Genesis 42 – 47 v 12

Lesson Aim

To understand that God fulfils his purpose through different events.

Hook 1: Sack and cup

Any type of sack (or pillowcase)will do, though the plainer the better. Use a decorative goblet for Joseph’s cup. Use these at the appropriate points in the story.

Hook 2: Bucket of jelly

When Joseph’s cup has been hidden have a child hunt for it in a bucket of jelly or polystyrene balls. If you want to be more adventurous then have a picture of a cup on a laminated sheet and several blank laminated sheets. Different children can try to find the correct one from the bucket.

Note: A gallon or half a bucket of water will need 8 dissolved jellies to set.

Hook 3: Foods

Have three piles of food which you can refer to while telling the story

1. A fresh loaf of bread and some fruit to represent Egypt

2. Some hard, stale bread to represent Israel

3. An iced cake to represent the celebration when Jacob was reunited with Joseph. Share the cake with the children.

Hook 4: Questions

Have you ever played tricks on your brothers or sisters to get your own back and to teach them a lesson? Listen to what Joseph did to his brothers.

Story Tips:

It is important when telling the story of Joseph to keep the story moving. There are parts of the story  about the brothers visiting Egypt on more than one occasion which can be omitted.

Application

The children should learn that all sorts of things happened to Joseph as part of God’s plan to rescue and care for his people. Even today God looks after his people and cares for them.