Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 17

Twelve Spies

The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
Trust God, not fear.

Numbers 13–14

Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Courageous Faith – We follow God even when it’s scary.

Memory Verse

...For we walk by faith, not by sight... - 2 Corinthians 5:7

Twelve Spies

Bible Text: Numbers 13–14

Answer the following questions:

After asking these for yourself, you will be ready to ask these questions of the students after you tell the story.
Question Answer
What did you like in the story?  
What did you not like in the story? 
What does the story teach you about God? 
What does the story teach you about mankind? 
What might the Lord be calling you to do after hearing this story? 

Teacher Soft Skills Development

Create 5 Questions and answers to thoughtfully review the text.
Question Answer
Who  
What  
When  
Where  
Why  
How  
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Classroom Sequence for Twelve Spies (Numbers 13–14)

#1 Welcome the Students

AHello students, please sit down and stay quiet for prayer.”

BPray and praise God for a beautiful day, and
ask God to bless the teacher and students.

#2 Rules Review

Use the rules chart to remind everyone to sit, listen, watch, put away their toys/personal items, and have fun.

#3 Music

Sing two or more joyful songs.

#4 Five-Finger Prayer Time

Thumb
Praise God for His
worthy character

Index Finger
Confess sins

Middle Finger
Thank God for
His great care

Ring Finger
Pray for those
who are weak
or in need

Pinky
Pray for my own
needs

#5 Bible Time

Use the rules chart to remind everyone to sit, listen, watch, avoid toys, and have fun.

#6 Story Time

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Start by sharing the big idea: “Trust God, not fear.”

Engage:

Tell the kids:

“When you hear the voice you should follow, cup your ears!”

Alternate quickly:

Fear Voice (dramatic):

  • “The giants are HUGE!”
  • “We can’t do it!”
  • “It’s too scary!”
  • “They’re stronger than us!”

Faith Voice (calm):

  • “God is with us.”
  • “We can trust His promise.”
  • “God is bigger than giants.”
  • “He will help us.”

Fear Voice:

  • “Let’s go back!”

Faith Voice:

  • “Let’s go forward with God!”

Conclude:

“Most people listened to fear—but Joshua and Caleb listened to faith. Which voice will you listen to?”

Expound: Tell the Story (5-10 minutes)
1. Mention the historical situation.
2. Begin: “This is a true story from God’s
Word.”
3. Tell accurately with gestures/pictures.
(Accurate/Transferable/Contextual/Short)

Explain (Before or after the story – not during):
1. Share insights and biblical principles.
2. Compare with Jesus or NT when appropriate.
3. Identify Christian virtue(s): Courageous Faith – We follow God even when it’s scary. 
4. Apply an example to real life.

Note: Learning to read the full passage and accurately retell a short version is part of the personal development of the teacher.

#7 Expand

Do 2 or 3 of the following as time permits. The teacher does not have to do everything listed – just choose according to the time permitted.

A. Retell the Story so the students can memorize it.

If possible, tell the story again so the students can memorize it.

B. Craft

The "Courageous Spy" Lookout Binoculars

These lookout binoculars help them visualize Joshua and Caleb looking past the "giants" in the land to see God’s big promises, reminding them to look at life through the eyes of faith.

Materials

  • 2 Empty Cardboard Rolls (toilet paper rolls work perfectly)

  • Green or Brown Construction Paper (to wrap the rolls)

  • Yarn or String (about 2 feet long, for the neck strap)

  • Tape or Glue

  • Safety Scissors

  • Markers or Crayons

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Get the rolls – Take your 2 empty cardboard rolls and clear off any leftover paper.

  • Cut the paper – Cut your green or brown construction paper into two pieces that match the size of your rolls.

  • Wrap the first roll – Wrap one piece of paper tightly around the first cardboard roll. Use tape or glue to hold it in place.

  • Wrap the second roll – Wrap the second piece of paper around the second cardboard roll and glue or tape it down securely.

  • Join the tubes – Place the two wrapped rolls side-by-side so they touch completely.

  • Tape them together – Wrap a piece of tape around the top section and the bottom section of both rolls to hold them together like binoculars.

  • Draw the fruit – Use markers or crayons to draw small purple grape clusters and green leaves on the sides to show the good fruit of the Promised Land.

  • Write the phrase – On the top of the binoculars, use a bright marker to write the virtue phrase: "Courageous Faith".

  • Write the verse – On the bottom or side of the binoculars, carefully write the memory verse: "The Lord is with us: fear them not. - Numbers 14:9".

  • Attach the string – Poke a small hole on the outside edge of each roll near the top. Thread your yarn through the holes and tie a knot on each side to create a neck strap.

C. Total Physical Response

Step 1: Teach the Motions 

  • “Giants” → stretch arms up tall
  • “Fear” → crouch down and cover eyes
  • “God is with us” → point up, then put hands on heart
  • “Go forward” → march in place
  • “Go back” → take small steps backward

Step 2: Call & Response Story 

Say lines and kids act them out:

“The spies saw GIANTS!”
(kids stretch tall)

“The people felt AFRAID!”
(crouch, cover eyes)

“But Joshua said, ‘GOD IS WITH US!’”
(point up, hands on heart)

“Some said, ‘GO BACK!’”
(step back)

“But others said, ‘GO FORWARD!’”
(march)

Step 3: Conclusion

“Will we choose fear… or trust God and go forward?”