Joshua 1–8; 23–24

Joshua 1–8; 23–24

Overview

After Moses, Joshua became the next prophet and leader of the Israelite nation. The Lord told Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the promised land. As the Israelites exercised faith in Jesus Christ, He miraculously blessed them. The Lord stopped the waters of the Jordan River so that the Israelites could cross on dry ground. When the armies of Israel obeyed the Lord, He blessed them to win in battle. Joshua gave each tribe of Israel a land for their inheritance. Before his death, Joshua reminded the Israelites of all the Lord had done for them. He urged the people to choose to serve the Lord.

Encourage learners to come to know the Savior by studying the gospel daily. Scripture study gives us a chance to hear the Savior’s voice. The invitation to read the scriptures is an invitation to come to know Jesus Christ. As you teach your students about scripture study, encourage them to not only find what the scriptures teach about the Savior but to find Him. To learn more, see “The Savior Encouraged Others to Come to Know Him by Studying His Word” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2022], 25). An example of how to do this can be found in Lesson 61: “Joshua 1.”

Prepare to teach

The following information provides you with ideas of what you may need to prepare in advance for each lesson.

Joshua 1

Lesson purpose: To increase students’ confidence that the Lord can help them have courage when they face challenges.

• Student preparation: Invite students to think of situations when a youth might need to demonstrate courage. Students could ask a family member or friend for experiences they have had that required courage.

• Image: Moses ordaining Joshua

Joshua 2–4

Lesson purpose: To help students understand how they can exercise faith in Jesus Christ.

• Student preparation: Invite students to find a scripture that helps them understand what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ. Ask them to come prepared to share it in class. If needed, they could look up “Faith” in the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures.

• Videos: “Seek Learning by Faith” (33:35) from time code 3:15 to 4:33; “Exercise Faith in Christ” (1:43)

• Image: Exercising Faith in Jesus Christ

• Handout: “Examples of Faith in Jesus Christ from Joshua 2–4”

• Materials: A red thread, a pair of shoes, and a stone

Joshua 23–24

Lesson purpose: To help students choose to serve the Lord over other influences.

• Student preparation: Invite students to bring a small rock to class. They will use it as a reminder of the plan they will make in the lesson.

• Materials: A small rock for each student (in case some students do not bring one); materials such as permanent markers for writing on the rocks

Doctrinal Mastery Practice 4

Lesson purpose: To help students apply truths found in doctrinal mastery passages and learn and apply divine principles for acquiring spiritual knowledge.

• Student preparation: Invite students to choose one of the doctrinal mastery passages that they have studied this year. Encourage them to think of a realistic situation in which a teenager could benefit from applying the teachings in that passage. A list of the passages can be found in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023).

• Images: Objects that many teenagers might recognize but not know how to use; someone at a crossroads

• Materials: Papers for each group

• Content to display: Principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge