Sing along with the Bible Verse Songs Playlist from Units 6, 7, and 8!

Family Worship:

Read all or parts of Numbers 13–14 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

Talk About Scripture:

M.C. Escher was an artist most known for his drawings that trick the eye. One of his most famous works, "House of Stairs," shows multiple staircases that are connected yet appear to be going in different directions. Escher used different perspectives to make it seem impossible that these stairs could really exist, but the drawings are based on mathematics that actually make it possible.

When the 12 spies returned from inspecting the land God had promised them, they had a difference of perspective. All of the spies reported how plentiful the land was and even returned with a large cluster of grapes, but most were also afraid of the people who lived in the land. The people focused on the perspective of a land full of unbeatable enemies and failed to trust God. Even though God had delivered them time and time again, they complained that Moses had led them out of Egypt to die.

Most of the spies believed it was impossible to defeat the people living in the land, but Joshua and Caleb believed that God makes all things possible. These two men urged the Israelites not to be afraid because God was with them. They believed that God would give them the land He had promised.

The people refused to listen, but because of their faith, Joshua, Caleb were allowed to enter the land of Canaan along with the children after wandering in the wilderness. What seemed impossible to many was possible with God. While it is impossible for us to save ourselves from the curse of sin, God has made salvation possible through Jesus. When we place our faith in Him, we receive the reward of eternal life that God has promised.

The Israelites did not trust God. They rebelled against Him. Jesus trusted God perfectly. He came into the world to take the punishment we deserve for our own rebellion against God. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and invites us into His kingdom forever.

Learn Scripture:

Family Prayer:

Ask God to give you courage to trust Him with your fears. What fears do you need to give to God and trust Him with instead? How do the stories of the Bible help you believe all things are possible with God?

Thank God for the ways He provided for your family today. Give thanks for your home, the food you ate, and the many other blessings that make life comfortable.

For Fun:

Go on an exploration walk at a state park or wilderness area. Ask your kids to journal the things they see and experience. After the walk, compare notes about what everyone saw. Review the story of the spies that inspected the land of Canaan. Talk with your kids about why we can trust God and His power when we’re afraid.

Go grocery shopping as a family and choose different fruit from the produce section. Allow each family member to choose his or her favorite fruit and another fruit he or she has never tried. Assign each family member a task in making a fruit salad using the fruit chosen at the store. Invite neighbors over to share the salad. Talk about the fruit-filled land God promised His people. Then, talk about all God has promised and provided for us through Jesus.