In the Beginning · Lesson 8
Joseph Goes to Egypt
Genesis 37:1-36; Genesis 39:1-23 Old Testament PrinciplePerseverance
Joseph's brothers sold him and he was thrown in prison, but the LORD was with Joseph every step of the way.
We can keep going when life is hard and unfair, because God is with us and is working for good even when we can't see it.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 BSB
Christ Connection · God’s character
When Stephen told Joseph's story, he summed it up in four words: "But God was with him" (Acts 7:9). The God who never left Joseph in the pit or the prison is the same God who came to be with us in Jesus, who promises, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20).
Acts 7:9-10; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20
The Big Story · Redemption
God is rescuing His people. Through Joseph's suffering, God was quietly moving Abraham's family to Egypt, where He would keep them alive and grow them into a nation, all part of His plan to bring the Rescuer.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- A map of where it happened
- Object lesson: The light in the dark
- Dasch’s Dig Site (bible-times history): Twenty pieces of silver
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: The LORD was with Joseph
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Preschool (ages 3–5)
God is with me in hard times.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: God was with Joseph, Color Joseph's robe
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, with brothers and sisters
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
When things are hard, God is with me, so I can keep going.
Memory verse
“God works all things together for good.”
Adapted from Romans 8:28
Start here
Ask, "Have you ever had something happen that wasn't fair?" Let a few kids share. Say, "Today we'll meet Joseph. A LOT of unfair things happened to him. But listen for what the Bible says again and again."
Bible story 6 min
Jacob had twelve sons. His favorite was Joseph. Jacob gave Joseph a special robe. Joseph's brothers were jealous. They did not like his dreams, either. In one dream, their bundles of grain bowed down to his!
One day Jacob sent Joseph to see his brothers in the fields. They saw him coming. "Here comes the dreamer!" they said. They grabbed him. They took his robe. They threw him into a dry pit.
Then some men came by on camels. The brothers sold Joseph to them for twenty pieces of silver! The men took Joseph far away to Egypt.
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Where was God? 8 min
You’ll need: A colorful scarf, shawl or bathrobe
- Name a place from the story – home, the field, the pit, Egypt, Potiphar's house, prison.
- A child wearing the robe walks to a spot in the room for that place. Everyone shouts, "The LORD was with Joseph!"
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
When life is unfair, God is still with us and working, so we can persevere.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Count the refrain, Act it out
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, with brothers and sisters, in sports and games
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
God's presence, not easy circumstances, is what carries us through suffering.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Where was God?, My hard place
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, online and on screens, at home
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in