This lesson teaches children that God was with Joseph even when his family treated him badly, and that God can be trusted when life feels unfair. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn it in 20 to 30 minutes using a story, a memory verse with motions, and a few simple activities.
Big Idea
God never stopped loving Joseph, even when his brothers were mean to him. God can be trusted even on the hardest days.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(WEB)
Have children put both hands on their heart for “God is our refuge,” then stretch both arms out wide for “a very present help.” Let them do the motions together three times so the words stick.
The Story: Genesis 37 for Kids
Joseph was seventeen years old, and he had a special coat with many colors. His father, Jacob, loved Joseph more than his other sons, and that made his brothers very jealous. Joseph also had dreams that showed his family bowing down to him, which made his brothers angry.
One day, Joseph’s father sent him to check on his brothers, who were taking care of the sheep far away. When the brothers saw him coming, they made a terrible plan. They decided to throw him into a deep, empty pit. Reuben, the oldest brother, wanted to save Joseph, so he said, “Let’s not hurt him. Just put him in the pit.”
Then a group of traders came by on their way to Egypt. The brothers sold Joseph to them for twenty pieces of silver. Joseph was taken away from his home and his family, and he was scared and alone in a strange land.
The brothers wanted their father to think Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. They took Joseph’s coat, dipped it in goat’s blood, and brought it home. When Jacob saw the bloody coat, he was heartbroken and cried for his son for many days.
Joseph was not forgotten. Even though he was sold far away, God was still with him, and the story of Joseph was only beginning.
Read It Together
Genesis 37:3-4
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors. 4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.
(WEB)
Point out that Joseph’s brothers felt jealous because their father showed him special love. Ask children how it feels when someone else seems to get more attention, and how we can respond kindly.
Genesis 37:21-22
21 Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, “Let’s not take his life.” 22 Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father.
(WEB)
Show that Reuben stood up to his brothers and tried to protect Joseph. Explain that doing the right thing can take courage, even when others are making bad choices.
Genesis 37:33-34
33 He recognized it, and said, “It is my son’s coat. An evil animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.” 34 Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
(WEB)
Point out how Jacob grieved deeply when he thought Joseph was gone. Let children know that it is okay to feel sad when something hurtful happens, and that God cares about our tears.
Talk About It
- How do you think Joseph felt when he was thrown into the pit?
- Why do you think Joseph’s brothers were so angry with him?
- What is one thing you could do if you saw someone being treated unfairly?
- How can you tell that God was still with Joseph, even when things were scary?
- When you feel left out or sad, what can you say to God?
Activity Ideas
Colorful Coat Craft
You will need a paper plate or a piece of cardstock, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a simple coat shape on the paper and color it with bright stripes or patterns. Then have them cut it out and glue it onto a second sheet of paper. As they work, talk about how God made Joseph special and loved him.
Pit and Rescue Game
Mark a circle on the floor with masking tape or a rope to represent the pit. Have one child play Joseph and stand in the circle, while the others pretend to be the brothers. Then have another child play Reuben and “rescue” Joseph by gently helping him out. Talk about how God helps us when we feel stuck.
Take-Home Dream Card
Give each child an index card and ask them to draw a picture of a dream or a hope they have. On the back, have them write or draw one way God has helped them this week. Encourage families to look at the cards together at dinner and talk about trusting God through good and hard days.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Genesis 37 shows how family jealousy and favoritism can lead to real harm, and how God’s plan continued even when people acted sinfully. Joseph’s story reminds us that God is faithful and at work even when we cannot see the outcome. The chapter does not explain why God allowed Joseph to suffer, so focus on God’s presence rather than trying to explain every detail.
Be careful not to suggest that children will always be rescued from hard situations or that obeying God guarantees an easy life. Joseph’s suffering was real and lasted many years. Emphasize that God stays close to us in difficulty, rather than promising that difficulties will disappear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are always with us, even when things feel scary or unfair. Help us to be kind to our brothers and sisters, and help us to trust you on hard days. We love you, and we know you love us too. Amen.
