Passage: Judges 6-8
Big Idea: Do not fear, trust the Lord!
Reading: 6:1-10
Discussion: What had the people done that was “evil in the sight of the Lord” (verse 10)? Why do you think this is such a big deal to God?
Activity: Make a list of things that distract your heart from God.
Reading: 6:11-27
Discussion: What stands out to you in the interaction between the angel of the Lord and Gideon? How does God’s view of Gideon and Gideon’s view of himself differ? Why do you think that’s important to the story? What is the first thing that Gideon is asked to do? Why do you think he waited until night?
Activity: Kids draw a picture, adults journal or discuss this question: How do you think God views you and how does it differ from how you see yourself?
Reading: 6:28-40
Discussion: What is the difference between God and the baal? Why do you think Gideon put God to the test?
Reading: 7-8:21
Discussion: Why did God pare down Gideon’s forces to 300? Who is missing from chapter 8? What do you learn about Gideon’s character?
Activity: Kids: Use legos or draw or paint or act out the story of Gideon’s 300 men from 7:1-18.
Reading: 8:22-35
Discussion: What did the people want Gideon to do? Why? What was his response? How was Gideon’s true character exposed in verse 27? What’s an “ephod”? What happened to Israel after Gideon died?
Activity: Kids: Draw a picture of Gideon’s golden ephod.
