Joshua 24
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
It was a special day. A very special day. All the people came together. They came from far and near. Little children walked with mommy and daddy. Grandpas and grandmas came too. They all came to one place. That place was called Shechem.
There stood an old, old man. His name was Joshua. Joshua had white hair. He had walked with the people for a very long time. And he loved God very much.
Joshua looked at all the people. Then he began to speak. His voice was warm. And a little bit serious.
"Listen," said Joshua. "God has done so much for you. God brought you out of Egypt. God took care of you in the desert. God gave you food. God gave you water. God brought you to this beautiful land."
All the people listened. It was very quiet.
What Does This Mean?
Then Joshua said something important. Very important. "You have to choose," he said. "Who do you want to serve? Some people pray to statues of wood. Some people pray to statues of stone. But those statues cannot hear. Those statues cannot help."
Joshua stood up straight and tall. His eyes shone. "I know who I choose," he said. "I choose the LORD. Me and my whole house, we will serve the LORD!"
The people looked at each other. And then they called out loud: "We choose God too! God is our God!"
The Common Thread
God is so happy when people choose Him. God had already chosen the people long before. God said: "You are Mine." And now the people said back: "Yes, You are ours!"
Long, long after Joshua came Jesus. Jesus also said: come to Me. Jesus also asks: do you want to be Mine? And Jesus always holds on tight. He never lets go.
For You
You can choose too. Every day again. Do you know what choosing looks like for you? Choosing is saying: "God, I want to listen to You." Choosing is folding your hands and praying. Choosing is being kind, even when you are angry. Choosing is telling mommy or daddy: "I love Jesus."
That is not always easy. Sometimes you forget. That is okay. Then you may choose again tomorrow. And the day after. God waits for you. God is happy with every small yes.
Joshua chose God with his whole house. You can do that with your family too. Together at the table. Together at bedtime. Together saying: we belong to God.
Talk About It
Joshua said: I choose God. Do you want to say that too? Say it out loud one time.
What is something small you can do today because you love God?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You chose me.
I want to choose You too.
Every day.
Help me when I forget.
Hold my hand tight, please.
Amen.
Questions about Joshua 24
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Joshua 24 about?
What does Joshua 24 say?
What does Joshua 24 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Joshua 24?
Why is Joshua 24 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
They had just declared, "We will serve Yahweh." And Joshua answers, "Now therefore put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to Yahweh, the God of Israel." So the idols were still there. Tucked in the tents, carried through the wilderness, unmentioned. What have you brought with you that you have never named out loud?
Joshua wrote the words of the covenant "in the book of the law of God." Then he took a great stone and set it up under the oak. Ink on a page, and a stone you could touch. He knew our hearts. We forget what we promised on the mountaintop. What stone stands in your life today, quietly reminding you of what you once said yes to?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
Philippines
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
India
Zambia
South Africa
Malawi
Indonesia
Kenya
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
Liberia
