As teenagers, it is crucial for you to strengthen your faith and develop a deep understanding of God’s word. The story of Joseph in Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of following God’s plan. In this Sunday school lesson, we will explore Joseph’s journey, drawing parallels to our own lives as we navigate the ups and downs of faith.
Bible Reading: Genesis 37:1-4
“Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. This is the account of Jacob’s family line. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate[a] robe for him.” (Genesis 37:1-4, NIV)
Explanation
- Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, faced jealousy and animosity from his brothers due to their father’s preference.
- Despite the difficult circumstances, Joseph remained faithful and committed to his responsibilities.
- The extravagant robe symbolized Jacob’s favoritism and sparked envy among Joseph’s brothers.
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever experienced favoritism or jealousy? How did it make you feel?
- How do you think Joseph’s commitment to his responsibilities despite his brothers’ animosity reflects his faith and character?
- In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness in our own lives, even when faced with challenging circumstances?
Bible Reading: Genesis 37:12-28
“Now his brothers had gone to graze their father’s flocks near Shechem, and Israel said to Joseph, “As you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them.” “Very well,” he replied. So he said to him, “Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me.” Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. When Joseph arrived at Shechem, a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him, “What are you looking for?” He replied, “I’m looking for my brothers. Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?” “They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels[b] of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.” (Genesis 37:12-28, NIV)
Explanation
- Joseph’s brothers plotted against him and intended to kill him due to their jealousy.
- Reuben attempted to save Joseph, suggesting that they throw him into the cistern to spare his life.
- Ultimately, they decided to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt as a slave.
Discussion Questions
- How do you think Joseph felt when he realized his own brothers wanted to harm him?
- What does Reuben’s intervention teach us about the importance of standing up for what is right, even in difficult situations?
- How do you think Joseph’s faith in God was tested during this challenging time in his life?
Youth Group Game: “The Journey of Joseph”
In this game, create a series of stations that represent different events in Joseph’s journey. Divide the youth into groups and have them rotate through each station, completing a challenge or task related to the corresponding event. For example:
- Station 1: “The Favored Son” – Have the group members create a piece of artwork that represents the extravagant robe given to Joseph by his father.
- Station 2: “The Pit” – Set up an obstacle course where the group members must navigate their way out of a simulated pit, symbolizing the cistern where Joseph was thrown.
- Station 3: “The Sold into Slavery” – Play a trading card game where group members must negotiate and trade cards to “sell” Joseph to the highest bidder, similar to how he was sold to the Ishmaelites.
The game should be fun and engaging, while also allowing the youth to reflect on the challenges faced by Joseph and the lessons they can apply to their own lives.
Closing Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the story of Joseph and the valuable lessons it teaches us about faith, perseverance, and trust in Your plan. Help us to remain committed to You, even in the face of hardships and challenges. Give us the strength to stand up for what is right and to trust in Your ultimate purpose for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Note: The content provided in this lesson is a fictional representation and does not necessarily reflect the teachings or beliefs of any specific individual or organization.