In the Beginning · Lesson 9
Joseph Forgives His Brothers
Genesis 41:1-45:15; Genesis 50:15-21 Old Testament PrincipleForgiveness
God turned the evil Joseph's brothers did into good, and Joseph forgave them, a picture of how Jesus forgives us.
We can forgive people who hurt us, because God has forgiven us in Jesus and is able to bring good even out of the wrongs done to us.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 BSB
Christ Connection · Picture
Joseph was rejected by his brothers, sold for silver and suffered unjustly, then was raised up to save the very people who betrayed him. Jesus was rejected, sold for silver and crucified, then raised to life, and He saves and forgives those who turned against Him, including us.
Acts 7:9-14; Romans 5:10; Hebrews 7:14
The Big Story · Redemption
God kept Abraham's family alive through Joseph. What his brothers meant for evil, God used to save many lives, a picture of how God would bring the greatest good out of the cross.
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
- Object lesson: The heavy backpack
- Theo’s Workshop (build challenge): Joseph's storehouse
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Find the cup
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
God helps me forgive.
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: Sorry and forgive, Color the brothers
- 7 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: with brothers and sisters, with friends
- 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
Joseph forgave his brothers, and God helps me forgive too.
Memory verse
“Be kind and forgive each other.”
Adapted from Ephesians 4:32
Start here
Ask, "If someone was really mean to you, and then they needed your help, what would you do?" Let a few kids answer honestly. Say, "That's exactly what happened to Joseph."
Bible story 6 min
Joseph was in prison for a long time. Then one night, the king of Egypt had two strange dreams. Nobody knew what they meant. But God showed Joseph.
"First there will be seven years with lots of food," Joseph said. "Then there will be seven years with no food." The king put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt! Joseph saved food for the hard years.
The hard years came. Back home, Joseph's family was hungry. So his brothers went to Egypt to buy food. They bowed down to Joseph. They didn't know it was him!
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Find the cup 8 min
You’ll need: A small cup, Small bags or socks
- Hide the cup in one bag like Joseph's cup in Benjamin's sack.
- Kids take turns guessing which bag. Whoever finds it says, "Joseph forgave!"
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
Joseph forgave because he trusted that God was in control, even of the bad things done to him.
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: Meant for evil, meant for good, Act it out
- 7 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: with friends, with brothers and sisters, at school
- 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
Joseph's forgiveness flows from trusting God's purposes, and it points to the greater forgiveness of Jesus.
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: Two stories, Letting go
- 7 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at home, with friends
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in