1. Introduction: 5 Minutes
What was a celebration you have been to recently?
Leader note: Have people in your group talk about a recent celebration they attended. Then ask them how people were celebrating. It could be anything from a birthday party, 50th wedding anniversary, or even a celebration of life at a memorial. There may have been songs, stories, gifts, videos, memory book, great food – whatever it was, have them talk about the celebration.
2. Observation: 20 Minutes
Read Joshua 3:5-4:9. How did God show His faithfulness to His people?
Leader note: As a reminder, do not read these comments to your group. These comments and notes are for you, as a leader, to help facilitate through the questions. You are to help your group observe the passages and discuss their findings in God’s Word. The sample answers are for you if your group gets stuck, read one and then tell them to look further into the passage.
Commentary:
God spoke Clearly what His plan was
God spoke to someone who was listening and receptive
God followed through on every single promise
Not one person was lost
They were delivered safely
His presence was with them
What would people have been feeling before, during and after crossing the Jordan?
Leader note: Have your group think about moms with small kids, dads, the priests who had/got to carry the ark, and even Joshua. What would have been going through their mind as they consecrated themselves in preparation to walk into an overflowing river? What about while they were walking through on the dry ground? What about when they got to the other side, completely dry because of God’s faithfulness?
What do you learn about the celebration that followed this event?
Commentary:
It was commanded of God
All people were represented
It was a memorial, for generations to come to remember God’s faithfulness
3. Understanding: 20 Minutes
Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in people’s lives?
Leader note: Think of family, or friends, or stories you’ve heard about how God has shown His faithfulness in their lives.
How do you see people celebrating God’s faithfulness?
Leader note: You may know people who have been reconciled because of God’s faithfulness and they celebrate that with a party. You may know people who have been healed, or baptized recently. Or maybe a baby dedication.
4. Application: 20 Minutes
How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your own life?
Leader note: Even in our hardest times we can celebrate God’s faithfulness, how He delivered us and made His presence known in those times. And in the worst of times, or the best of times, we can celebrate provision, grace and mercy.
As a group, create a memorial and celebrate God’s faithfulness in your lives.
Leader note: This could be a memorial of stones like in the Joshua passage. Or you could possibly plant a tree, or some other creative way to memorialize what God has done in your lives. Try to think of ways to celebrate all that God is doing in your life, in the lives of those around you. Be creative, let everyone participate in the discussion of how you can celebrate.
Leader note: If your group will be breaking for summer this may be a perfect way to end your time together this season. You can plan a party where you spend time building/making your memorial, tell stories, sing, feast, whatever you determine as a way to celebrate God’s faithfulness until you meet again.
PRAY: Spend your last few minutes together offering a prayer of praise and celebration. Bring needs to the Lord and pray bold prayers of celebration in the midst of trials and struggles. Hold up each other as living memorials to God’s work and provision.
5. Live it out: What affect will your memorial have on your family, friends and community as you share it with them?