Week of 2.13.2022 | Day Two
This week’s lesson from The Gospel Project for Kids focuses on Numbers 20, Moses’ disobedience and the consequences for his sin. As you prepare your family to read and discuss this story, it is very important to have a right view of sin. If we don’t, we will be tempted to think God overreacted to Moses. Keep in mind what sin is choosing to go our own way instead of trusting and following God’s way. We might have a tendency to treat some sins as acceptable (grumbling when asked to do something, speaking rudely when we get frustrated, or spending extra time on electronics than allowed), while others are clearly wrong. The truth is, any sin big or small, is serious. It is rebellion against a Holy God and deserves punishment. To help your kids have the right view of sin, before going into the story of Moses, you will read through some Biblical truths that remind us of the seriousness of sin.
Big Picture Question
What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.
Christ Connection
Moses was a good leader but He was not perfect. Moses disobeyed God and the consequences were that he did not enter the promised land. We all have disobeyed God by sinning. But God gave us His Son, Jesus. Jesus always obeyed God. When we trust in Him, Jesus brings us into God’s kingdom forever.
Key Passage
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”
Exodus 15:11
Read
Numbers 20:2-13
Discuss
Why was God angry that Moses disobeyed?
God was angry that Moses disobeyed because Moses didn’t trust God. When we disobey God, it’s because we choose to do things our way, instead of God’s way. Disobedience comes from our lack of trust in God. God’s way is always best, even if we think we have a better way.
Do you feel like God’s discipline of Moses was too harsh? Why or why not?
Guide the kids to answer honestly. Remind them that it is often difficult to understand God’s actions because we have a limited perspective. Help them see that it isn’t wrong to feel confused when we think about God. Guide the kids to consider God’s holiness and discuss the ways Moses’ choice to strike the rock went against God’s holiness. Remind them that everything God does is right, even when we don’t fully understand it.
When are you tempted to act out of anger and how can you have self control in those situations?
Guide kids to think about their lives and consider the kinds of situations that make them very angry. Help them think about what their anger can communicate to others about God. It shows what is in our heart. God designed us with emotions, but when we are controlled by our emotions that is not glorifying God with ALL of ourself. If our emotions are from a place of selfishness, we know that is not glorifying God. You can use the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as a way to help kids see how to keep our emotions in check. We might feel angry when someone sins against us or someone we love, but we need self control to keep it from turning to sin.
Pray
Father, thank You for Your Word and how it teaches us to trust You. Help us to follow Jesus’ example in His obedience to You. We love You and praise You for always providing for our needs. Amen
Family Challenge
As a family, spend time praying and asking God to show you the little sins you might overlook in your life. Make an effort this week to recognize when your own heart is tempted to accept the small sins. Confess it in the moment. Memorize, 1 John 4:4- “…he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world,” to help you take captive your thoughts and fight your battle against sin.