YEA Lesson Library
God’s Care
About This Lesson
Just as Joseph relied on God’s wisdom to provide food for the people, the student is taught to rely on God (ultimately) for everything he needs.
Scriptures
Genesis 41:37-57
Psalm 19:11
Psalm 34:10
Proverbs 11:18
Micah 7:7
Colossians 3:24
Hebrews 11:6
James 1:9
1 Peter 5:7
Words to Know
REWARD - something given for something done
The Lesson
The king was having some strange dreams. He wanted to know what they meant. He called for Joseph to help him understand the dreams. Joseph trusted in God to help him. So God showed Joseph what the dreams meant.
God said there would be seven good years. During those years there would be lots of food. Gardens would grow grain and other vegetables. Cows and sheep would grow fat because they had plenty to eat. But then there would be seven bad years. Nothing would grow. People would be hungry. Animals would get skinny and die.
The king was very glad that Joseph helped him understand his dreams. He wanted to do something special to reward Joseph. So, the king put Joseph in charge of gathering food into barns. He saved food in the good years so there would be food to eat later.
Joseph told the people to bring food to his barns. He had big stacks of grain and wheat. There was food for the people and food for their animals. The people wanted to stop bringing food. But Joseph told them they needed more.
Then the seven bad years came. There was nothing for people to eat. They went to Joseph and he sold them food.
Joseph trusted in God. And, God blessed Joseph. Joseph went from being a slave in prison to being in charge of all the food. God used Joseph to help feed all the people.
Daily Devotions
Sunday: James 1:9
Monday: Psalm 19:11
Tuesday: Proverbs 11:18
Wednesday: Colossians 3:24
Thursday: Psalm 34:10
Friday: Micah 7:7
Saturday: 1 Peter 5:7
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Tell how many good years and bad years Joseph told the king there would be.
2. Describe what happened during the good years and the bad years.
3. Explain how God used Joseph to care for the people.
Topics & Themes
Authority
Dream
Famine
God’s Love
God’s Provision
Joseph
Pharaoh
Trusting God
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA students' and teacher's books, attendance and memory verse chart, stickers, Cassette tape or CD and music player, magazines or pictures, scissors, glue, construction paper, snack, candy and basket
Preparation
Young children depend on adults to care for them. They need someone to provide food, clothing and shelter. They can see their parents buy food at the grocery store and clothes for them to wear. But, because they cannot see God, they may not be aware that He is the One who actually provides for their needs. Remind the children that God cares for them by giving them loving people to provide for them.
Before you come to class, collect a supply of colorful pictures and/or magazines for the children to use in the Activity. Print "God Cares" at the top of pieces of construction paper (one for each child).
Review Questions
1. How many good years did Joseph tell the king there would be? (Hold up seven fingers.)
2. What would happen during the seven good years? (Children pretend to be a growing seed.)
3. How many bad years would there be? (Hold up seven fingers.)
4. What happened to the gardens and to the animals?
5. What did Joseph tell the people to do with their extra food?
6. How did God use Joseph to care for the people?
REACH Activity
Letter: G (Note: Use only words that make the G sound, not the J sound.)
Words: God, get, gardens, grain, good, gathering
Sentence:
PEOPLE GREW GRAIN IN THE GARDEN AND BROUGHT IT TO JOSEPH.
Song
“God Is So Good” is on page 87 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Give the children a little snack and lead them in prayer, thanking God for giving them food to eat. Thank Him for using Joseph to feed the people. Ask God to help them remember to look to Him when they have needs.
Printable Pages
