Introduction
This week we move on from Joshua and into the book of Judges. The Judges were the leaders of Israel between the time of the conquest of the Promised Land and the crowning of their first king.
Our lesson this week will focus on Deborah, one of the judges whose story is found in Judges 4:1-23. Some of the main points we will examine are:
- We should trust God even when no one else does.
- Our faith can help others trust God.
- God forgives us when we cry out to Him.
Lesson walkthrough and overview
Download the lessons
Lesson guide
Remind the child of Joshua and how he led Israel to conquer their new land. Explain that after Joshua died, judges took over leading Israel.
Talk about how judges are people who enforce the law. Set up five or six stuffed animals or toy cars. Make up a law such as every teddy bear must wear a ribbon (be sure that at least one of the toys breaks the rule you have selected) and a punishment the bear would receive for breaking the law (such as sitting in the corner). Discuss and help your child figure out which toy(s) are breaking the rule. Explain that a judge would have to send the bear to the corner for punishment because their job is to follow the law.
Talk about traffic laws such as stopping at a stop sign or red light. Explain that the laws are there to protect us and that if people break them, they might have to go see a judge to get punished.
If your child is old enough, you may consider an additional game of allowing them to judge between more real-life problems. One example would be two little girls each have a doll. One steals the other’s doll, what does your child think would be a suitable punishment? Allow the child to think about this on their own, and then discuss their answer. Look up scriptures such as Ephesians 4:28 to explain what God says about the punishment for stealing.
Talk about how scared Barak was to do what God told him to do. Point out that Deborah agreed to help him, and that her faith helped Barak trust God. Talk about how sometimes we need someone else’s help to do something. Point to some candy out of the child’s reach. Ask if they can reach it on their own. Explain that if they ask you for help, together you can retrieve the sweet.
Talk about how the Israelites are in trouble because they disobeyed God, but that God forgave them and helped them when they repented. Celebrate that God forgives us when we ask Him.
Pray with your child and ask Jesus to help you both follow Him and help each other obey Him always.
Bible Story
Games and Activites
Included in this week’s downloadable lesson is a selection of games and activities that can be used to reinforce this week lesson.
- Collecting leaves
- Muddy walk
- Stuck in the mud
Worksheets
The goal of the worksheets is to teach the lesson of the lessons of Deborah, while supporting educational development and teaching. This weeks lesson includes:
Arts and Crafts
In this weeks lesson you will find:
Craft includes a free template and instructions.
Colouring pages
Download lesson
Download lesson
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You are such a blessing to me and to the family of God! This is by far the most concise and precise information to guide teaching preschool age children with focused simplicity, accuracy and creativity. I intend to use it for myself with my grandchildren and will be passing it along to my congregational children’s ministry leader. May God bless you, your family and your continued efforts in producing these wonderful resources.
Thank you so much for your comment. Your words are such an encouragement! We are so happy to hear that our family’s Bible lessons are blessing others. We pray that you will have a great time as you use these with your grandchildren.