1. In this session, we are looking at two figures who demonstrated faith in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. Read Hebrews 11:30–31. Have you ever seen God do something so great that there could be no possible explanation for how it happened apart from the miraculous work of God?
2. Read Joshua 2:1–14. Read Rahab’s confession in 2:9–11 and list everything this Canaanite prostitute believes about the God of Israel. Also, what does Rahab make the spies swear to in Joshua 2:12–14? What does this tell you about what she believes about God?
3. Read Joshua 6. Joshua 6 can be divided into three sections: the Lord’s instructions to Joshua, the execution of the Lord’s instructions, and the aftermath of victory.
As a military strategy, what was unique about God’s instructions for taking Jericho? Put yourself in Israel’s shoes (or sandals)—how would obedience to these instructions make you feel?
Describe the fall of Jericho. What is significant about the specific instructions God asks Joshua to follow once the walls came down? What happened to Rahab after the fall of Jericho?
4. The faith of Joshua and Rahab was not misplaced. The impossible was possible because of the God they put their faith in. How might God be asking you to trust Him with something that doesn’t necessarily make sense to the world—something that might even seem impossible? What could it look like for you to exercise a faith in God like Joshua and Rahab did? After discussing, spend some time praying for one another about the specific opportunities you have to demonstrate faith like Joshua and Rahab.
Ross Lester examines the faith of Rahab and Joshua—two very different perspectives that each reveal God’s kindness in welcoming us into His redemptive story.
