Choosing to Serve for Kids: The Bible Story Explained Simply

Series: Promised Land (Episode 10 of 10) | Scripture: Joshua 23-24 | Ages 6+

Choosing to Serve is a Bible story from Joshua 23-24 in the Old Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

Watch the Full Story of Choosing to Serve

Watch Choosing to Serve in our 60-second video lesson. Your child can follow along and take a quiz after to check what they learned.

Watch "Choosing to Serve" on Faithful Kids

Part of our Promised Land series, 10 episodes covering courage, trust, following God, new beginnings.

What Is the Story of Choosing to Serve for Kids?

Well, friend — here we are. The final episode. And honestly? This might be the most important one of all.

Joshua is old now. His hair is gray, his body is tired, and he knows his time is almost up. But before he goes, he gathers the entire nation — every man, woman, and child — for one final, unforgettable speech.

And what does he do? He takes them on a journey through their own history. Can you imagine being there?

"Remember Abraham? God called him out of a land full of false gods and said, 'I'm going to make a great nation from you.' Remember how your ancestors went down to Egypt and became slaves for four HUNDRED years? Remember how God sent Moses? Remember the plagues? Remember Passover night — the blood on the doorposts — when death passed over your homes? Remember the Red Sea splitting in two and you walking through on dry ground?"

This story comes from Joshua 23-24 and is part of the Old Testament.

What Does the Story of Choosing to Serve Teach Children?

The story of Choosing to Serve teaches children important lessons about courage, trust, following God, new beginnings:

• This story teaches children about courage in a way they can understand
• God's love and faithfulness are visible throughout this story
• Every Bible story connects to the bigger picture of God's plan for the world

Key Bible Verse

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." — Proverbs 3:5

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

Every Bible story is an opportunity to talk with your child about faith in a natural, low-pressure way. After watching, ask an open-ended question like 'What was your favorite part?' or 'What do you think God was trying to teach us?' These conversations do not need to be long or perfect. The goal is simply to make the Bible feel like a living, relevant part of your family's life, not something dusty on a shelf.

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

What did Joshua do before giving the people his famous challenge?

Before his big challenge, Joshua reminded the people of their entire history with God. He walked them through Abraham's calling, slavery in Egypt, the Exodus, the wilderness wandering, crossing the Jordan, and the conquest of the land. He wanted them to SEE God's faithfulness before he asked them to choose.

What is the famous line Joshua told the people of Israel?

This is one of the most quoted verses in the entire Bible! Joshua made it clear that faith requires a personal choice. He couldn't make the decision for the people — each person had to decide for themselves. And Joshua led by example, declaring that no matter what anyone else chose, HE and his family would serve God.

What is the key lesson about faith from this episode?

Joshua's challenge was about "this day" — today! Faith isn't a one-and-done decision you make once and forget about. It's a daily, ongoing choice. Every morning when you wake up, you have the opportunity to choose who you'll listen to, who you'll trust, and who you'll follow. That's what makes faith real and alive — it's chosen again and again.

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

1. What was your favorite part of the story of Choosing to Serve?
2. What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
3. How can we be more like Choosing in our own lives?
4. If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
5. What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the Promised Land Series

This story is episode 10 of 10 in the Promised Land series:

• The Twelve Spies for Kids
• Wandering in the Wilderness for Kids
• The Bronze Serpent for Kids
• Balaams Donkey for Kids
• Moses Says Goodbye for Kids
• Joshua Takes Command for Kids
• Rahab and the Spies for Kids
• The Walls of Jericho for Kids
• The Sun Stands Still for Kids

400+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 400+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is 60 seconds, designed for kids Ages 6+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Choosing to Serve about for kids?

Choosing to Serve is a story from Joshua 23-24. Well, friend — here we are. The final episode. And honestly? This might be the most important one of all.

What age is the story of Choosing to Serve appropriate for?

This retelling of Choosing to Serve is designed for children Ages 6+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is 60 seconds long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is Choosing to Serve found in the Bible?

Choosing to Serve is found in Joshua 23-24 in the Old Testament. It is part of the Promised Land series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of Choosing to Serve for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a 60-second video retelling of Choosing to Serve designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use Choosing to Serve for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the 60-second Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.

What does Choosing to Serve teach kids?

The story of Choosing to Serve teaches children about courage, trust, following God, new beginnings. This story teaches children about courage in a way they can understand.