LifeWind International and Global CHE Network

JOSHUA 2: RAHAB AND THE SPIES Based on: Joshua 2:1-23

PREPARATION: In preparation ahead of time, it is well to read the story out loud, so you can both see the words and hear them spoken. After reading the story, close your eyes and imagine you are looking at the story taking place as you practice retelling the story out loud to check your memory. Then reread the story out loud to note where you made mistakes and try again. Repeat this process until you can tell the story smoothly and accurately. You may use your own words and cut down on the number of names, but stick exactly to the content of the Bible story.

INTRODUCTION: Tell this story after Joshua becomes their leader.

STORY: . What happened last time, in the story of Joshua becomes their leader? . Tell the story of Rahab and the spies, from Joshua 2:1-23. . Have the children act out the story, or do a puppet show or mime. . Does anyone want to retell the story?

DISCUSSION: Use some of these questions or add your own. Observation questions: (What happened?) . What were the spies sent to do? . Who is Rahab? Where did she live? . Where did she hide the spies? . How did the spies get away? . What did she ask the spies to do? . How would the people of Israel know where she lived? . What did the men tell Rahab to do? What signal did they have? . Where did the men go after they left her house? . What report did they give to Joshua? Should they enter the new land?

Understanding questions: (Why?)  Rahab was a woman with a bad reputation. Can the Lord work through people like her?  What risks did Rahab take when she hid the spies?  What would the king of Jericho do if he found the spies at her house?  How did Rahab trick the king of Jericho?  What did Rahab know about the Lord?  Why did their hearts melt when they heard the story of the Israelites?  What did they know about the people of Israel and their God?

Application questions: (How does this relate to me?) . Rahab knew what the Lord had done for the people of Israel. What has gone done for you? . Rahab took a risk in hiding the spies. Is following Jesus risky in any way? . Rahab tied a red cord to her window so they would be able to find her home. Does God know where to find you? . The spies promised to protect her family. How has God protected you?

Memory verse and coloring page: Joshua 2:9. You can use a memory verse games to learn this.

Practice: . Divide into pairs to practice telling this story. . During the week, tell your family, friends and neighbors the story of Rahab and the spies.

Used in: Children’s CHE/Spiritual/Bible Storying/Old Testament Coloring pages are from Calvary Chapel and are available from http://children.cccm.com/site/curriculum.htm. RAHAB AND THE SPIES

"I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” (Joshua 2:9)