Lesson 8 - Joseph
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors (Genesis 37:3)
Joseph’s Colorful Coat
Parent Explanation:
Joseph had many brothers, but his father, Jacob, loved him the most.
Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful, colorful coat. Joseph’s brothers were jealous because they didn’t get a special coat.
Questions:
What did Joseph’s father give him? (Answer: A colorful coat)
How did Joseph’s brothers feel about that? (Answer: They were jealous)
Hand Motions:
Coat Gesture: Pretend to put on a coat, saying, "Joseph had a special colorful coat."
Jealous Gesture: Cross your arms with a frown, saying, "Joseph’s brothers were jealous."
Activities:
Storytelling: Briefly recount the joy of Jacob when he gave the coat to Joseph and how it made the brothers feel.
Interactive Question: If you had a special coat, what colors would it be?
Joseph’s Brothers Sell Him
Parent Explanation:
Joseph’s brothers were so jealous of him that they did something very mean.
They sold Joseph to some people who were going to Egypt, and Joseph had to leave his home. But God was with Joseph, even in Egypt.
Questions:
What did Joseph’s brothers do to him? (Answer: They sold him)
Was God still with Joseph, even in Egypt? (Answer: Yes)
Hand Motions:
Selling Gesture: Hold your hands out as if giving something away, saying, "Joseph’s brothers sold him to strangers."
God with Him Gesture: Point upward, saying, "But God was still with Joseph."
Activities:
Role-Play: Act out the scene where Joseph’s brothers sell him, but emphasize that God is still with Joseph wherever he goes.
Question: What should we do when we feel upset with someone? Should we be mean or talk to them?
Joseph in Egypt
Parent Explanation:
When Joseph was in Egypt, he worked for a man named Potiphar.
Joseph trusted God and did his best, and God helped him. Potiphar liked Joseph so much that he trusted Joseph to take care of everything.
Questions:
Who did Joseph work for in Egypt? (Answer: Potiphar)
Did Joseph trust God, even when things were hard? (Answer: Yes)
Hand Motions:
Working Gesture: Pretend to work by moving your hands like you’re cleaning or helping, saying, "Joseph worked hard in Egypt."
Trusting God Gesture: Place your hands on your heart, saying, "Joseph trusted God."
Activities:
Work Role-Play: Pretend to work hard with your child, like Joseph in Potiphar’s house, and remind them how Joseph trusted God.
Reflection Question: When things are hard, can we trust God like Joseph did?
Joseph Saves Egypt from Hunger
Parent Explanation:
The king of Egypt, called Pharaoh, had a dream, but no one could understand it.
God helped Joseph understand the dream. There would be 7 years with lots of food, and then 7 years with no food. Joseph helped save food during the good years so everyone would have enough to eat later.
Questions:
Who helped Joseph understand Pharaoh’s dream? (Answer: God)
What did Joseph do to help Egypt?" (Answer: He saved food for the famine)
Hand Motions:
Dream Gesture: Pretend to sleep and wake up surprised, saying, "Pharaoh had a dream!"
Saving Food Gesture: Pretend to gather food in your arms, saying, "Joseph saved food for the bad years."
Activities:
Food-Saving Role-Play: Pretend with your child to gather and store food, explaining how Joseph saved enough food for everyone in Egypt.
Question: What do we do when we have extra? Can we share or save it for later?
Joseph Forgives His Brothers
Parent Explanation:
Many years later, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt because they were hungry. They didn’t know that Joseph was the important ruler in Egypt.
Even though his brothers had been mean to him, Joseph forgave them and gave them food. Joseph’s family was together again.
Questions:
Did Joseph forgive his brothers, even though they were mean to him? (Answer: Yes)
What did Joseph do for his brothers? (Answer: He forgave them and gave them food)
Hand Motions:
Forgiveness Gesture: Hug yourself or your child, saying, "Joseph forgave his brothers."
Giving Food Gesture: Pretend to give food to someone, saying, "Joseph gave his brothers food."
Activities:
Forgiveness Role-Play: Practice saying, "I forgive you," and giving a big hug, just like Joseph forgave his brothers.
Reflection Question: When someone is mean, should we forgive them like Joseph did?