Monday, October 31, 2016

Joseph Saves His Family

Genesis 42-46


For the first seven years, Joseph was in charge of gathering extra food for the people of Egypt.  That way, when hardly any crops grew, there would be plenty to eat.
The seven bad years began, and people in other countries had no food at all.  Even Joseph’s family did not have enough to eat.  So Joseph’s father sent his sons to Egypt to buy some food.
When the brothers arrived in Egypt, they went to Joseph and bowed down to him.  They did not know he was their brother.  But Joseph knew.  Joseph sold them some food.  Then the brothers left to go home.
Sometime later, they returned to buy more food.  Just as Joseph had dreamed, they bowed down to him—again.
“I am your brother!”  His brothers were afraid!
But Joseph told them not to be afraid.  “God meant it for good.  He had a special plan for me,” he said.  They all hugged.
Joseph’s brothers rushed home.  They told their father what had happened.  Jacob was so happy to hear that Joseph was alive.  The whole family moved to Egypt.

Discussion Questions


  • What was Joseph in charge of in Egypt? Gathering extra food for the first seven years
  • What happen the when the bad years began? People from other countries did not have enough to eat, even Joseph’s own family
  • Did Joseph’s brothers know who sold them the food?   No
  • Did Joseph know who they were?  Yes
  • Joseph’s brother returned another time to buy food.  How did he know for sure they were his brothers? Joseph had a dream they would bow down to him again.
  • Were the brothers afraid?  Yes, but Joseph told them don’t be afraid God meant no harm!


Prayer

Dear God, thank you for this story.  We pray that we are always faithful to follow God and forgive others.  Amen 

Memory Verse

“Lead me in your truth, teach me, for you are God my Savior.”   Psalm 25:5

Activity:  A Family Reunion

In our story Joseph was reunited with his family.  In today’s time, we often have a gathering called a family reunion to reconnect with family we don’t see very often.

Take time to plan a small family reunion!  Nothing fancy….gather at the park or picnic in your living room.  Invite your grandparents or other family members over to share a snack or meal.
During this time discuss the bible story!  


Forgiveness Activities:


MINDING MONEY: Scatter money over a large designated area inside your home. Divide your family into two teams and have children take turns running after ONE money bill and bringing back to offering plate for their team. Continue until all the money has been collected. Then count the money and see which team has the most money.


FORGIVING MUSICAL CHAIRS: Play musical chairs in the usual way but when someone is OUT (left without a chair), that one will share an idea about who or what we may need to forgive or ask forgiveness for and then will stand or sit in the middle of the musical chairs as the game continues.