This lesson teaches children that God can use even hard things for good, and that forgiveness can bring a family back together. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God was with Joseph, even when his brothers were unkind to him. God used the hard things to save many people, and Joseph forgave his brothers.
Memory Verse
Genesis 45:5
Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands out in front of them, then slowly bring them together and cross their arms over their chests. As they do it, say together, “God sent me to save life.” The hug motion helps them remember that God’s plan was about caring for people.
The Story: Genesis 45 for Kids
Joseph was the governor of Egypt, and he was in charge of all the grain. A long time ago, his brothers had been jealous of him and sold him as a slave. Now there was a big famine, and his brothers came to Egypt to buy food. They did not know that the powerful governor was their brother Joseph.
Joseph could not hold back his tears any longer. He told the people in the room to leave, so it was just Joseph and his brothers. He cried loudly, and then he said, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” His brothers were so scared they could not say a word.
Joseph was kind to his brothers. He said, “Come close to me, please.” Then he told them, “Don’t be upset with yourselves for what you did. God sent me here ahead of you to keep people alive during the famine.” He hugged his brothers and cried over them.
Joseph told his brothers to go get their father, Jacob, and bring him to Egypt. Pharaoh heard about it and was happy, and he told Joseph to send wagons for the whole family. Joseph gave each brother new clothes, and he gave Benjamin extra gifts.
When the brothers told Jacob the news, at first he could not believe it. But when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent, his heart became happy again. He said, “It is enough. My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
Read It Together
Genesis 45:1
Then Joseph couldn’t control himself before all those who stood before him, and he cried, “Cause everyone to go out from me!” No one else stood with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.
(WEB)
Point out that Joseph could not keep his feelings inside any longer. Ask children how it feels when someone reveals a big surprise.
Genesis 45:7-8
7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to save you alive by a great deliverance. 8 So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
(WEB)
Point out that Joseph saw God’s hand in his whole story. Explain that God was working through Joseph even when things felt very unfair.
Genesis 45:26-27
26 They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he didn’t believe them. 27 They told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them. When he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob, their father, revived.
(WEB)
Point out how Jacob’s heart first fainted in disbelief and then revived when he saw the evidence. Show children that good news can feel too wonderful to believe at first.
Talk About It
- How do you think Joseph’s brothers felt when they found out who the governor really was?
- What did Joseph say to his brothers that showed he had forgiven them?
- Why do you think Joseph said God sent him to Egypt, and not his brothers?
- Can you think of a time when someone forgave you? How did it make you feel?
- What is one way you can show forgiveness to someone in your family this week?
Activity Ideas
Family Reunion Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of Joseph hugging his brothers, or of the wagons coming to take Jacob to Egypt. Let them color the scene and then tell you one thing they see in their picture. This helps children picture the reunion and talk about how the story ended with joy.
Wagon Relay Game
You will need a few chairs or boxes to act as wagons, and a small object like a pillow to carry. Divide the children into two teams. Each team passes the pillow along the line of “wagons” to the finish, showing how the family traveled together. Use the game to remind children that the brothers worked together to get Jacob to Egypt.
Forgiveness Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a pen, and a sticker or ribbon. Help each child write “God can use hard things for good” on one side, and draw a small heart on the other. Ask them to take the card home and put it on their bedroom door or by their bed. It is a simple way to remember that God is with them, and that forgiving others is part of following Jesus.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s providence can work through deep family wounds. Joseph does not excuse what his brothers did, but he sees God’s larger purpose in preserving life during the famine. The reunion is a picture of grace that restores what was broken.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God causes every bad thing that happens to them, or that they must forgive immediately without pain. Joseph’s story is about God working through hard circumstances, not about God planning every hurt as a lesson.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are with us even when things are hard. Help us to forgive the people who hurt us, just as Joseph forgave his brothers. Show us how to trust your plan, and help us to love our families well. Amen.
