Joseph's Brothers Forgiven

Bible Texts:

Genesis 45: 1-15

Children's Bible Story sources:

"Benjamin and the Silver Cup,"  DK Children's Illustrated Bible, p.64-65

"Joseph Helps His Family," Spark Story Bible, p.60

"The Missing Cup” and “Joseph’s Family is Reunited," DK Children's Everyday Bible, p.44-45

“Joseph Forgives His Brothers,” The Early Reader’s Bible, p. 59

“Joseph Saves His Family,” The Beginner's Bible, p. 86

“A Happy Reunion,” The Lion Bible for Children, p. 73

"The Forgiving Prince," The Jesus Storybook Bible, p.76

Children's Story Resources

Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel

How these stories are connected: Bad behaviour can cause hurt feelings and lead to long term grudges. These stories illustrate the power of forgiveness and love to mend brokenness.

Questions about the children's story:

Why did the kitty do bad things?

What bad things did the kitty do?

What made the kitty calm down?

What good things did the kitty do?

Questions about the Bible Story:

Do you remember the bad things Joseph's brothers did to him? (Review "Joseph and His Brothers" if you don't!"

What made Joseph do good things for his brothers?

Why wasn't he mad?

What did he tell them?

Questions about our lives:

What makes forgiveness hard?

What makes it easy?

Who can help us to be forgiving?

Why do we need to practice being forgiving?

Prayer for the Day

Dear God, help us to have forgiving hearts. Help us not to stay mad or hurt when other people do bad things. Teach us to love people the way you do.

Amen