage in their journey.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 35:4 through 40:38

Outline:

1. Moses assembles the supplies and workers to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:4-36:7)
2. Constructing the individual parts of the tabernacle (Exodus 36:8-39:43)
3. Moses sets everything in place in the tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-33)
4. God’s presence fills the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38)

Tips for teaching children:

• Show illustrations of the tabernacle and the related parts (furnishings, priest clothing, etc.)
• Discuss generosity and then explore ways the children might donate or participate in a benevolent project. This might include donations to a food bank or clothing for those in need.

Tips for teaching adults:

• This is a large section of Scripture.  As a teacher, I would be prepared to summarise all of it instead of reading the entire text.  You may want to print the outline above and give copies to the class members.
• Show this online Virtual Tour of the Tabernacle.  Be sure to click on the ‘About’ tab at upper right of that website for helpful information about using this free material in public.
• Discuss Exodus 40:34-35 and what it means in our lives for God to be present among his people.  Encourage class discussion by asking questions such as:
  • How is God present among his people today?
  • How is this seen in our lives?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Tabernacle 

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Moses was on a mountain receiving the Ten Commandments from God. Down below, the people became anxious that Moses had been gone for so long. They begged Aaron to make a god for them to worship. He collected their gold jewellery and made a golden calf. When Moses came down from the mountain, he found the whole camp partying around the idol. Moses threw down the stone tablets and broke them. Moses ordered a serious punishment for this serious rejection of God. It was only after Moses begged God that God forgave His people.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 31:18-34:35

Outline:

1. The Israelites have Aaron build a golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6)
2. Moses begs God to have mercy on the people (Exodus 32:7-14)
3. Moses breaks the tablets and punishes the people (Exodus 32:9-35)
4. Moses continues to intercede for the people (Exodus 32:30-34:28)
5. Moses descends from Mount Sinai with new tablets from God (Exodus 34:29-35) 

Tips for teaching children:

• God is more important than anything or anyone. Talk about how treating something as more important than God is like worshipping an idol. For example, if we choose video games over God, then the video game is like an idol that we choose to worship.
• Younger children can make tablets out of Play-Doh and “write” commands on them.
• One craft you should NOT ask the children to make is a golden calf. God told them not to make an idol, so asking the children to do that very thing in class would not be a good idea.

Tips for teaching adults:

• This section is probably too long to read aloud in one class session.  I suggest you assign readers to read sections as follows:
  • Exodus 32:1-35
  • Exodus 33:18-34:7
  • Exodus 34:29-35
• There are several good points of discussion in this story. Choose one or more of the following for your class session:
  • Discuss how our culture shapes our views of God and how we relate to him.  
  • Discuss Moses and God’s relationship, especially Moses’ willingness to intercede on behalf of God’s sinful people.  What does this say about God?  About Moses?  
  • Compare and contrast Moses and Aaron in this story. When are you like Moses?  When are you like Aaron?
• Challenge the students to do acts of loyalty to God this week (putting God and things of God first). They should be prepared to share their experience the next time you gather.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Golden Calf  

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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The Lord knew that His people would need rules so that they could get along and they would know how to love and obey Him. When the Israelites came to Mount Sinai, Moses went up on the mountain, and the Lord laid out his covenant with his people, which included the Ten Commandments and laws for life and worship. As the people watched Moses ascend the mountain into God’s presence, they heard thunder and trumpet sounds and saw lightning and smoke. The Lord wrote the commands on tablets of stone and gave them to Moses for the people.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 19:1-20:21 and Exodus 24:1-24

Outline:

1. God prepares the people to receive the Law (Exodus 19:1-25)
2. The 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-21)
3. Formal agreement and stone tablets (Exodus 24:1-18)

Tips for teaching children:

• Play the memory game: Write the commandments on ten individual index cards and then make a duplicate set. Lay the cards face down on a tabletop and mix them up. Children take turns turning over two cards in hopes of making a matching set.
• Read John 15:14 together and discuss how obedience relates to love.
• Make “stone tablets” from salt dough or clay.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Use either ten pieces of paper or ten index cards and write one commandment on each.  Turn the ten papers facedown on a flat surface and then mix them up.  Have the students take turns turning a paper over. Once the commandment is revealed, the student should tell the others which commandment it is (first, second, third, etc.). They can refer to the Bible for the answer if needed. Once answered, turn the card back over and mix it in with the others. Students continue to turn cards over and answer until they are familiar with all of the commandments. Finish off by turning all of the cards over and putting the commandments in order.
• Challenge the class members to find ways to do the commandments during the week.  As they go about their lives, they should look for specific ways that obeying God impacts their own life and the lives of others. Ask them to be prepared to share their experiences during your next gathering. 
  • For instance, “You must not have any gods except me”.  How have they practised this?  
  • Or “you must not steal.”  How can you practice the positive counterpart to this, “You must be generous?”  

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Ten Commandments  

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Within days of leaving bondage in Egypt and heading toward the land God had promised them, the people began to grumble and pine for the comforts of their old life. Despite their complaints, the Lord provided for their needs over and over. He caused bitter water to become sweet and even led them to an oasis to camp during the journey. He fed them by providing meat via large flocks of quail that flew into their camp each evening and a miraculous dew in the mornings, which turned into flakes of sweet bread (manna) for them to eat. A larger portion of these were provided one day each week so that the people could rest and observe the Sabbath the next day.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 15:22-16:36

Outline:

1. God provides the Israelites with water (Exodus 15:22-27)
2. God provides the Israelites with food (Exodus 16:1-36)

Tips for teaching children:

• Memorise Philippians 4:19
• Guide children in drawing pictures or listing things that God has provided them with.
• Pray and thank God for what He has provided us with.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Using the outline above, assign two readers to read from the Bible.
• Challenge the students to consider the following: 
  • When faced with a crisis, what is our first response?  
  • If grumbling or complaining is our default response to a crisis, what practical steps can we take to develop a response of trust and thankfulness?
• This story introduces the wilderness experience of Israel, where God tests the people.  To give more context and understanding to the theme of testing, watch the Bible Project video on Testing.  Following the short video, reflect on it (especially focusing on the section related to our story today) and ask the class:
  • What new things have you learned?
  • In what ways might this affect your everyday life or attitudes?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  God Provides Manna and Quail  

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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God’s people were finally on their way to their own land, Canaan! A pillar of cloud led the way by day, and a pillar of fire guided them at night. As the Israelites arrived at the edge of the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army caught up with them. Pharaoh had changed his mind yet again! The Lord protected His frightened people. The pillar of the cloud moved between the Israelites and the Egyptian army. Moses then stretched his hand across the sea, and the Lord caused a great wind to part the water and hold it back while the estimated two million Israelites passed through. When the Egyptians followed them, the Lord caused the water to flood and kill all of them.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 13:17-14:31

Exodus 15:1-21

Outline:

1. God directs the Israelites to the edge of the sea (Exodus 13:17-14:4)
2. Pharaoh’s army follows, and the Israelites doubt (Exodus 14:5-14)
3. The Israelites cross the parted sea. The Egyptians follow and drown. (Exodus 14:15-31)
4. Celebration and Worship (Exodus 15:1-21)

Tips for teaching children:

• Look for “exit” signs and talk about how “exodus” means “exit”.
• Write names and words from the story on cards. Children take turns drawing a card and then dancing in a way that makes the others guess what was written on the card (similar to charades)
• Ask the children to share something this story teaches us about God.
• Write a song or poem about God’s strength.
• For a simple craft have the children decorate a cloud and a pillar of fire.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Choose participants to read the following passages aloud for the class:
  • Exodus 13:17 – 14:31 
  • Exodus 15:1-18.  
  • If time is more restricted, choose either to read either Exodus 13:17-4:31 or Exodus 15:1-18
• Begin the class by singing one or two songs with the theme of victory, battle, and warfare.  For instance, you could sing “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” or “Onward Christian Soldiers”.
• Here’s a link to a map that helps one to see possible routes of the Exodus from Egypt.    Download Map 8.
• For something different, use this YouTube link to a modern Hebrew composition of the song in Exodus 15.  It is sung in modern Hebrew but has Hebrew and English subtitles and a video background. 
• This event is told as a military victory with God as the victorious warrior-king who defeated the oppressive enemy.  Ask the class to discuss how the death/resurrection of Jesus can be described and understood as the victory of God over an oppressive enemy.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Crossing the Red Sea  

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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During the final and terrible plague upon Egypt, the firstborn children and even the firstborn of the livestock died as death passed through Egypt. Only those who followed God’s specific instruction to mark their doors were safe. As the angel of death passed over their homes, the Israelites ate the first Passover Meal. This last plague convinced Pharaoh to release the Jews they quickly left Egypt by night. Four hundred and thirty years of bondage were finally over.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus chapters 11-12

Outline:

1. Moses and Aaron warn the Pharaoh a final time (Exodus 11:1-10)
2. The first Passover meal (Exodus 12:1-28)
3. Death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:29-30)
4. God’s people leave Egypt (Exodus 12:31-51)

Tips for teaching children:

• Reenact the Passover meal (complete with food).
• Consider the seriousness of the story by listing who we know to be the firstborn in their family. This could even include pets.  If the Passover was happening now, then we would certainly want to obey God’s instructions.
• A fun idea is to eat French fried potatoes (or anything else in long strips). After enjoying the snack then show the children how to form a door frame with the fries. To re-enact the Passover instruction, add ketchup (or tomato sauce) to the “top of the door frame.”

Tips for teaching adults:

• Plan and prepare to celebrate a Passover.  This should be done in an intergenerational setting that involves all families in the class (or church) from the children to the grandparents.  There are several written Passover cereomonys to choose from.  Here are a couple of links on celebrating the Passover as followers of Jesus:  https://messiahinthepassover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Family-Messianic-Haggadah_Digital.pdf  and  https://www.celebratemessiah.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Celebrate-Messiah_Haggadah_2019_final-1.pdf
• Read Luke 22:7 – 30 and discuss how Jesus’ celebration of the Passover fulfils the Passover celebration

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Death of the First Born 

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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Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh that the Lord wanted His people to stop being slaves and to leave Egypt. Pharaoh became angry and treated the Israelites even more harshly. One after another, the Lord sent ten different plagues upon the Egyptian people. Sometimes, Pharaoh tried to bargain with Moses, but each time Moses caused a plague to stop, Pharaoh’s heart would harden, and he would say the people could not go.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 4:20-23 and 4:27-10:29

Outline:

1. God’s Plan to Save His People using Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:20-31)
2. First request to Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-21)
3. Second time to make the request of Pharaoh (Exodus 5:22-7:13)
4. The Plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7:14-10:29)

(The final plague in the next episode)

Tips for teaching children:

• Use reflection questions so that the children can engage the story:
  • What is something you wonder about this story?
  • Which of the 10 plagues would you have most hated experiencing?
  • How do you think the Egyptian people felt about their Pharaoh?
• Discuss the fact that God heard the people’s cries and helped them.  Encourage the children to share their struggles, and then everyone pray together.
• Give each child a chenille wire (pipe cleaner) and show them how to make a staff and then a snake.

Tips for teaching adults:

•  Set up the class to watch two brief videos that will give some background to the story of the Exodus, particularly the story of the 10 plagues. After watching these, discuss the connections you can make between these videos and the story of Pharaoh and the Exodus. Why would Pharaoh continue to harden his heart in the face of these increasingly destructive plagues?  
  Here are the links: 
  • The goddess Ma’at (3 min)
  • Gods & Goddesses of Ancient Egypt (4 min)
• Have the class read the following Scriptures. After reading, discuss ways to keep our hearts from getting stubborn or hard?  Finish this discussion with a prayer.
  • Psalm 1
  • Psalm 40:6-8
  • Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Let My People Go! 

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Even though Moses grew into adulthood in the Pharaoh’s palace, he always knew he was a Hebrew. After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to Midian for his own safety. During the next forty years, he married and helped care for his father-in-law’s sheep. One day, the Lord spoke to him. The Lord’s voice came from a bush that was full of flames but did not burn out. The Lord told Moses that he had been chosen to lead his people out of Egypt, but Moses offered up many excuses. The Lord gave Moses everything he needed to be a leader and even appointed Moses’ brother, Aaron, to help him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 2:11-4:17

Outline:

1. Moses kills an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15)
2. Moses Escapes to Midian (Exodus 2:16-22)
3. God talks to Moses (Exodus 2:23-4:17)

Tips for teaching children:

• Draw a vertical line down the centre of a piece of paper to create 2 columns. Write the title “God said” at the top of one column and “Moses said” at the top of the other. Add to each column as you talk about the story. Younger children will need more guidance, but older children can find the answers straight from the Bible. Instead of paper, use a whiteboard or chalkboard if you prefer.
• Use the fun marble painting method to create a painting of the burning bush.
• Make a texture map. Draw a map showing Egypt, Midian and Mt. Sinai. Glue on sandpaper for the land and blue cellophane for the water. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Draw a vertical line down the centre of a piece of paper or whiteboard to create two columns.  On the left-hand column, write “Moses’ excuses” and on the right, write “God’s response.”  Locate the five excuses from our text, Exodus 3:7 - 4:17 and discuss what Moses is really saying deep down in these excuses. How is God the answer to each one?
• Consider your own life. Have you ever offered any of these excuses to God?  What would God say to you?
• Pray for one another that each would be obedient to God and not offer excuses.
• Measure the distance between Midian and Egypt. Follow the link below to find a number of useful maps. If using the maps in class, be sure to read the copyright information first. https://www.knowingthebible.net/bible-maps

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Lord Speaks from a Burning Bush  

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Almost 400 years had passed since Joseph’s family, the Israelites, moved to Egypt. They were now slaves, and the current Pharaoh worried they had become so numerous. He ordered the deaths of all baby boys born to them. One mother, Jochebed, placed her infant son, Moses, in a basket and hid him among the reeds along the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter discovered him and raised him as her son.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 1:1-2:10

Outline:

1. The new Pharaoh fears the growing Hebrew population (Exodus 1:1-10)
2. Pharaoh’s plans for controlling the Hebrews (Exodus 1:11-22)
3. Baby Moses is saved (Exodus 2:1-10)

Tips for teaching children:

• Talk about families. What would it have been like trying to keep it secret that there was a baby in the house?
• Make a basket craft

Tips for teaching adults:

• Choose three or four readers to read the story aloud (using the outline supplied in the show notes). 
• Using a whiteboard or chalkboard, write the following character traits: abuser, courage, defiance, compassion, loyalty, and love.  Ask the class to write about these traits in addition to the characters in the story who exhibited or demonstrated these traits. 
• What can you learn from each of these women characters that you need or desire in your life?
• There are two families in this story: Moses’ and Pharaoh’s.  Using information from the story, describe what home might have been like in Moses’ family and then describe what home might have been like in Pharaoh’s family.  Pray that God will give you wisdom, guidance and a heart to be the godly family he wants you to be. 

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Birth of Moses 

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Merry Christmas from David and Mary!

We will be back producing more episodes in January.

Scripture reading today: Luke 2:8-20

If you would like to review past podcast episodes relating to the Christmas stories, follow the links below:

• Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus 
• The Birth of Jesus 
• Wise Men and a Star 

Music: Angels We Have Heard on High by moodmode. Copyright free, pixabay.com 

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Egypt and the regions near it experienced a seven-year famine. When Joseph’s brothers travelled to Egypt to obtain grain, Joseph did not reveal his identity until he saw that they were sorry for what they had done to him in the past. Joseph revealed his identity and forgave them for what they had done. After this, Joseph invited his father, Israel, to move the entire family to Egypt. Pharaoh welcomed Joseph’s family and gave them the land of Goshen as a place to live.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 41:53-47:12

Outline:

1. The brother’s first trip to Egypt to get grain (Genesis 41:53-42:38)
2. The second trip to Egypt to get grain (Genesis chapters 43-44)
3. Joseph reveals himself (Genesis chapter 45)
4. Jacob and his descendants all move to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-42:12)

Tips for teaching children:

• Discuss integrity and how it applies in a child’s world (school, friends, siblings).
• Older children can read Romans 12:17-19 and explain what it means.
• After telling the story, ask the children to choose a scene from the story and draw it.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Ask the class to read the story during the week leading up to your gathering. Ask them to be prepared to discuss it.  When gathered, ask the class for insights they gained in reading. How did the story relate to their own life?  
• Focus the class on Genesis 45:5-8 and ask the class: 
  • How could Joseph see God’s hand in all that has happened to him?
  • Why were the brothers only seeing their own guilt and punishment?
• Follow up with a time of reflection and consideration of our own life experiences.
  • How has God worked to bring good out of bad?  
  • Have we suffered through difficulties but later saw how God used that difficulty to go on to bring some blessing to others?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Joseph Saves His Family

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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In Egypt, Joseph became a slave to an official named Potiphar and quickly rose to be the head servant of the household. After Potiphar’s wife lied about him, Joseph was imprisoned. After interpreting the dreams of fellow prisoners, Joseph was invited to interpret the dreams of Pharoah. Pharaoh was so impressed that he placed Joseph in charge of all of Egypt to prepare for an upcoming famine. At every step, even away from his family, Joseph gave glory to God and acted with integrity.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis chapters 39 through 41

Outline:

1. Joseph in Potiphar's house (Genesis 39:1-20)
2. Joseph in prison (Genesis 39:21-40:23)
3. Joseph interprets the king’s dreams (Genesis 41:1-36)
4. Joseph saves Egypt from famine (Genesis 41:37-57)

Tips for teaching children:

• Define integrity as “doing right even when no one else can see what you are doing. Integrity is doing what is right because it is right.”
• Play a game, “What would you do if…?” Use this as a way to talk about what integrity means in various situations. For example:
  • What would you do if your friends at a sleepover wanted to watch a movie your parents had said you were not allowed to watch?
  • What would you do if you were in the school library and found $10 on the floor?
• Help the children learn about Egypt. There are resources online or in the public library.

Tips for teaching adults:

• For the following activity, you will need to choose volunteers who can read and then volunteers who can draw.
  • Have at least four different readers read the scripture aloud to the class.  Use the outline above as a guide for dividing the sections (or use your own outline).  
  • As the story is being read aloud, the other volunteers will be drawing what they hear. This can be done on a large whiteboard or paper so that everyone can see their work as they do it.
  • Afterwards, discuss the drawings and how they reflect the reading.
•  The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife is well known. Ask the class to discuss Joseph's integrity.  
  • Where did Joseph develop his character of integrity? 
  • What can we learn about integrity from Joseph? 
  • Why is it right to make the right choice even if we knew we would pay for it later? 

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Joseph in Egypt

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jacob had twelve sons, but his favourite was Joseph. Joseph’s brothers were jealous, so they conspired together and sold him as a slave to some traders heading for Egypt. They told their father that Joseph was dead.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Genesis 37:1-36
• Genesis 35:23-26

Outline:

1. Extreme family tensions and dreams (Genesis 37:1-11)
2. Brothers take revenge (Genesis 37:12-32)
3. Jacob’s grief (Genesis 37:33-35)
4. Joseph ends up in Egypt (Genesis 37:36)

Tips for teaching children:

• Guide children in writing the names of their siblings on small cards to form prayer reminders. Pray for the siblings in class and then send the cards home so the children will be reminded to continue praying.
• Draw an outline of a coat and decorate it with paints, stickers or glitter.
• Learn the names of the 12 sons of Jacob (from Genesis 35:23-26)
• Sing the “Sons of Jacob Song” song.

Tips for teaching adults:

• A long-sleeved coat was a symbol of favouritism and status.  Challenge class members to display objects or photos representing status and honour and discuss why these are considered important. 
• There is much negative emotion in this story, leading to tragedy.  Most of the students in your class can probably relate to the emotions in the story.  Ask the class to think about and discuss the following questions: 
  • How is your family like or unlike this family?  
  • Have you felt like your sibling was favoured over you?  How did this make you feel?  How have you dealt with your feelings?  
  • Which character do you identify with? Why?  
  • Each of us might experience jealousy or resentment at times.  How do you deal with jealousy and resentment in your life?  How should you deal with these?  Encourage the class to speak to one another about how they can deal with jealousy and resentment.
• Pray that we may learn to love and accept one another.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Joseph Sold By His Brothers

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Having deceived his brother and father, Jacob escaped to relatives in Haran. During the journey, Jacob dreamed of a stairway between heaven and earth on which angels were ascending and descending to the Lord at the top. God reassured Jacob of his blessing and promise. Undeserving as he was, this promise sustained Jacob over the next twenty years as he worked for his uncle Laban and built a family and wealth. Eventually, Jacob returned to his home and was surprised to find that his brother, Esau, welcomed him with open arms.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 28:10-33:20

Outline:

1. Jacob encounters God at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22)
2. A growing family and trickery at Haran (Genesis 29-31)
3. Jacob returns to Canaan and makes peace with his brother, Esau (Genesis 32:1-33:11)
4. Jacob’s family makes their home in the land of Canaan (Genesis 33:12-20)

Tips for teaching children:

• Dress up as one of the characters and tell the story from that character’s point of view
• Designate one area as “Canaan” and the other as “Haran.”  Move between the areas as you tell the story. (Start in Canaan, go to Haran, and come back home to Canaan.)
• Make a craft involving a ladder. Alternatively, make a ladder of pretzel sticks and little marshmallows.
• Draw a family tree with Jacob, his wives and children.

Tips for teaching adults:

• This story is quite long (6 chapters), so it would be helpful to summarise it for your students instead of trying to go into too much detail or read the entire passage of Scripture.  Use the outline above to help summarise, and then use the main points of the outline as "talking points."  Draw questions from one or two sections of the story. For example, relate questions to Jacob’s dream of the ramp to heaven and his wrestling with God.
• Alternatively, spread the story over four teaching sessions. Refer to the outline above and cover one of the four points per session. 
• To help students relate to the story, you might use one or more of these discussion starters:
  • Which character do you identify with (or have at some point in your life)? Explain.
  • How does Jacob’s character change throughout this story?  
  • God uses a scoundrel like Jacob to move his plans to bless the nations through him.  What does this tell you about God?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jacob Goes to Haran  

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Esau and Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau should have inherited the responsibilities and blessings that come with being the oldest son, but he rashly sold his birthright to his younger brother for a pot of stew. Later, in an elaborate act of deception, Rebekah and her favourite son, Jacob, tricked the elderly and blind Isaac. He was fooled into promising Jacob the family blessing. Jacob escaped his angry brother by travelling to his mother’s people in the city of Haran.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Genesis 25:19-34
• Genesis 27:1-28 through 28:1-5

Outline:

1. Twin sons are born to Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 25:19-26)
2. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob (Genesis 25:27-34)
3. Rebekah and Jacob trick Isaac (Genesis 27:1-40)
4. Jacob escapes to Haran to find a wife (Genesis 27:41-28:5)

Tips for teaching children:

• Before telling the story, place a blindfold on a child volunteer. Hand them various items that they can feel and identify. Afterwards, tell the children that there will be a blind person in today’s story.
• Use paper, a whiteboard, sand, and a stick to draw the four main characters (Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Esau). These can be simple stick figures. Help the children describe each character and what we have learned about them in today’s story. 
• Help the children concoct a stew. You could begin with a simple broth made with an instant soup packet and boiling water. Supply various ingredients and spices so children can add what they wish.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Since this is a long story, perhaps you can divide the class into two groups and ask them to read the story and discuss aspects of the story.  Hand each group a list of questions they are to discuss among themselves.  After discussing these questions, gather the groups again to compare their discussion and responses.
• Here are a few questions to hand to the two groups: 
  • In what ways are deception and trickery manifested in the story? 
  • What do you see as a primary theme in this story?  Why?  
  • Describe the characters of this story: Esau, Jacob, Isaac and Rebekah.  What are the positive and negative aspects of their characters?  
  • What is one lesson to be learned from the story? 

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Jacob, Esau, and the Birthright

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

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org