Lead God’s Flock with Faith and Humility

Gideon, a Humble Leader, Trusted in God’s Power

Lord, help our children to trust in you like Gideon did, whose soldiers carried flames in jars.

Choose any of these children's learning activities that fit their needs and level of maturity.

1. An older child or teacher reads or tells by memory the story of Gideon, Judges 7.

Background:

· The Midianites had invaded Israel and were robbing everything of value.

· God let the Midianites punish his people, because they worshipped idols.

· This story tells how Gideon led God’s people to victory, because he trusted in God.

After relating the story, ask these questions about Judges 7:

· Why did God tell Gideon to send home men who were afraid? [See verse 2]

· How did God show to Gideon which soldiers he should keep with him in the battle?
[Verse 7. The good soldiers did not put their heads down to drink. They kept watching while they drank with their hands. ]

· What did their enemies dream that showed they would lose the battle? [Verses 13-15]

· What three things did the Israelite soldiers carry with them? [Verse 16]

· How did God use 300 soldiers to defeat the enemy army? [Verse 20. They broke the clay jars that hid the torches and blew the trumpets. The sudden flames and noise confused the enemies, who fought one another in the darkness.]

Gideon’s men shone torches and sounded horns, frightening away a strong enemy.

2. Dramatize parts of the story of Gideon’s Victory.

· Arrange with the main worship leader to present this drama.

· Prepare the children during their study time.
Let the older children help prepare the younger ones.

· Older children or adults play these roles:

Narrator (Summarize the story and help the children remember what to say and do.).
Voice of God, Gideon (Have objects or pictures representing a trumpet, clay pot, and torch.), Midianite (soldier).

Younger children play these roles:

Frightened Soldier, Careless Soldier. (Hold a bowl.), Watchful Soldier, Enemy soldiers (Hold imaginary spears or swords.)

Narrator                       Tell the first part of the story, from Judges 7:1-8. Then say,
“Hear what God tells Gideon.”

Voice of God              “You have too many soldiers.
The Israelites will think they have won this battle by their own strength.
Tell them, ‘If you are afraid, you may leave and go home.’
Watch the rest drink from the stream.
Take into battle only those soldiers who remain alert.”

Gideon                         “All of you who are afraid, go home.
The rest of you, drink from this stream.”

Frightened soldier
Tremble with fear. Say,
“I am afraid. I will go home.” (Leave.)

Careless soldier         Set the bowl on the floor and put your head down, pretending to lap the water.
Then say loudly,
 “I forgot to keep watching while I lapped the water like a dog!
I cannot remain in Gideon’s tiny army.”
(Walk away, leaving the bowl behind.)

Watchful soldier       Bring the water up from the bowl to your mouth with your hand. Say loudly,
“I watch while I drink.
Only 300 soldiers remain, but God can give us the victory!”

Narrator                       Tell the second part of the story, from Judges 7:9-19. Say,
“Hear what God tells Gideon.”

Voice of God              “Go to the enemy camp and listen to what they say.”

Gideon                         Walk up quietly behind the Midianite soldier and listen: cup a hand by your ear.

Midianite soldier      “I had a dream.
A little round loaf of bread rolled into my tent and destroyed it.
This means we will lose this battle!”

Gideon                         Go back to your soldiers and say,
“Israelite soldiers, God has shown that He will help us win this battle.
Here are trumpets and pots with torches lit inside.
When we get to the camp, blow the trumpets and break the pots open.”

Narrator                       Tell the third part of story from Judges 7:20-22). Then say,
“Hear what Gideon says,”

Gideon                         Shout, “Now!”

Watchful soldier       Blow the trumpet, pretend to smash the pot and raise the torch high. Then shout,
“A sword for Gideon and for the Lord!”

Enemy soldiers          Run around confused and pretend to fight with each other.
(Some say) “It is too dark to see!”
(Others say) “What was that noise?”
(Others say) “Look at those torches all around us!”
(Others say) “The enemy is among us Run, run!”  
(All Enemy Soldiers) Run away.

Narrator                       Thank all those who helped with the drama.

3. If the children dramatize this story for the adults, then let the children also ask the adults the questions under #1 above.

After the drama, ask the people to give other examples of how God uses us even when we are weak,
if we trust Him.

4. Draw a picture of a jar, a torch and a horn for the children to copy.

· Let the children show their pictures to the adults or their parents, and explain that it reminds us that God uses weak people if we trust Him.  Let the older children help the younger.

· Some children might like to copy or colour the picture found at the end of this lesson.

5. Poem. Let 2 or more children recite the verses of Psalm 23.

6. Memorize Mark 9:35:

He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first,
he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

7. Let older children write poems, songs or drama about someone who is led by faith as Gideon was.

They might do this during the week.

8. Let an older child pray:

 “Lord, you are almighty. You always win against the enemy. We are weak, but we trust your power, no matter what happens. We are conquerors through Christ.”