This lesson teaches children that God is with them even when they feel stuck, forgotten, or in a hard place. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, questions, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is with us even in hard places, and He knows what is happening to us. We can trust Him even when people forget about us.
Memory Verse
Genesis 40:8
They said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.” Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Please tell it to me.”
(WEB)
Teach children to cup both hands together in front of their chests, then open them slowly like a book being read. Ask them to say “Interpretations belong to God” as they open their hands, reminding them that God knows the meaning of things we cannot see.
The Story: Genesis 40 for Kids
A long time ago in Egypt, there was a king named Pharaoh. He had two helpers. One was his cup bearer, who handed him his drinks, and the other was his baker, who made his bread. One day, both helpers made Pharaoh angry, so he put them in prison.
Joseph was also in that prison. He had been brought there unfairly, but he kept serving God and kept caring for others. The guard asked Joseph to look after the two new prisoners, and Joseph did his job faithfully.
One morning, Joseph noticed that both men looked very sad. He asked them why. They said, “We each had a dream, and no one can tell us what it means.” Joseph answered, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Please tell me your dreams.” He wanted them to know that God, not Joseph himself, is the One who knows the meaning of dreams.
The cup bearer told his dream first. He saw a vine with three branches that grew grapes, and he squeezed the juice into Pharaoh’s cup. Joseph told him that in three days, he would be set free and go back to serving Pharaoh. Then Joseph asked him to remember him and speak up for him, because Joseph had done nothing wrong to be locked up.
The baker was excited to hear good news, so he shared his dream too. He saw three baskets of bread on his head, and birds were eating from the top basket. Joseph told him the sad truth: in three days, he would be put to death. Everything happened exactly as Joseph said. The cup bearer was restored, but the baker was not. Sadly, the cup bearer forgot all about Joseph.
Read It Together
Genesis 40:14-15
14 But remember me when it will be well with you, and please show kindness to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house. 15 For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”
(WEB)
Point out that Joseph asked for kindness and help, and he explained honestly that he had been treated unfairly. Let children notice that Joseph spoke truthfully and asked for help rather than getting angry at the man.
Genesis 40:23
Yet the chief cup bearer didn’t remember Joseph, but forgot him.
(WEB)
Explain that the cup bearer forgot Joseph, and Joseph had to wait longer in prison. Tell children that waiting can be hard, but God did not forget Joseph even when people did.
Talk About It
- How do you think Joseph felt when the cup bearer forgot about him?
- What is one thing Joseph did in the prison that showed he trusted God?
- Why do you think Joseph told the men that interpretations belong to God?
- When have you had to wait for something good to happen? What helped you wait?
- How can you remind yourself that God is with you when things feel lonely or unfair?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Dream Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a dream they think Joseph might have seen, such as a vine, baskets, or a king’s cup. Let them label the picture with the words “God knows.” Display the drawings on the wall as a reminder that God knows everything we dream about.
Prison Walk Game
You will need an open space and a few soft objects like pillows or socks. Set up a simple path that is a little bit difficult to walk, like a zigzag around chairs. Have children take turns walking it while blindfolded or with their eyes closed while a partner gives calm directions. Talk afterward about how it felt to trust someone who knows the way.
Take-Home Thankful Cup
You will need a paper cup, a marker, and small slips of paper. Give each child a cup and ask them to write one thing they are waiting for on a slip of paper and place it inside. Encourage them to take the cup home and pray about one item each evening, reminding them that God hears every request and never forgets them.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God works through hard circumstances and faithful people, even when those people are forgotten by others. Joseph’s honesty, patience, and dependence on God remain steady even when life is unjust. Adults can see in this story that God’s timing is not always our timing, yet He remains faithful.
Be careful not to suggest that children will always be rescued quickly if they trust God. Joseph waited for years after this moment. Focus on God’s constant presence and faithfulness rather than promising immediate results.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You know everything about us and You never forget us. Help us to trust You when we feel alone or when we have to wait for good things. Help us to be honest, kind, and faithful like Joseph. We love You and thank You for always being with us. Amen.
