A spiritual program for a semester featuring 8 devotionals on the life of Joseph (son of Jacob).
Spiritual Guide for a Semester on Joseph, 8 Devotions
Joseph’s Dreams
Genesis 37:1–11
Joseph (17 years old) works as an assistant to two of his brothers and as a shepherd with his brothers. He has two dreams, which he tells his brothers and his father. The brothers become angry and jealous—partly because Joseph receives a particularly fine robe from his father.
Main Message
- God knows what my future holds, just as He did for Joseph.
- I am important to God, no matter
- ... how many siblings I have.
- ... whether I’m the favorite child or not.
- ... whether I have many friends or not.
- God can still speak through dreams today.
Possible Activities
Memory Activity: Making a bracelet (see BLB materials)
Game: Each child thinks of a profession, acts it out using pantomime, and the others try to guess (connection to the future).
Game: Family Mix
(BLB materials)
Jakob introduces himself as a character: drama activity in BLB materials (great)
Joseph is sold Genesis 37:12–36
Main Message
BLB Objectives
The children will learn:
- Even if I behave badly and others are mean to me, God is with me.
- Everyone is special. God made us that way. But that’s no reason to brag about it, the way Joseph did.
Possible Activities
- Catwalk (anyone who has or can do something special is welcome to show it off)
- Storytelling with pictures (BLB)
- Blindfold game (materials: BLB)
Joseph in Potiphar’s House Genesis 39
Main Message
BLB Objectives
The children will learn:
- Faithfulness to God does not protect us from difficulties.
- God’s help does not cease despite difficulties.
Possible Activities
- Game: Lost in a Strange Land (BLB material)
- Discussion: That Was Great (BLB material)
- Suggested Story (BLB material)
Joseph Interprets Dreams Genesis 40
Main Message
BLB Objectives
The children will learn:
- God is with me, no matter where I am or how I’m doing.
- God is always very close to me, no matter where I am, and helps me.
Possible Activities
- Game: The Prison Guard Wishes... (BLB material)
- Drawing: This Scares Me (BLB material)
- Suggested Story Narration (BLB material)
Pharaoh’s Dreams Genesis 41
Main Message
BLB Objectives
The children will learn:
God does not forget His people, even if it sometimes takes a long time for things to change.
Possible Activities
- Game: Harvest in Egypt (BLB materials)
- Game: Hide-and-Seek (BLB materials)
- Suggested Story (BLB material)
The Brothers’ Journey 1 Genesis 42
Main Message
BLB Objectives
The children will learn:
- When there is quarreling and conflict, there are better options than striking back and seeking revenge.
- The children will experience that it is worthwhile to seek peace.
Possible Activities
- Puzzle: Up and Down (BLB material)
- Game: Making Up Pays Off (BLB material)
- Suggested story (BLB material)
The Brothers’ Journey 2 Genesis 43–45
Main Message
BLB Objectives
The children will learn:
- God can turn bad situations into something especially good.
- The children are amazed at how well God guides everything.
Possible Activities
- Celebration: (BLB materials)
- Game: Pack a Lunch (BLB material)
- Suggested Story (BLB material)
Jacob in Egypt Genesis 46–50
Possible Activities
- Various games based on previous stories (BLB materials) as a review
- Game: To Canaan with Balloons (BLB material)
Semester Program: Josef
References
- Contents: Ameisli Romanshorn, 2012
- Cover image:Clipart courtesy of the publisher buch+musik ejw-service gmbh, Stuttgart -www.ejw-buch.defrom: Jungscharleiter Grafik-CD plus; Second revised edition 2002 © buch+musik ejw-service gmbh, Stuttgart
