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TITLE: When Donkeys Speak: Listening for God’s Voice
FOCUS: Numbers 22:1–35
THEME: God can speak through anything or anyone—and He wants our hearts more than our performance.
PRAYER STARTER: “Lord, open our ears and hearts today. Help us hear You—even when You speak in surprising ways.”
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ICEBREAKER:
Have you ever had a moment when something odd or unexpected made you stop and think, “Is God trying to tell me something?”
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not sure
Briefly describe it: ___________________________________________
SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Aloud: Numbers 22:1–35
Break into three parts for clarity:
• vv.1–14: Balak’s request
• vv.15–21: Balaam’s response
• vv.22–35: The donkey speaks!
OPTIONAL VISUAL CHART:
• Map of Moab and Balaam’s route
• Character chart: Moab, Balaam, Balak, donkey, angel of the Lord.
DOUBLE-CLICK on the chart below to view it more clearly.
Numbers 22 Chart
TEACHING POINTS:
1. Backdrop: Israel camps near Moab. Balak fears them and sends messengers to hire Balaam to curse Israel. Read Deuteronomy 2:9 to find out why Balak didn’t need to worry about the Israelites harassing Moab.
2. God’s First Response (v.12): “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”
3. Balaam’s Wavering Heart: He says the right things but keeps entertaining the offer. His motives were not pure. It is easy to question the motives of others—some tips for recognizing our own motives are: 1. Don’t rely on what others say about a person; 2. Don’t rely on first impressions; 3. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes; 4. Find out all the facts before judging a person’s motives; 5. Recognize when Satan is tempting us.
4. God’s Permission (v.20): God lets Balaam go—but with a warning.
5. The Angel & the Donkey (vv.22–35): The donkey sees the angel three times and tries to protect Balaam. Balaam beats the donkey, and then God opens the donkey’s mouth! In verse 38, the donkey says, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
6. God’s Message (vv. 31-32): “Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me.”
PONDER THESE QUESTIONS:
• Do you act differently at home than you do at church?
• Do you help others only to receive recognition or rewards?
• Do you reflect Christ or seek your own glory?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
• What does this story teach us about God’s patience?
• Have you ever ignored a warning or nudge from God?
• What’s one way you can listen more closely this week?
CREATIVE RESPONSE:
Journaling Prompt: “Lord, help me listen—even when the message comes from unexpected places . . .”
CLOSING PRAYER:
“Lord, thank You for speaking—even through donkeys. Help us hear You and obey with humble hearts.”