In this lesson, children learn that God takes care of His people even when a family is scared and the choices are hard. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of us, even when things feel scary and we have to make hard choices. We can trust Him and be brave, because He is always with us and always kind.
Memory Verse
Genesis 43:14
May God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands open in front of their chests, then slowly lift them up toward the sky as they say the words. The motion shows giving our worries to God and asking Him to be kind to us.
The Story: Genesis 43 for Kids
There was a long time with very little food in the land. Jacob and his sons had eaten all the grain they had brought home from Egypt. Jacob looked at his sons and said, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”
Judah spoke up. He told his father that the Egyptian ruler had said they could not come back to see him unless their youngest brother, Benjamin, came with them. Jacob did not want to send Benjamin away. He was worried that something bad might happen to him.
Judah promised his father that he would keep Benjamin safe. He said he would take the blame himself if anything went wrong. Jacob finally agreed. He told his sons to take gifts, double the money, and Benjamin too.
When the brothers came to Egypt, the ruler saw Benjamin and told his servant to prepare a meal. The brothers were afraid. They thought they might be in trouble because of the money they had found in their sacks. The servant told them not to be afraid, because God had given them that treasure.
The ruler, Joseph, came home and greeted his brothers. He asked about their father and was glad to see Benjamin. Joseph was so moved that he had to leave the room and cry. Then he washed his face, came back out, and ate a meal with his brothers.
Read It Together
Genesis 43:1-2
1 The famine was severe in the land. 2 When they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little more food.”
(WEB)
Point out that the families were hungry and running out of food. Ask the children how they think the family felt about having no food left.
Genesis 43:8-9
8 Judah said to Israel, his father, “Send the boy with me, and we’ll get up and go, so that we may live, and not die, both we, and you, and also our little ones. 9 I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever…
(WEB)
Show how Judah promised to take care of Benjamin. Talk about what it means to keep a promise and to take responsibility for someone you love.
Genesis 43:23
He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.” He brought Simeon out to them.
(WEB)
Point out that the servant told the brothers not to be afraid. Remind the children that God can bring peace even when we feel scared.
Talk About It
- How do you think Jacob felt when his sons had to leave Benjamin behind?
- What did Judah do to show he cared about his father and his brother?
- Why do you think the brothers were scared when they came to the house?
- What did the servant say to help them feel calm?
- When have you felt scared, and how did it help to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Sack of Grain
You will need paper, crayons, and glue. Have the children draw a large sack and fill it with pictures of food, such as bread, grain, and honey. Ask them to add a small heart somewhere on the sack to remind them that God cares for His people. Talk together about how God provided food for the family in the story.
Brave Brothers Walk
Set two chairs about ten steps apart to be the house and the road. Have the children take turns walking from one chair to the other slowly, pretending they are carrying gifts. As they walk, have them take a deep breath and say the memory verse. Explain that taking a brave step with God is like the brothers walking back to Egypt.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write or draw one promise they can keep this week, such as helping at home or sharing a toy. Let them decorate the card and take it home. Encourage them to tell their family what their promise is and how God helps us keep our promises.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is faithful even in hard seasons. Joseph’s brothers faced fear, uncertainty, and the risk of losing family, yet God was working through their choices and through Joseph’s kindness. For adults, the story invites trust in God’s providence without needing to see the whole picture.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always make hard things turn out the way we want. The story is about God’s care and faithfulness, not a promise that every situation will end happily. Keep the focus on God being with us and giving us peace.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking care of us when we feel scared. Help us be brave when we have hard choices to make, and help us keep our promises to the people we love. Thank You that You are always with us. Amen.
