INTRODUCTION

Joseph’s Brothers Sell Him Into Slavery

Bible Point:

God wants us to do what’s right.

Key Verse:

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

Big Picture:

Follow God’s path by choosing to do the right thing, especially when it’s difficult.

Joseph’s Brothers Sell Him Into Slavery

Genesis 37:12-36

It can be tough to choose what is right when you want others to like you or include you. During this week of study, you will learn that real integrity means honoring God even when it is hard.

As you explore the story of Joseph being sold into slavery, you will see that God cares more about faithfulness than favoritism. People may make unkind or unfair choices, but God can still work through those moments to bring something good.

This week will help you trust God’s plan, make strong choices when friends pressure you, and discover how you can be a positive influence in your group. You will see that standing with God is always worth it.

PLANTING THE SEED

Jacob sent Joseph to Shechem to check up on his brothers, who were grazing Jacob’s flock. Little did Jacob know what Joseph’s brothers were planning! His brothers saw him coming and were mad. “Here comes the dreamer!” they said. Most of Joseph’s brothers wanted to end his life. Only Reuben said no and convinced them to throw him in a well instead. Reuben planned to come back later and rescue Joseph, but while Reuben was gone, the other brothers sold Joseph to slave traders. What a way to treat your brother! Later, when Reuben came back and found Joseph gone, the brothers decided to take Joseph’s robe and make it look as though an animal had attacked Joseph. Then they took the robe to their father and told him Joseph was dead. Jacob was devastated! He cried and cried. What a way to treat your own father!

BIBLE POINT

God wants us to do what’s right.

KEY VERSE

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

RIGHT CHOICE RIBBONS

Cut circles from yellow construction paper. Cut blue ribbons from blue construction paper. Glue the two together to make blue-ribbon medals. Throughout the week, try to catch one another making good choices that help others and make the world a better place. Present the medals to one another as you do!

ASK YOUR FAMILY

• When is it hardest for you to do what’s loving?

• How can we help one another do what’s helpful and life-giving?

• How can we show we love one another with our actions?

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose a way you’ll follow God to do what’s right this week.

• If your friends try to convince you to do something you know is destructive, make the right choice and encourage them to choose wisely, too.

• If a family member is mad and you want to respond with anger too, consider some options to respond with love instead.

• We face situations every day where we have to choose right from wrong. Start a journal, and each day, record a choice you made that day. Then go back to your journal and evaluate the choice: Was it life-giving or harmful?