The child will learn that:-
Bible Story Reference: Genesis 37: 12-36
Memory Verse:
Numbers 32: 23a (NIV)
“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord.”
Opening Activity
Bible Story
The brothers saw Joseph coming. They hated him so much that they plotted to kill him. What would become of his dreams then? They were going to lie and tell their father that a wild animal had attacked him (Genesis 37: 18-20). Mention that the brothers thought they could hide their sins, and no one would ever find out. Christians believe that God knows about all of the wrong things we do.
Reuben, Joseph’s eldest brother, stopped them from doing this. Instead he told them to throw Joseph into a pit. He planned to come back later and rescue him (Genesis 37: 21-22).
When Joseph arrived, they took off his colourful robe and threw him into the empty pit (Genesis 37: 23-24).
Not long after this, some men passed by. They were taking spices to Egypt to sell. One of the brothers, Judah, wanted to make some money. Instead of killing Joseph, he suggested that they sell him to these men. They sold Joseph for 20 pieces of silver. Joseph was taken to Egypt to work as a slave (Genesis 37: 25-28). What is a slave? How do you think Joseph was feeling now?
The brothers tried to hide what they had done. They took Joseph’s colourful robe and dipped it in goat’s blood. They took it back to their father and asked him if it belonged to Joseph. Jacob recognised the coat. He thought a fierce animal had attacked Joseph and killed him. Jacob was very upset and could not be comforted (Genesis 37: 29-35).
Meanwhile, Joseph was alive in Egypt. He had been sold to a man called Potiphar who was a captain in the King’s army (Genesis 37:36).
Remind the child that even though things looked bad for Joseph, God was still in control.
Questions
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for seeing everything that happens. Amen.
Crafts
Joseph in the Well
What You Need
Steps