INTRODUCTION

Joseph’s Brothers Sell Him Into Slavery

Bible Point:

God wants us to love.

Key Verse:

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

Big Picture:

Choose to do what is loving in every situation.

Joseph’s Brothers Sell Him Into Slavery

Genesis 37:12-36

As you get older, you face more decisions, and you are starting to figure out what kind of person you want to be. You are learning what works, what does not, and how your choices affect others. This week you will explore what it means to make choices that are truly loving.

God invites you to choose love not because you are afraid of getting in trouble, but because faith helps you care for people the way God cares for you. This study will help you see why loving actions matter and how they shape the kind of influence you have on your friends, family, and world.

PLANTING THE SEED

In Genesis 37:12–36, Joseph’s brothers were out in the fields when their jealousy boiled over. They plotted to kill him, but instead tossed him into a pit. When traders passed by, they sold Joseph into slavery for twenty pieces of silver. To hide the truth, they dipped his special robe in blood and told their father Jacob that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Jacob was heartbroken, while Joseph was carried off to Egypt. This was no ordinary family feud! This was full-on betrayal and deception. Honestly, this family could have their own reality TV show!

• What’s a situation in your life that feels all messed up like Joseph’s situation?

• Do you think God can somehow bring good from this situation? How?

FAMILY FUN

Time for a family news review! Read the following news article aloud, and then discuss the questions. When you’ve finished talking, glance through your local newspaper or look online and see if you can find stories that are about doing—or not doing—the right thing.

A PRIEST CONDONES STEALING?!

Though the Bible says stealing is wrong, a Church of England priest suggests it’s no sin to shoplift—as long as the victim is a big supermarket. “Jesus said, ‘Love your neighbor’; he didn’t say, ‘Love Marks and Spencers,’” the Rev. John Papworth said, referring to a large British chain store. Papworth says stealing from individuals or small merchants is wrong, but stealing from giant retailers is different. Papworth thinks large stores run little stores out of business and harm communities. Papworth says he’s not encouraging people to shoplift, although “if people wander in and wander out without paying for the stuff, I think it’s a perfectly comprehensible action.” The Church of England responded by making it clear that the Rev. Papworth’s comments go against church’s teaching. As we know, Scripture—not people—defines what’s right!

What Do You Think?

• Is stealing ever all right? The Rev. Papworth thinks so, but what do you think?

• When the opportunity to steal presents itself, what’s the loving thing to do?

• Why is it the loving thing to do?

Read Exodus 20:15. God makes it clear in the Ten Commandments and elsewhere in Scripture that stealing is wrong. If the Bible can help us discern what’s loving and unloving, it’s important we know and understand God’s love and wisdom as shared through the Bible.

READY, SET, GROW!

Make the right choice in one of these ways this week.

• If your friends encourage you to do something that you know is wrong, suggest a different idea. Then stick to your idea.

• When a family member does something that makes you mad, find a way to show that person love instead of choosing to get revenge.

• Make a reminder you’ll carry with you to look for the loving choice whenever you face a tough situation.