Genesis 37 v 12 – 26

Lesson Aim

To understand that even in difficult times God is in control.

Hook 1: Robe (see previous lesson)

After taking it from Joseph, pour tomato ketchup over it before presenting it to Jacob. Tell the children that the ketchup is to represent blood and they will accept it.

Hook 2: Acting

Have a leader dress up as Joseph and pretend to beat him up. If you have a baptistry you could lower Joseph in to it pretending that it is a well. Use the robe and present it in a blood stained condition (as above) to Jacob, and finally sell Joseph to some traders.

Hook 3: Series of words

Display a series of key words from the story. Hidden beneath each key word is a picture. Tell the children that when you mention the next key word the first person to raise their arm will be allowed to reveal the picture. Key words could be:- coat, brothers, sheep, well, blood, slave traders, money , father and Egypt.

Hook 4: Questions

Have you ever been bullied? Perhaps you were called horrible names, perhaps someone hit or kicked you. In our story today even worse things happen to Joseph.

Application

Explain that although things seem to be going horribly wrong for Joseph, God is still in control and is still looking after Joseph. We must trust in God even when times seem very hard for us.