2.16.2025 | The People Doubted
Numbers 13-14
M.C. Escher was an artist best known for his drawings that tricked the eye. One of his most famous works, House of Stairs, shows multiple staircases that are connected, yet appear to be going in different directions. Escher used different perspectives to make it seem impossible that these stairs could exist, but the drawings are based on mathematics that make it possible.
When the twelve spies returned from inspecting the land God had promised, there was a difference of perspectives. The spies reported how plentiful the land was and even returned with a large cluster of grapes, but they were afraid of the people who lived in the land.
These spies believed it was impossible to defeat the people, but Joshua and Caleb believed God makes all things possible! The two men urged the Israelites not to be afraid because God was with them. They believed God would give them the land He had promised.
Because of their faith, Joshua, Caleb were allowed to enter the land of Canaan. What seemed impossible to many was possible with God. While it is impossible for us to save ourselves from the curse of sin, God has made salvation possible through Jesus! When we place our faith in Him, we receive the reward of eternal life that God has promised.
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 that 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.
Memory Verse & Question
Family Prayer Time
Mornings
Ask God to give you courage to trust Him with your fears. What fears are keeping you from trusting God? How do the stories of the Bible help you believe all things are possible with God?
Evenings
Thank God for the ways He provided for your family today. Give thanks for the house where you slept, the food you ate, and the many blessings that make life comfortable.
Family Activities
For Fun
Go on an exploration walk at a state park or wilderness area. Ask kids to journal or draw pictures of the things they see and experience in the land. After the walk, compare notes about what was seen. Review the story of the spies that inspected the land of Canaan. Talk with kids about why we can trust God and His power when we’re afraid.
To Serve
Go grocery shopping as a family and choose different fruits from the produce section. Try to allow each family member to choose their favorite fruit and another fruit they’ve never tried. Assign each family member a task in making a fruit salad using the fruits chosen at the store. Invite neighbors over to share the salad. Talk about the fruit-filled land God promised His people. Then, talk about all that God has promised and provided for us through Jesus.
