Sunday, October 12
Crossing the Jordan

BIBLE TEXTS

Read Joshua 3:1-5 and Numbers 14:41-44. Why did God ask the Israelites to specially prepare for what was about to happen?

The ark and the preparations to cross the Jordan reminded Israel that they were not entering Canaan in their own manner and time.

Before God can fight for Israel in battle, they must show their allegiance to Him and trust in Him as their Commander.

How would you define miracles? Why does it seem that God is not performing similar miracles today?

Monday, October 13
The Living God of Wonders

BIBLE TEXTS

Read Joshua 3:5-17.

The crossing of the Jordan River is described in Joshua 3:5. Later, the Israelites meditated on these acts and, as a result, praised the Lord (Ps. 9:1) and proclaimed Him among the nations (Ps. 96:3). The plagues in Egypt (Exod. 3:20, Mic. 7:15), the crossing of the Red Sea, as well as God’s guidance in the wilderness (Ps. 78:12-16) were recounted as such wonders.

Read Luke 18:18-27. How does Jesus’ answer to His disciples encourage you to trust God with what seems impossible?

Tuesday, October 14
Remember

BIBLE TEXTS

Read Joshua 4.

The purpose of these stones is to become a “sign.” For example, the rainbow is a “sign” of the covenant (Gen. 9:12-13); the blood on the doorposts and lintels of the Israelite houses is also called a “sign” (Exod. 12:13); and most significantly, the Sabbath is a “sign” of Creation and of God’s sanctifying presence (Exod. 31:13, 17; Ezek. 20:12).

The potential question of future generations is significant because it is formulated in a personal way: “What are these stones to you?” Each new generation must internalize and understand the meaning of these stones for themselves personally.

What are some of the memorials, personal memorials, from your own walk with the Lord that help you remember what He has done for you? 

Wednesday, October 15
Forgetfulness

BIBLE TEXTS

Read Joshua 4:20-24.

Even today, if we want to maintain our identity as a people with a peculiar calling and mission, we will have to create occasions for refreshing both our individual and corporate spiritual memory in order to keep in focus where we are coming from, who we are, and what we are here for.

What practical ways can you suggest in your class for preventing spiritual forgetfulness, both as individuals or as a church?

Thursday, October 16
Beyond the Jordan

BIBLE TEXTS

Both the crossing of the Red Sea and of the Jordan are markers of a new era in biblical history, and both carry symbolic significance (see Ps. 66:6, Ps. 114:1-7, and 2 Kings 2:6-15). 

Read Matthew 3:16-17 and Mark 1:9. How do these writers of the New Testament imply a symbolic, spiritual meaning of the Jordan River?

How does the Sabbath point not only to what we are supposed to remember but to what we can hope for in the future?

Please share any other comments you may have about the Sabbath School lessons in general.