CF Kids - 2's - Kinder Curriculum | Champion Forest

LIFE POINT:

God planned for people to show love.

LEVEL OF BIBLICAL LEARNING:

God wants family members to love and help one another.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Genesis 37; 41:29–57; 42–43; 45; 46:28–34; 50:15–21

BIBLE VERSE:

“Be kind and loving.” Ephesians 4:32

UNIT VERSE:

“You are the only God. You created the earth and everything on it.” Nehemiah 9:6

FOR THE WEEK OF:

August 30

LEADER BIBLE STUDY

CONTEXT AND COMMENTARY FOR PERSONAL STUDY AND PREPARATION

(For age-appropriate language, use the Bible story on the following pages.)

Joseph came from an incredibly dysfunctional family. His father, Jacob, had multiple wives, and these women bore him many children through a rivalry filled with spite and insecurities (Genesis 29:31–35; Genesis 30:1–24; Genesis 35:16–20). Because Jacob loved one wife more than the others, he also loved certain children more than the others. Joseph was the favored child, which caused resentment and anger among his brothers. All of these factors eventually led to them selling Joseph into slavery when they got the chance.

Dysfunctional, indeed.

Many years later, after Joseph had risen to power in Egypt, he came face to face with his brothers, the people who had completely destroyed the life he knew, and he had a choice to make. Would he forgive or get his revenge?

When someone in your family hurts or injures you, you face the same decision. It is tempting to dwell on various ways you can make that person pay for how he hurt you — the silent treatment, spread lies about him, share his dirty secrets. The options are endless for getting revenge! But is this the way of Jesus?

The apostle Peter taught Christians to respond differently. He implored Christians to be loving and compassionate, and they should not pay “back evil for evil or insult for insult” (1 Peter 3:9). Peter calls us to follow the way of Jesus. Jesus never paid evil back with evil, nor did He ever take revenge on those who hurt or disappointed Him. Peter knew this firsthand after Jesus forgave him for denying that he even knew Him (Luke 22:54–62; John 21:15–19).

Jesus wants to forgive people when they repent and turn back from their wrong behavior. Do you?

Joseph forgave his brothers. Jesus offers forgiveness to everyone. Are you willing to forgive your family members? As you pray this week, thank God for the family He gave you. Ask Him to fill you with a desire to forgive quickly when your family members sin against you.

💬 TELL THE STORY

JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS — Based on Genesis 37; 41:29–57; 42–43; 45; 46:28–34; 50:15–21

Jacob had twelve sons. Joseph was his favorite, so Jacob gave Joseph a very special colorful robe. Joseph’s brothers were jealous and angry. They were so angry that they sold Joseph to some traders who were going to Egypt.

Many years went by. Joseph had become an important leader in Egypt. God showed Joseph that a famine was coming — a time when there would not be enough food. Joseph worked hard to store up lots of grain so the people would have food to eat when the famine came.

When the famine arrived, people came from far away to buy grain from Joseph. Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt too, because their family needed food.

When Joseph’s brothers arrived, Joseph recognized them right away — but they did not recognize him! Joseph gave his brothers grain and asked them to come back and bring their youngest brother.

When the brothers returned, Joseph could not hide his feelings any longer. He told them, “I am Joseph, your brother!” The brothers were afraid, but Joseph said, “Do not be afraid. God sent me here to help save our family.”

Joseph forgave his brothers and invited his whole family to come live in Egypt so he could take care of them. Joseph showed love to his family, just as God planned.

Review the Bible story. Choose a color and answer the review question for that color. Continue until all questions are answered. Assist children as needed.
Learn the Life Point with motions. Say the Life Point: “God planned for people to show love.” Lead motions: God (point up), planned for people (point to others), to show love (cross hands over heart). Repeat together.
Learn the Bible verse. Open your Bible to Ephesians 4:32. Point to the verse and read: “Be kind and loving.” Invite children to repeat the verse in short phrases. Practice singing it together.
Wrap it up and pray. Show the “Joseph Loved His Brothers” video. Pray, thanking God for planning for people to show love and for giving us families to care for one another.

💡

BIBLE-LEARNING ACTIVITIES

ART

Provide stiff white paper with a heart outline. Place grain such as oatmeal in cups at the table along with small spoons and glue. Children will decorate the heart with grain. As they work say, “God wants family members to love and help one another. Joseph loved his brothers. (Child’s name) can love your family too!”

BLOCKS

Build a palace for Pharaoh with cardboard and plastic cups or LEGOs. As children work say, “Joseph worked for Pharaoh (king) who lived in a palace. Joseph’s brothers traveled to see him to buy food. Joseph chose to be kind to his brothers. God had a plan for Joseph to help his family. God has a plan for (child’s name).”

HOMELIVING

Add a cash register along with play coins and food. As children buy and sell food say, “There was a famine — not enough food — in Egypt. People needed to buy food for their families. Joseph’s brothers came to buy food and Joseph helped them. God had a plan to help Joseph’s family. God has a plan for your family.”

NATURE

Fill a sensory tub with rice, corn, and oats. Add dump trucks, cups, and scoops. As children play say, “Joseph stored up lots of grain so people would have food. Joseph helped his family have food. God planned for people to show love. How can we show love to our family?”

PUZZLES & MANIPULATIVES

Set up a clothesline (rope between two chairs) with colorful clothing items and cloth. Provide clothespins for children to hang the clothes. As children work say, “Joseph’s dad gave him a special colorful robe. God wants family members to love and help one another. Joseph still loved his brothers even when they were unkind to him.”