Older Primary Lesson Plan: Joshua 1–8;23–24

Opening Connection (Courage Comes from the Lord Being with Us)

Hold up a small toy figure (like a LEGO person) and a big book (to represent Moses). Ask: “If you had to be the new leader after someone amazing, would you feel nervous?”

Explain simply: Joshua had to lead Israel after Moses. The Lord didn’t tell Joshua, “You’re strong enough by yourself.” He told him to be courageous because God would be with him.

Read together the repeated message from Joshua 1. Invite the children to listen for the words that repeat:

“Be strong and of a good courage; … for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)

Ask: “What are some ‘big’ things kids might face, at school, in a family, or with friends, where they need courage?”

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Scripture Discovery (Find the Courage Words + Choose to Serve)

Passage 1: Joshua 1:9 (Partner Reading + Word Hunt)

Put children in pairs. Have them read Joshua 1:9 again and circle or list (on scrap paper) the courage words:

• “strong”
• “good courage”
• “the Lord thy God is with thee”
• “whithersoever thou goest”

Ask:

• “What is the reason we can be courageous?”
• “How is that different from just ‘trying harder’?”

Passage 2: Joshua 24:15 (Class Reading + Choice Question)

Tell them Joshua later gave Israel a very important choice. Read:

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Ask:

• “What does Joshua invite them to do?”
• “What does Joshua decide for himself and his family?”

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Core Gospel Principles (Build One Step at a Time)

1. The Lord can be with me wherever I go. The Lord promised Joshua courage and strength because He would be with him (Joshua 1:9).

2. God’s word helps guide my choices and brings blessings. The Lord gave Joshua counsel about scripture study (Joshua 1:8).

3. I can choose to serve the Lord every day. Joshua taught, “choose you this day” (Joshua 24:15). Courage often looks like making a right choice even when it’s hard.

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Interactive Learning Activities

1) “Courage Backpack” (Object Lesson)

Type: Object Lessons Materials: A backpack (or bag), paper strips, pencil/marker Steps:

1. Put the empty backpack on a chair and say: “This is like a hard day.”
2. Add a paper strip labeled: “The Lord is with me” and read Joshua 1:9 again.
3. Add a second strip labeled: “God’s word helps me” and explain Joshua received scripture counsel (Joshua 1:8).
4. Add a third strip labeled: “I choose to serve the Lord” and read Joshua 24:15.
5. Let a child wear the backpack and say: “Is this a better kind of ‘heavy’, the kind that helps you?”

Connect to scripture: Courage grows when we remember God’s presence (Joshua 1:9) and choose Him (Joshua 24:15). Questions:

• “Which paper strip would help you most at school?”
• “How does remembering the Lord is with you change your feelings?”

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2) “Choose You This Day” Corner Game (Physical Activities)

Type: Physical Activities Materials: Two signs: SERVE THE LORD and OTHER CHOICE (post on opposite walls) Steps:

1. Explain: “Joshua taught that everyone chooses” (Joshua 24:15).
2. Read a situation aloud; children walk to the corner that matches what they would choose.

• “A friend is left out at recess.”
• “Someone tells you to read something you know you shouldn’t.”
• “You feel nervous to pray because others might laugh.”

3. After each choice, ask 1–2 children to explain why.

Connect to scripture: Joshua’s invitation is active: “choose you this day” (Joshua 24:15). Questions:

• “Was it hard to choose sometimes?”
• “How can Joshua 1:9 help you make the brave choice?”

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3) “My Family Will Serve the Lord” Commitment Card (Hands-On Crafts)

Type: Hands-On Crafts Materials: Half-sheet paper or cardstock, crayons/colored pencils Steps:

1. Have children write (or copy) this line in large letters: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
2. Invite them to draw their family (or themselves) doing one way they can “serve the Lord” this week (helping, praying, reading scriptures, being kind).
3. On the back, have them write one simple choice they will make.

Connect to scripture: Joshua made a family decision to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Questions:

• “What is one way a kid can serve the Lord at home?”
• “How can your choice help your whole family?”

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Life Application Bridge (Crossing Hard Moments with Faith)

Say: “Joshua and Israel had big challenges ahead. We have challenges too, tests, friendships, fears, temptations.” Point back to the Courage Backpack strips:

• When you feel alone: remember “the Lord thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:9).
• When you feel confused: turn to God’s word (Joshua 1:8).
• When you feel pressured: decide ahead of time, like Joshua, “we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Invite children to name one real-life moment this week when they might need courage.

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Testimony Time (Gentle Sharing)

Ask: “Which scripture phrase would you want to remember when you feel nervous: ‘Be strong and of a good courage’ or ‘Choose you this day’?”

Invite 2–3 children (if they want) to share:

• “One choice I want to make to serve the Lord this week is…” Share your own simple witness using the scripture’s promise: the Lord truly can be with us “whithersoever” we go (Joshua 1:9).

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Take-Home Challenge (One Specific Action)

Give each child this challenge: Put your commitment card somewhere you’ll see it, and once this week, when you feel worried or tempted, say (out loud or in your heart):

“Be strong and of a good courage; … for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9) Then make one small choice to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

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Teacher Tips

• Keep transitions fast: After each activity, point to the same two scriptures again (Joshua 1:9; Joshua 24:15) so the lesson stays connected.
• Support quieter children: In the corner-choice game, allow a “stand by the middle” option for children who need time, then invite them to pick after hearing others.