In this lesson, children learn that God was with Joseph in Egypt even when he was treated unfairly, and that God can be trusted to be with us too. This lesson is for children ages 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 choose to do what is right because God is always good and always with us.
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)
Have children stand up and put their hands on their hearts when they say the word “LORD.” Then have them spread their arms wide like a big hug, showing that God is always close to us, even in hard places.
The Story: Genesis 39 for Kids
Joseph had a hard day. His brothers had sold him, and now he was far from home in a country called Egypt. A man named Potiphar bought Joseph to be a servant in his big house. Joseph could have felt sad and scared, but he worked hard and did his best every day.
The Lord was with Joseph. Potiphar saw that Joseph was a good worker and that everything Joseph did turned out well. So Potiphar made Joseph the boss over his whole house. Joseph was trusted with almost everything Potiphar owned.
Then Potiphar’s wife tried to get Joseph to do something very wrong. Every day she asked him to come be with her. Joseph said no every time. He told her, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” He would not do what he knew was wrong, even though no one else was around to see.
One day, Potiphar’s wife grabbed Joseph’s coat. Joseph pulled away and ran outside, but he had to leave his coat behind in her hand. She was angry and told a lie about Joseph to the other servants and to her husband. Potiphar believed her and was very angry. He put Joseph in prison.
Joseph had done nothing wrong, yet he was locked up. 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 Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners. God was faithful to Joseph in every place he went.
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 could see God was with Joseph because of how things went for him. Explain that people noticed Joseph’s faithfulness and trusted him, showing that living for God matters to others 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)
Show children that Joseph said no to temptation and remembered that his choices were a matter of obeying God. Explain that when we face a tempting choice, we can remember God is watching and ask him for help to do what is right.
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 even in prison, God was still with Joseph and showed him kindness. Explain that God’s presence is not limited to good places, and that we can trust him wherever we are.
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 sent to prison even though he had not done anything bad?
- How did people around Joseph see that God was with him?
- What is one hard situation you have been in, and how can you remember God is with you there?
- Why do you think Joseph chose to obey God even when no one was watching him?
Activity Ideas
Draw Joseph’s Coat
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a colorful coat on paper and cut it out. Ask them to write or draw one way they can choose to do right this week, then tape the coat to a wall as a reminder that God is with us.
Obey and Run Game
You will need a small open space and a bell or clapping signal. Call out simple instructions like “Hop on one foot,” “Spin around,” or “Freeze,” and have children obey only when you say “Joseph says.” Each time a child obeys without hearing “Joseph says,” they must sit down, reminding them that choosing to listen to God is important even when no one is checking.
Take-Home Prayer 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 simple picture of a place they go, like home, school, or the car, on the other side. Encourage them to show the card to a family member and say a short prayer together that God will be with them in that place this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our circumstances. Joseph was sold, falsely accused, and imprisoned, yet the text repeats that the Lord was with him and showed him favor. It also shows that integrity matters, because Joseph refused to sin even when it would have cost him his freedom.
Avoid telling children that doing right will always make life easy or that God will always rescue us from hard situations right away. Joseph’s story shows God being with us through suffering, not promising that suffering will end quickly. Be honest that some hard things take a long time, and that God’s presence is still the greatest comfort.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are with us wherever we go. Help us to choose what is right, even when it is hard or when no one is watching. Remind us that you are always faithful, and help us trust you every day. Amen.
