YEA Lesson Library
Together Again!
About This Lesson
Using Joseph’s interaction with his brothers as an example, this lesson teaches the student to be willing to forgive and love others regardless of their actions.
Scriptures
Genesis 44:24-34
Genesis 45:1-28
Psalm 133:1
Proverbs 18:19
John 13:34
Romans 12:9-10
Hebrews 13:1
1 Peter 1:22
1 John 3:14
1 John 4:12
Words to Know
VISITOR - a person coming to see you
The Lesson
Joseph was very busy in Egypt. He had an important job. Joseph was in charge of all the food in the land. Gardens wouldn't grow food. So, people came to Joseph to buy their food.
One day Joseph had some surprise visitors. Ten of his own brothers had come to buy food. They bowed to Joseph. But they didn't know it was Joseph who sold them the food. He told his brothers to bring their youngest brother the next time they came to buy food. Joseph missed his family.
The next time the brothers came, Joseph played a trick on them. When his brothers looked in their bags of food they found their money inside. Joseph sent men to bring them back. His brothers were afraid he would think they stole the money. They bowed again to Joseph, just like in Joseph's dreams.
Joseph couldn't hide it any longer. He told his brothers not to be afraid. He was not mad at them for selling him to be a slave. He said, "God sent me here to save your life!" Joseph hugged his brothers. He sent them back to bring their father and their families to live in Egypt. Then Joseph could take care of them. They would all have food to eat.
Even though Joseph's brothers were mean to him, he still loved them. God wants you to love each other just like they were your very own brothers and sisters.
Daily Devotions
Sunday: Romans 12:9-10
Monday: Proverbs 18:19
Tuesday: Psalm 133:1
Wednesday: 1 John 3:14
Thursday: 1 Peter 1:22
Friday: John 13:34
Saturday: 1 John 4:12
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Explain that Joseph's brothers bowed to him, just like in his dreams.
2. State that God sent Joseph to Egypt to save his brothers' lives.
3. Tell that God wants them to love others as their own brothers and sisters.
Topics & Themes
Authority
Dream
Egypt
Famine
Joseph
Joseph’s Brothers
Loving Others
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA students' and teacher's books, attendance and memory verse chart, stickers, cassette tape or CD and music player, costumes from previous lesson, plastic grocery bags, lunch-sized bags, old newspapers, pennies
Preparation
"Active learning is the process by which young children explore the world: observing; listening; searching; moving their bodies; touching, smelling, handling, and making things happen with objects around them" (The Teacher's Idea Book by Michelle Graves). By using a variety of teaching methods, and allowing the children to move about during the teaching process, you are actually reinforcing the ideas being taught.
Before you come to class, fill plastic grocery bags with crumpled newspapers (one for each child). Put a few pennies into lunch sized paper bags and twist the tops closed. Place one in the top of each plastic bag.
Review Questions
Use the six numbered felt bread pieces from the previous lesson. Again, have the children choose one and answer the question with the corresponding number.
1. Who were Joseph's surprise visitors?
2. What did they do when they came to see Joseph?
3. What trick did Joseph play on his brothers?
4. Why were his brothers afraid?
5. Joseph told them not to be afraid. Why?
6. How does God want us to treat others?
REACH Activity
Letter: V
Words: visitor, very, voice
Sentence:
JOSEPH WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT THE VISITORS WERE THE BROTHERS WHO DID NOT LOVE HIM.
Song
“Happy All The Time” is on page 40 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Have the children stand in a circle, holding hands. Lead them in prayer asking God to help them love each other as brothers and sisters.
Printable Pages
