In this lesson, children learn that Joseph kept doing right even when he was treated unfairly, and that God was still with him. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is with us even when bad things happen, and we can keep choosing to do what is right. Joseph trusted God in a hard place, and God was faithful to him.
Memory Verse
Genesis 39:2
The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
(WEB)
Ask children to stand tall with both arms raised like a tree, then slowly sway side to side as they say the verse together. Each time they say the word “LORD,” have them point up to the sky.
The Story: Genesis 39 for Kids
Joseph had been taken from his home and sold to a man named Potiphar in Egypt. Joseph was a servant, but he did his work well. Potiphar saw that God was with Joseph, and God helped everything Joseph did to succeed. Soon Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his whole house.
Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to do something very wrong. She asked him to lie with her, but Joseph said no. He told her, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” He would not listen to her, even when she asked him again and again.
One day Joseph was working in the house, and no one else was there. Potiphar’s wife grabbed his coat and said, “Lie with me!” Joseph pulled away and ran outside, and he left his coat in her hand. She was angry and told a lie about Joseph to the other servants and to her husband.
Potiphar believed his wife and became very angry. He put Joseph in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were kept. Joseph had done nothing wrong, but he was sent away from his home and his work. It was a sad and unfair time for him.
But God was still with Joseph in the prison. God showed him kindness, and the keeper of the prison trusted Joseph so much that he put him in charge of all the other prisoners. God helped everything Joseph did to go well, even in that dark place.
Read It Together
Genesis 39:3-4
3 His master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did prosper in his hand. 4 Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
(WEB)
Point out that Potiphar saw God working in Joseph’s life and noticed that Joseph was faithful. Ask children how they can show others that God is working in their lives too.
Genesis 39:9
No one is greater in this house than I am, and he has not kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
(WEB)
Help children see that Joseph said no to sin because he knew it would hurt God. Explain that choosing to obey God is always the right choice, even when it is hard.
Genesis 39:21
But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
(WEB)
Point out that Joseph was in prison, but the LORD was still with him and showed him kindness. Remind children that God stays with us in hard places, just as He did with Joseph.
Talk About It
- What did Joseph do when Potiphar’s wife asked him to do something wrong?
- How do you think Joseph felt when he was put in prison even though he had done nothing wrong?
- What are some ways God showed that He was with Joseph?
- Why do you think Joseph did not want to hurt God by sinning?
- When is a time you had to choose to do the right thing, even though it was hard?
Activity Ideas
Joseph’s Coat Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw and color a simple coat with bright stripes on a piece of paper, then cut it out. Talk about how Joseph’s coat was taken from him, and remind children that God never lost track of Joseph, even when things were unfair.
Run Away From Wrong
You will need an open space and a few small items like cups or cones. Set up a finish line on one side of the room, and tell children to walk fast toward it. Each time you call out “Wrong choice,” they should turn around and run in the opposite direction, then quickly return to walk toward the finish line again. Explain that Joseph ran away from temptation because he wanted to please God.
God Is With Me Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write “God is with me” on one side of a card and draw a small heart or sun on the other side. Encourage them to keep the card at home, in a backpack, or by their bed as a reminder that God stays with them in every situation.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how God can be faithful to His people even when they are treated unjustly and sent to prison. Joseph’s integrity in refusing sin and his continued trust in God during suffering prepare the way for the larger story of God’s plan to preserve life through him. The repeated phrase “the LORD was with Joseph” is the key to understanding the chapter.
Avoid telling children that doing right will always lead to good things or immediate rewards. Joseph’s story shows that faithfulness can bring hardship, and God’s presence is the true comfort, not a guarantee that life will become easy right away.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are with us in every place we go. Help us to choose what is right, even when it is hard, just like Joseph did. Keep us close to You, and remind us that You never leave us. Amen.
