The Gospel Project at Home: Achan’s Sin and the Defeat of Ai
- Sarah Davis
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Read Scripture
Read all or parts of Joshua 7 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.
Preschool Bible Story Video
Elementary Bible Story Video
Talk About Scripture
Opossums are known for “playing dead” when a predator attacks. When threatened, the animal’s body goes limp, its tongue comes out of its mouth, and a pungent odor is released to make it smell like the animal has been dead for a while. Talk about a stinky situation!
The men of Israel suffered, and many died, because Achan did not follow God’s instructions. Once Achan had been punished for his disobedience, God promised Joshua that He would give them victory over the armies of Ai. Joshua and the men pretended to be defeated and ran, but it was a trap. The people of God won the battle and worshipped God.
The story of Joshua and Achan reminds us that we too are in a stinky situation. We are all sinners, and sin has deadly consequences. Our sin must be punished, but Jesus took our place on the cross to pay the price for our sin. As Jesus died, it looked like Satan had won and all hope was lost, but Jesus rose from the grave with victory and forgiveness for all who trust in Him.
Achan disobeyed the command of God, and his punishment was death. We also deserve the punishment of death for our sin. Jesus, God’s sinless Son, was punished in our place for our sin. Those who trust in Him are forever forgiven of their sin.
Pray: Thank You, Jesus, for taking our place on the cross and for enduring the punishment of sin that was meant for us. Though our sin made us enemies with God, Your perfect work has brought peace with God for all who trust in Your name. We will worship You because You are the victorious King. Amen.
Learn Scripture
Preschool Scripture Music Video
Elementary Scripture Music Video
Family Prayer
Mornings: Praise God for His mercy that is new every morning. Thank Him for being always present and always ready to help you obey His commands. How does the Holy Spirit remind us of God’s commands? How does the Holy Spirit help us obey?
Evenings: Ask God to remind you of His forgiveness and mercy provided in Jesus. Ask Him to help you flee from sin and obey Him in the areas where you struggle. How does knowing God’s mercy is never-ending help you deal with your failures?
Family Activities
For Fun: Talk about how no sin is hidden. As a family, choose five sins that people often try to hide (lying, being prideful, being jealous, and so forth), and write those sins on index cards. Then have your kids close their eyes as you hide the cards around the room. Hide the cards so they are difficult, but not impossible, for kids to find. As kids find the cards, make the connection to how Achan tried to hide his sin. Though we all try to hide our sin, God sees it and must punish it. However, there is forgiveness for all who believe in Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins.
To Serve: Volunteer to help with the next baptism celebration at your church. Your family could fill the baptistry prior to the service, arrange the supplies and rooms where families will prepare, or make cards for those who are getting baptized. Talk as a family about how baptism is a picture of what Jesus has done to save us. He died for our sin, and He rose again to give us new life in Him.
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