Joseph & His Brothers
From the Pit to the Palace
The Story
Genesis 37–50
Jacob had twelve sons, but Joseph was his favorite. Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful coat of many colors. His brothers were SO jealous they could barely speak kindly to him!
One day his brothers threw Joseph into a pit and sold him to traders going to Egypt. They dipped his coat in goat blood and told their father a wild animal had killed him. Joseph was a slave — but God was with him every step of the way.
In Egypt, Joseph was put in prison for something he didn't even do. But God gave Joseph the amazing ability to understand dreams. When Pharaoh had mysterious dreams no one could explain, Joseph told him what they meant: seven good years followed by seven years of famine.
Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt! When the famine came, Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt for food — and bowed before the brother they had betrayed! Joseph forgave them with tears in his eyes and said, 'You meant to hurt me, but God planned it all for good!'
What Can We Learn?
God Redeems Every Hard Thing
What feels like a disaster can be part of God's bigger, beautiful plan.
Choose Forgiveness
Joseph forgave the brothers who had hurt him terribly. Forgiveness sets YOU free!
God Is With You in the Dark
In the pit, in prison — God never left Joseph. He never leaves you either.
Stay Faithful in Small Things
Joseph served faithfully wherever he was placed, and God promoted him to the palace!
Memory Verse
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.”
Genesis 50:20 (NLT)
Character Spotlight
Joseph
Faithful Son & Wise Governor
Fun Facts:
- ★One of twelve sons of Jacob
- ★Had the gift of interpreting dreams
- ★Became second-in-command of Egypt
Lessons from Joseph:
- ✓Faithfulness and forgiveness open doors God has prepared
Jacob
Joseph's Father
Fun Facts:
- ★Also called Israel
- ★Had twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel
- ★Wept for years thinking Joseph was dead
Lessons from Jacob:
- ✓God restores what was lost
Prayer Time
Read this prayer out loud!
Dear God, when hard things happen to me, help me to trust that You have a plan. Give me the strength to forgive others the way Joseph forgave his brothers. Amen.
Family Discussion
Talk about these questions together!
Has something bad ever turned into something good in your life?
Why is it hard to forgive someone who has really hurt you?
📚 For older kids & teensHow did Joseph's faithfulness in small jobs prepare him for leading Egypt?
📚 For older kids & teensFun Activities
Activities to reinforce the story!
Color Joseph's Coat
Color the amazing coat of many colors!
Dream Journal
Draw a picture of a dream you've had or a dream you have for the future.
Story Sequence
Put the key events of Joseph's life in the correct order.
