Sabbath School Lesson for November 14-21, 2025 Introduction of Lesson 8, Giants of Faith: Joshua and Caleb Memory Text: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 ESV As fallen human beings, we naturally are drawn to do the things we shouldn’t do, things that are not best for us or those around us. It’s easy then to see why children need good examples and role models during their growing-up years. But that need doesn’t end when we reach adulthood. We all need worthy people we can follow, in all stages of life. The author of Hebrews suggests that we follow strong, religious leaders, and adopt their way of life for ourselves. Caleb and Joshua were such leaders of faith for the Israelites. Both well into their seventies and eighties by the time they entered Canaan, they continued to be outstanding, spiritual guides for their countrymen, and even for all of us down through the ages who have observed and appreciated their humble, faithful life choices. Sunday: Faithfulness Monday: Give Me This Hill Country Tuesday: The Power of Example Wednesday: Humble Hero Thursday: Changed by Contemplation Sunday: Faithfulness The Hebrew word for “Caleb” is “keleb”, or dog, a word that is always used in a negative sense in the Old Testament, even though we today admire a dog’s faithfulness to its master. Caleb’s father was Jephunneh, who was a Kenizzite (Joshua 14:14). This is interesting because the Kenizzites belonged to one of the pagan tribes Abram was told would be driven out of Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21). Evidently, Jephunneh had been been integrated into the tribe of Judah, most likely over generations. Two other examples of this type of recognized integration were Ruth the Moabitess and Rahab of Jericho. Caleb’s original, outspoken report on the land “flowing with milk and honey” was not only filled with faith, but with courage. The congregation had been so angry with Joshua and Caleb that the two were almost stoned to death (Numbers 14:10). But, because of this early act of courageous faith by two of the twelve spies, we only remember the names of Joshua and Caleb. The names of the other ten have been all but forgotten by God’s people (Numbers 13:4-15). Verses and questions: Numbers 13:6, 30-32, Joshua 14:6-10 Caleb was forty years old when he was a spy under Moses, then wandered in the wilderness for forty years. How was it that he was eighty-five when given his inheritance? What happened during those additional five years? Monday: Give Me This Hill Country Two verses tell us that Caleb “wholly followed the Lord God of Israel” (Joshua 14:9, 14). Because of the “different spirit” Caleb possessed, Moses promised him an inheritance when they would finally occupy Canaan (Numbers 14:24). At the beginning of the land divisions in Canaan, Caleb boldly came before Joshua, God’s chosen leader to replace Moses, and reminded him of this promise. It should come to no surprise that he chose Hebron, a hill country that had giants of Anakim residing there (Joshua 14:12). One of the most well-known Anakites was, of course, 9.5 ft. (2.9 meters)-tall Goliath, whom David later bravely killed. At eighty-five years old, Caleb still had the faith to believe that God had the power to conquer and possess such a difficult area of Canaan. His thoughtful choice would surely serve as a model for the other tribes, when they faced similar tough challenges. Verses and questions: Joshua 14:6-14 What caused Caleb to choose the hilly countryside of Hebron, obviously not the most fertile land he could have chosen? What do these verses tell us about Caleb’s personality and degree of faith? Luke 6:45 How important are the words we speak? Tuesday: The Power of Example We see much of the same boldness and faithfulness of Caleb in at least two of his relatives. His nephew Othniel took up the challenge to defeat one of the city-tribes, after Caleb had rousted out three others. In exchange for this effort, Caleb had promised his daughter Achsah in marriage. Achsah must have been an outspoken lady as well. She not only procured land from her father with this exchange, but she persuaded him to give her and Othniel springs of water to go with it. Later we read in Judges 3:7-11 that Othniel became a judge and deliverer of Israel. After many Israelites had fallen into idolatry with their neighbors, Othniel defeated their pagan enemies, allowing God’s people to have forty years of freedom to serve God in peace. We, too, can claim the promises of God by persistently asking for them. We are reminded of the widow in one of Jesus’ parables, who was granted her request when she repeatedly asked a judge for justice against her enemy (Luke 18:1-5). Verses and questions: Joshua 15:16-19 How had Caleb’s nephew and daughter followed Caleb’s example of faithful courage? Judges 3:7-11 How did Othniel later show himself like his uncle Caleb? Why is it good to remember that we influence, not just our own children, but the children of others as well? Whose children might you be an influence in your life? Wednesday: Humble Hero Caleb was given one of the first pieces of land when the divisions began. He used his choice to show the Israelites that they could conquer those giants they had been told earlier to fear. Joshua’s later choice of land to inherit, given at the end of their land divisions, showed his humility. He also chose land that would be difficult to rebuild, but was near Shiloh, the place where God’s sanctuary had been placed. The town Joshua chose to settle in was Timnath-serah, a name that implied something leftover. Yes, Joshua showed humility in his choice. He would be happy to take the leftovers in the beautiful land of Canaan. And what no doubt made this choice most attractive to him was its closeness to <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-giants-of-faith-joshua-and-caleb-lesson-8/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Giants of Faith: Joshua and Caleb, Lesson 8 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2025 4Q, “Lessons of Faith From Joshua”“>Read more…

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The men felt the exhaustion closing in, but it waited on the edge of their excitement. Though night had fallen and they’d left the bustle of the crowd behind, the soft lap of waves against the wooden boat hull did little to calm their busy spirits. They’d spent the afternoon stepping back in time, walking alongside prophet miracles and sitting at the feet of the Messiah—their friend, Jesus. “Did you see people carrying food back home with them?” one man chuckled to himself, awe rising in his voice. “And those that were carried, those who were ill, the mute and deaf from birth—none left with their ailments! He healed them all!” another half shouted-half laughed. One man lay against the hard wood of the boat, clutching his abdomen, “I wish he were here now to heal my ailment,” he groaned, to the others’ laughter. “I guess when Jesus said he’d make us ‘fishers of men’ he didn’t expect we’d be sea sick!” Simon Peter mused. “Did you see the little boy again? The one who brought the little lunch basket?” “No. I didn’t see him leave. Why?” “It was like—he was—it’s like he was glowing. He was happy, yes. He was blessed to help feed the group. He probably felt special, yes, but he was glowing, like angels put the smile on his face and walked alongside him.” “Wow.” Simon sighed and laid back against a sack of supplies. Looking up at the sky, he settled into the silence of the night. The energy of the day had followed them onto the boat when Jesus urged them to leave him alone. It clung to them as they paddled through the water, singing and laughing together. It hummed between them as they each recalled the day in silence, seeing miracles in their minds, recalling their Teacher and His words.   What we often forget about this story is that it didn’t start with a miracle. It started with a tragedy. John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus and mentor to many of Jesus’ disciples, had recently been killed. They didn’t set out to perform miracles that day. In fact, Jesus had retreated for some time alone, but the mission followed Him. Like Jesus, it is often our first inclination to retreat when faced with tragedy, trauma, and difficulty, but God can use even these moments to minister. Do you believe it? Father in Heaven, Our world is not okay. We have children murdering children, families broken and hurting, abuse of every kind in our communities, and vast divides from one person to another. We know it wasn’t meant to be this way, and only You can reconcile this world. We trust You to do it in Your time, but please show us how to do our part. Help us to show someone love who needs it, forgive where difficult, and share the free gift of salvation with others at every opportunity. Help us to not be spectators only, but hands and feet, carrying baskets of miracles to a crowd in need—just like the disciples. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  Read from the Gospel Matthew 14  

Sabbath School Lesson for November 8-14, 2025 Introduction of Lesson 7, Ultimate Loyalty: Worship in a War Zone Memory Text: ” ‘But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’ ” Matthew 6:33 ESV As they entered the Promised Land of Canaan, God gave Joshua instructions on how to manage their excitement, including their fears and anxieties. By participating in simple, sacred rituals, they would be calmed and strengthened for whatever lie ahead. Rededicating themselves to the Lord kept their focus on the One who had always proved worthy of their respect and loyalty in the past. The religious practices Joshua led them to observe must have seemed irrational to them at the time. Circumcising themselves while on enemy soil, celebrating the Passover when time was running out, and stopping to build altars and set up the tabernacle in the middle of their conquest seemed foolish indeed. It required an enormous trust and faith in God, who was speaking through Joshua. Jesus called for similar acts of faith, admonishing us to seek God first in all our endeavors. He fulfills His part of the covenant by adding those things we need for success. Sunday: Covenant First Monday: Passover Tuesday: Altars of Renewal Wednesday: Written on Stones Thursday: Longing for His Presence Sunday: Covenant First What faith it must have taken for the Hebrew males to listen to Joshua’s instruction to circumcise themselves, an important sign of their covenant with God. Instead of preparing themselves for battle, this long-neglected practice would render the army vulnerable for at least three days. Regardless of this vulnerability, it was important that they act on it together, to confirm their shared identity. There are several ideas as to why the ritual had not been practiced during their forty-year wilderness journey. Perhaps it was not safe for infants to be circumcised, traveling in such a harsh environment. Or many think God suspended it as He was so displeased with their past unfaithfulness and refusal to enter Canaan. This new opportunity to show their faith through circumcision was welcomed though by the new generation about to enter the land promised to their forefathers. They all willingly complied out of gratitude to the One who would soon save them from their enemies. Verses and questions: Joshua 5:1-7 How would circumcision at this time have cemented their covenant relationship with their Creator? What kind of rituals today, such as baptism, help us identify as Christians? Matthew 6:33 How do we keep God first in our lives? Why is important for us to daily renew our covenant with the Lord? And how can we do it? Monday: Passover The time for celebration of Passover fell during the conquest of Canaan. It was important that they remember the first Passover that marked their redemption from Egyptian bondage. So, Joshua insisted they pause their battle plans and use the time to reflect on what God had done for them in the past, and what He could and would do for them in the future. Similarly, Christ replaced the Passover with a celebration of the Last Supper, known as our Communion service, in order to keep our minds on Christ’s death on the cross (Matthew 26:26-28, in the past), and on the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven (Revelation 19:9, in the future). Someday, the saved will find themselves walking on a sea of glass, reminiscent of the Red Sea and Jordan River experiences (Revelation 15:2). We, too, should use every opportunity now to celebrate our amazing salvation and future, eternal home in heaven. Verses and questions: Joshua 5:10, Leviticus 23:5, and Deuteronomy 16:6 How would the Passover have been a comforting ritual during this difficult time of peril for God’s children? What kind of freedom from bondage did they have to look forward to as they were about to occupy Canaan? What kind of freedom do we enjoy now when we focus on worshiping God? Tuesday: Altars of Renewal Patriarchs of the Old Testament were told to build altars of stone, lasting monuments that served as reminders of their covenant with God. Those who later encountered such altars were encouraged to worship there, meditate on their significance, and share the stories of faith they represented with all who would listen. The purpose of altars they built for God’s worship were different from those of their pagan neighbors. They were not built in order to please, or win favor with, an angry deity. Instead they were meant to create a place for solemn contemplation and prayer, a quiet place to renew their covenant ties with their loving Creator. Joshua, and Moses before him, recognized the potential of these altars, and even instructed God’s people to build new ones, as they entered and began to occupy Canaan. These monuments served as tools of renewal, reminding them to obey God and keep their relationship with Him and each other strong. Verses and questions: Joshua 8:30, 31 and Deuteronomy 27:2-10 What made this altar a reminder to obey God? Why did Moses, and later Joshua, feel the need for such an altar at this time and place? Wednesday: Written on Stones Shortly after the Israelites had entered Canaan, Joshua instructed them to build an altar of large, whitewashed stones, as Moses had earlier depicted. This one was distinct, however, because the entire Book of the law of Moses, was to be written on the stones, a permanent place for them to reside. This altar was to be located between two mountains in Samaria, Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Half of the tribes would stand on each side of the monument, each group facing a different mountain, which represented both the blessings and curses of keeping or disobeying God’s law. It was a choice that was always before them, one which held either good or bad consequences. Everything written on the stones was recited in front of the Hebrew tribes. This solemn ceremony was not only <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-ultimate-loyalty-worship-in-a-war-zone-lesson-7/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Ultimate Loyalty: Worship in a War Zone, Lesson 7 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2025 4Q, “Lessons of Faith From Joshua”“>Read more…