What Rahab experienced is a glimpse of God’s mercy we see in Christ.
Dear families,
In our Bible story today, we see not just mercy, but courageous mercy. Rahab by faith, courageously trusted God and hid the Hebrew spies. Mercy is not courageous until being merciful costs us something. Rahab's mercy was pushed to the testing point. She had compassion and, in doing so, risked her life. She showed mercy; as a result, she received mercy.
Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. Mercy was one of the marks of Jesus’ ministry. He modeled it for us on earth. There are countless examples of Jesus’ showing compassion and forgiveness to those who didn't deserve it.
Mercy always involves courage because you have the power—and often the right—to punish rather than forgive. In our world today, the act of forgiveness is often seen as a weakness. It's risky. Mercy that lacks courage will be sporadic in its application. We, like Pilate, will forgive until it costs us something. We will have compassion, but only from a distance. This is the beauty of Christ that we see in stories like Rahab.
The God we serve is lavish in His mercy and rich in His kindness. What Rahab experienced is a glimpse of God’s mercy we see in Christ. Jesus is the full expression of the mercy and kindness of God. Jesus isn't concerned from a distance; He took on human flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus didn't just act mercifully when it was convenient. He laid down his life so that we could be forgiven.
Rahab modeled for us what Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Let us today be extenders of mercy to others because of the tender mercy of God in Christ we have received because of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
Check out the resources below designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. You can also find the Adult Daily Discipleship Guide that accompanies our adult groups.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Preschool: The Israelites kept Rahab and her family safe, and she joined God’s people. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is safe and becomes part of God’s family forever.
Kids: By faith, Rahab believed God would win the battle. When the Israelites attacked Jericho, Rahab and her family received mercy and became part of God’s people. Jesus has won against sin and death. Everyone who trusts in Jesus receives mercy and becomes part of God’s family forever.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Preschool: What is a miracle? A miracle is something that shows God’s power.
Kids: What is a miracle? A miracle is something God does that usually cannot be done so that we can know He is all-powerful.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Preschool: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night. Joshua 1:8a
Kids: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
AT Home
Family prayer
Mornings: Ask God to give you guidance as you interact with others, make choices, and follow Him. How does God give us instructions for living for Him? Why is it important for us to follow the instructions God gives through the Bible?
Evenings: Praise God for the mercy He showed Rahab through the Israelites and for the mercy He has shown through Jesus. How has Jesus shown mercy through Jesus? How does it feel to know God loves you and wants to save you?
Family activities
For Fun: Hold a competition to see who in your family can build the sturdiest tower using building blocks or construction bricks. Use books or weights to see whose structure can hold the most weight. As you build, discuss why only God could defeat Jericho. Then, read Matthew 1 to find Rahab in Jesus’ genealogy. Discuss how God used this event to save Rahab and how she became part of His story to bring Jesus as the Savior we need.
To Serve: Contact an organization or ministry that supports children in foster care to see how your family can donate or serve with them. As a family, pray for the children in foster care to be loved and cared for. Thank God for His love through Jesus that makes it possible for anyone who believes to be welcomed into His family and loved forever.
family worship
adult daily discipleship
** Next week: God Gave the People the Land (Joshua 7–11)