The 12 Spies

1/23/2025

12 Spies by Jennifer Tolbert

God has rescued and provided for the children of Israel. They have experienced his miracles, wonders, provision and protection. Over and over, he has proven himself to be true and faithful to them. Over and over, they continue to doubt and fail.

In this story, the long journey is over. The children of Israel have arrived at the Promised Land. However, given another opportunity to trust God, they falter.

Key Themes:

God chose Israel to bring salvation to the World.
Integrity is standing for what is right, even if it means standing alone.
God wants us to have faith in Him.

Memory Verse

Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Songs

Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E.
He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands
Hear, O Israel
Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
I'm in the Lord's Army
My God is so Big
12 Men Went to Spy on Canaan
The Judges Song

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time

Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. I Spy
Play a game of I Spy in your classroom. You can also make I Spy jars or use an I Spy book at circle time. Introduce the idea of a spy. SAY: It is a spy's job to secretly look and learn, to collect information and help someone make an important decision. Moses gave 12 spies a very important job on behalf of the people of Israel. They examined the situation using their earthly eyes. Joshua and Caleb looked using their spiritual eyes. They knew what God could do!

2. Taste Test
Food is always a good way to get kids attention. Bring grapes, pomegranate and figs. Let the kids taste test the different fruit. SAY: In today's story, these foods were used to show how good the Promised Land was.

3. God Glasses
Supplies: cheap reading glasses, magnifying glass or binoculars, sun glasses, etc.
Ask the kids: "what do all of these things have in common?" They affect the way we see. Some make us see more clearly, others help us see far away things up close. Sun glasses help us see things a little darker if it is too bright.

None of these items change the thing we are looking at, they only change the way our eyes see it. In today's story, Moses sent 12 men went to spy on the Promised Land. All 12 men saw the same things, two of the men had a very different report to give Moses than the other ten. Why? Because they were looking at things with their "God glasses" on! Discuss how knowing God changes how we see things around us.

Story: In this story, we are reminded that God wants to have faith in Him and that when we partner with Him, nothing is impossible. Apart from Him, we can do nothing! The Israelites must be so excited! After a long journey, God has finally brought them home. However, the land God has promised him is inhabited by lots of other people--big, strong people!

SHOW the power point Twelve Spies Sent into Canaan or read Numbers 13:1-14:45
EMPHASIZE that: