Joseph's Dreams

12/26/2024

The covenant God made with Abraham has now passed to his grandson Jacob. Even though this inheritance was obtained by Jacob through deceptive ways, God continues to work his plan through his family. While Abraham was blessed with his one promised son, Isaac, his family tree continues to grow as his grandson Jacob is blessed with 12 sons.

This lesson introduces the story of Joseph, who is known for his faith in spite of trying circumstances. His prophetic dreams begin what becomes a riches to rags to riches again, all at the work of God's hand. The next generation of this family continues to reap the consequences of jealousy, sibling rivalry, and sin. However, God uses it all for his plan.

Key Themes:

Our sin can hurt others.
Jealousy is a dangerous sin.
God had a plan for Joseph.

Memory Verse

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV

Songs

Books of the Old Testament
Jacob Lived in Canaan
Sons of Jacob Song
Be Careful Little Eyes
The B.I.B.L.E.
He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands
12 Tribes of Israel

Story

"Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time

Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Building Each Other Up
Supplies: Gamecards, blocks or anything that can stack
Divide the class into two teams. Each team will take turns drawing a "build" card. If the card shows a scenario that "built someone up," the team can add a block. If it shows a scenario that tears down, they must remove a block. If they draw a "wreck it" card, they must start over. Discuss how powerful our words and actions are on our lives and the lives of people around us.

2. Megaphones
Supplies: Make simple megaphones from paper or bring one to class. Inexpensive plastic ones can be purchased online too.
The things we say matter! To others and to God! Make the megaphones and talk about how the things we say speak volumes to others about what is in our hearts. We should be careful about the things we say.

3. Coat of Many Colors Race
Divide your class into teams of 3 or 4. Provide each team 3 rolls of streamers. One person on each team is "Joseph," the other team members must wrap him in a "coat" of many colors. First team to use all of the streamers wins! Discuss how Joseph probably first seemed like a blessing, but eventually brought him a lot of heartache!

Story: Review the story of Abraham to Jacob so far. Jacob (later known as Israel) had a very large family! He had four wives. Do you remember who his first wife was? (Leah) But what wife was his favorite? (Rachel)

Since the beginning of time, we have seen where jealousy and sibling rivalry has caused pain and suffering in the families of God's people. Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and now that same sin is being repeated among Joseph's sons.

In this story, we see how hurtful it is to show favoritism. We also learn that it is important to measure our words and make sure that they are building others up or tearing them down.

SHOW the power point Joseph's Dreams or read Genesis 37:1-11.
EMPHASIZE that: