The People Doubted (Numbers 13-14)

Unit 6, Session 2

Dear families,

Numbers 13 and 14 describe the culmination of the Israelites’ dilemma of doubt. Though God continued to prove Himself faithful, the Israelites clung to their perception of certain death rather than the assurance of their God-given victory. They trusted in their own understanding rather than in God’s covenantal promises.

What stopped God’s people from entering the land of Canaan? How do our doubts keep us from worshiping God as He leads us through difficult circumstances?

For 40 days, the Israelite spies traveled and scouted out the Promised Land before returning with their report. Indeed, the land flowed with milk and honey—just as God promised. However, it was also brimming with strong men inside fortified city walls. The fearful Israelites lacked faith in God and in the leadership He provided.

Moses urged God to relent from His anger, reminding Him of His perfect character and how the Egyptians would try to defame Him. God pardoned them yet swore these unbelievers would not witness the fulfillment of God’s promises for themselves. Only Caleb, Joshua, and the next generation of Israelites would inherit the land. Upon hearing this, the people tried to circumvent God’s plan by now going to battle on their own. This failed, of course, and many of the people were struck down by the Amalekites and Canaanites. Doubt and disobedience became the Israelites’ downfall. Rather than experience rest in the land of Canaan, they were left to die in the wilderness.

Though Israel failed to believe God and trust His Word, God remained faithful to His people. Today, because of the finished work of Jesus, we can turn from unbelief and turn to Him as the object of our trust. Though we may not know what is next on our journey with Jesus, we can trust that eternal communion with the Father awaits us and that the gift of eternal life is available to all who abide by faith. Lead the kids in your family to see the great mercy of God in allowing the next generation of His people to enter into His promises. May the children who learn this Bible passage recognize God’s call to abide in His love through faith in His Son.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: If we believe in Jesus and follow Him, we will be saved from our sin and live with Him forever.
• Younger Preschool: Joshua and Caleb believed God, and God let them go into the Promised Land. God wants us to believe Him and trust in His Son, Jesus. He will save us from our sins, and we will live with Him forever.
• Older Preschool: Joshua and Caleb believed the words God had spoken, and they were allowed to enter the Promised Land. If we believe the words that God has spoken about Jesus and choose to follow Him, we will be saved from our sin and will be with Him forever.
• Kids: Joshua and Caleb believed the words that God had spoken, and they were eventually allowed to enter the Promised Land. The people who did not believe would die in the wilderness. If we believe the words God has spoken about Jesus and place our faith in Him, we will be saved from our sin and will enter the new heaven and new earth.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He loves us.
• Older Preschool: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us and He loves us.
• Kids: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: God makes all things good. Romans 8:28
• Younger Preschool: All things work together for the good of those who love God. Romans 8:28
• Older Preschool: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
• Kids: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

** Next week: The People Complained (Numbers 16; 20-21)