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Hey, Egypt! Here We Come!

by Linda Sue Pochodzay Edwards and Jennifer Leigh Edwards

Joseph traveled to Goshen to meet his father

Text Version | Afrikaans | Italian


One not so beautiful afternoon, while David was sitting in the middle of the floor playing with his toys, he noticed Tommy's new toy ambulance. It was so cool, because it made the noises of the sirens and the horn, and even spun the tires!

children playing

Meanwhile, Tommy was finishing a block building that he had been working on and didn't see David pick it up. David pushed one button after another. “VROOM! VROOM! HONK! HONK! WOO! WOO!” the noises continued. Just a few moments later, Tommy heard an awful sound.

“CRASH! SCREECH! CRUNCH!” He looked over at David immediately. He screamed at the top of his lungs, “YOU BROKE MY FAVORITE TOY!!! Why would you do that? It was my absolute favorite because it's brand new. How am I ever going to get another one?”

David tried to explain, “It was only an accident. I didn't mean to break it; I was just playing with it. I'm sorry.”

Tommy angrily replied, “Sorry is just not good enough! Sorry doesn't get me a new ambulance with all the cool buttons and noises, now, does it?”

David didn't know what to say. He certainly couldn't replace it. He couldn't ask his mommy to go buy a toy for his friend. David thought and thought, but he couldn't decide on a good plan. He just wanted to make it right, but Tommy simply would not listen.

legos

When David received his allowance money a few days later, he begged his mommy to take him to the store. After she was finished shopping, he said, “Mommy, Mommy! I want to go get a toy.”

She replied, “You've been such a good boy this week. I suppose we can look for a few short minutes.”

“I know exactly what I want to get. This won't take long at all,” he stated positively. “I need to see the cars.”

His mother frowned and replied, “Don't you think you have enough cars? Maybe you should consider a game you could share with your brother.”

David insisted, “I need a new ambulance! You know, the one that makes all the noises and has all the buttons. That's the one that I need.”

His mother asked, “You don't want it only because Tommy has it, do you?”

“NO!” David said emphatically. He quietly continued, almost in a whisper, “I need to replace his.”

toy ambulance

“What happened?” Mommy asked.

David shyly began to relate the story. “I was playing with it at his house a few days ago, and I . . ..” He stopped to clear his throat. He was so upset, he was now whimpering, almost in tears.

“Go on, David,” his mommy encouraged. “It's okay. Just tell me what happened.”

“Well, I. . . I . . . I started pushing all the buttons just as fast as I could, and I . . . uh . . . I broke it! I broke Tommy's toy! I broke his favorite ambulance.”

“Did you say you were sorry?” Mommy asked.

“Yes, but....” He was so sad he couldn't continue.

“But what?” she questioned.

“But he was still mad, so I thought that if I bought him a new one he would play with me again and would be my friend,” David replied.

“Well, that's a nice thought. You think that if you are nice to Tommy, he will forgive you for breaking his toy,” she stated.

“Is that what it is?” David asked, confused.

“Yes,” Mommy stated. “When we do something wrong and we say we're sorry, the other person should forgive us.”

“Well, I sure hope Tommy forgives me!” David exclaimed.

The next day, when David gave Tommy the new ambulance, Tommy grinned from ear to ear. Then he did a very surprising thing. He handed it back to David and said, “You keep it. I want to be friends even though you broke my toy. I know it was only an accident and I forgive you.” He continued, “Will you forgive me for getting so upset yesterday?”

“Yes. Of course, I forgive you! That's what we are supposed to do when somebody does something wrong to us. Even if we don't feel like it, we should always forgive each other,” David finished. They were both happy that everything worked out so well.

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Josephs brothers chattered almost non-stop all the way back to Canaan Joseph's brothers chattered almost non-stop all the way back to Canaan. They were so caught up in their excitement, that they hardly noticed the hot, dry, barren, miserable desert. They couldn't believe their good fortune.... They couldn't believe that their little brother had become an important ruler in the land of Egypt. For that matter, they could hardly believe he was still alive.

“Are you sure it was really Joseph?” one of them asked in disbelief.

“It had to have been him,” Reuben replied. “How else would he have known us from the oldest down to the youngest?”

“Besides,” said Dan, “who else would have given us so much food and so many gifts to bring back home?”

“Remember, I'm the one that was in prison waiting for-ev-er for you guys to come back for me,” Simeon piped up. “His servants treated me very well . . . uhmmm . . . very well for a prison, that is,” he added.

As the conversation went on and on, there was no other conclusion to be made other than that he had to have been Joseph.

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Nearing their home, their excitement grew even greater. Their voices reached a fevered pitch as they argued about who was to be the first to tell their father about the feast, and about the silver cup, and . . . that their brother Joseph was alive and well.

Jacob had been anxiously awaiting the return of his sons. His hope that Simeon would be returned was mingled with fear that something dreadful might have happened to Benjamin.

All the brothers were shouting and
talking at the same time Hearing what sounded like loud, angry voices, he moved as fast as his elderly body would let him, his fear escalating. He breathed a sigh of relief as he counted and realized that his eleven sons had all returned to him. “At least they are safe,” he thought. “Whatever they are arguing about is not important.”

“DAD! DAD!,” they shouted when they saw him coming toward them. “WE HAVE THE MOST WONDERFUL NEWS!” When Jacob heard that, he relaxed a little more, but curiously wondered what they could be talking about. All the brothers were shouting and talking at the same time, and none of it made any sense.

“Calm down . . . ALL OF YOU!”  He had to shout to be heard. The brothers were so excited they couldn't contain it. When they had finally calmed down a little bit, Jacob asked, “Now what is all this good news you are clamoring about?”

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What is this you have to say about Joseph

The brothers all continued talking at the same time, and Jacob heard something about a feast and something about a silver cup, but the thing he heard that made him freeze in his tracks, was the name of his dearly loved son, Joseph. “FORGET EVERYTHING ELSE,” he shouted. “What is this you have to say about Joseph?”

The brothers tried to tell him Joseph was alive and that they had talked to him.

That was such startling news for the old man, he almost lost his balance and had to be helped to a nearby boulder to sit down. “WHY ARE YOU MAKING JOKES ABOUT THINGS LIKE THIS?” he cried angrily. “YOU YOURSELVES TOLD ME MANY YEARS AGO THAT JOSEPH WAS KILLED BY A WILD ANIMAL!”

Jacob was beside himself with joy The excitement subdued as the brothers were forced to confess the terrible things they had done when they sold Joseph to be a slave and all the lies they had told over the years to cover it up. Jacob was stunned and numb. He didn't know what to believe....

      . . . But down the road, just a little way behind the brothers, he saw something that made him lose all doubt. “THE WAGONS ARE COMING!” he shouted. “AND LOOK AT ALL THOSE DONKEYS LOADED WITH GOODS! IT IS JUST AS YOU SAID! ONLY JOSEPH WOULD DO THIS AND SEND SO MANY GIFTS!  HE MUST BE ALIVE!  I MUST GO, SEE HIM.” It was all so unbelievable. Jacob was beside himself with joy.

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The brothers made an especially comfortable place in one of the wagons for their father Jacob commanded his sons to gather all their herds and flocks, and load the wagons with their wives, their children, and their food for the trip. All together, 66 descendants of Jacob, not counting the wives, were going on the l-o-n-g trip to Egypt. The brothers obediently did all they were told and also made an especially comfortable place in one of the wagons for their father.

They traveled the same hot, dry, dusty paths they had taken on their two previous trips to Egypt. They stopped to make camp overnight at a place called Beersheba, and Jacob made sacrifices and worshipped God. During the night, God spoke to Jacob.

“Here I am,” Jacob replied to God.

“I am the God of your father Isaac and of his father Abraham. Don't be afraid to go to Egypt. I will be with you and I will make your children and grandchildren a great nation. Joseph is alive and you shall be with him,” God said to Jacob.

Jacob was thankful that God had spoken to him and reassured him that all was well, and he was doing the right thing. He slept peacefully the rest of the night.

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Joseph prepared his chariot and practically flew to see his father Jacob and all his sons and their families arose early in the morning to continue their journey into Egypt. Jacob had appointed Judah to go ahead of the group to see Joseph and tell him they had arrived. Joseph prepared his chariot and practically flew to see his father. After he had introduced himself, he threw his arms around his father and hugged him and wept for a good while. Jacob was convinced that it truly was his son Joseph and he was now content and free from fear.

Joseph told the group they were all going to go meet King Pharaoh Joseph told the group they were all going to go meet King Pharaoh. He instructed them as to the proper courtesies and what they should say to answer Pharaoh's questions. Joseph led the group to the palace to introduce them to the King, and the King was overjoyed to finally meet Joseph's family. Pharaoh couldn't speak to them directly because they spoke different languages, so he communicated through Joseph.

“Tell your father that all of Egypt is open to them. Make sure they settle in a place with good land and water.” Then Pharaoh turned to Jacob and, speaking through Joseph, asked how old he was.

Jacob replied that he was 130 years old. Then Jacob prayed a blessing upon Pharaoh, and they went out to settle in the land of Goshen.

Jacob, who was also known as Israel, and his sons, who were also known as the children of Israel, grew very prosperous in Egypt. Jacob lived 17 more years and grew older and weaker. He gathered all his sons around him and prayed a blessing over them, naming each one individually. He also prayed a blessing over Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

After all the blessings were prayed and instructions were made, Jacob quietly went to sleep and died a peaceful death. Joseph, his family, and even Pharaoh and the whole land of Egypt mourned 40 days for Jacob.

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After their father Jacob died, the brothers started thinking of the past and became very worried. They were afraid that Joseph had only been kind to them on account of their father. They concocted a plan and made up a lie. Then they hired a messenger to go ahead of them to speak to Joseph.

Joseph's Brothers Bow “Your father had a command for you before he died,” the messenger said. “He wanted you to forgive your brothers for the evil things they did to you.” The brothers then bowed on the floor before Joseph, begging his forgiveness.

Joseph looked at them sadly and deeply troubled. With tears in his eyes, he asked, “Do you really think I want to pay you back evil for evil? I have no grudge against you. How can you even think such a thing? I have no desire to do anything bad to any of you,” he continued.

“You think you were bad to me and your conscience is bothering you, but God had a plan. God wanted me here in Egypt to save you, your families, and many, many other people from starving, and he used you to get me here. There is no need for you to fear me. What you meant for evil, God meant it for good. I will take care of all of you and your families,” he spoke to them kindly.

Joseph and his brothers lived the rest of their lives prosperously in the land of Egypt.


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THINK!

1. What good news did the brothers have for their father?
2. Why did their father have trouble believing them?
3. What did Jacob do when they stopped at Beersheba?
4. Why didn't King Pharaoh speak directly to Jacob?
5. How many sons did Joseph have?
6. Why did the brothers become fearful of Joseph?
7. What was Joseph's attitude toward his brothers?



REMEMBER:

God can make even bad things turn out good.



A VERSE TO LEARN

“You thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20).


PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Let’s think about the good things that happened to Joseph when he was facing bad times. What was the good thing that happened when he was a slave?

[After discussion:] Yes, he learned to run a whole household. What were the good things that happened when he was in prison?

[After discussion:] Yes, he learned to run a whole prison and even had the opportunity to minister to the butler and the baker and tell them about God. All during this bad situation, God was teaching Joseph so much, giving him wisdom he could use in the future. In the end, he was able to run a whole country in both good times and bad times, making provision and saving many people, including not only the Egyptians, but also his own family. Through it all, Joseph learned to obey God, forgive others, and even do good to those who had sinned against him.

Now, it’s not a shame to have a bad situation. Do you know someone who is currently facing a bad situation? Maybe you’re facing a bad situation and need help or need to forgive someone else. Remember, if we love God, we'll do what He says, and if we do what He says, He'll work out everything for our good although it may not look good at the time (Romans 8:28).

Can you think of a few things God says we should do?

[After discussion:] He says forgive, love, do good, encourage, comfort and pray for others. He says to keep on trusting Him and tell others about his love.

Are you facing a bad situation? Do you need prayer today or do you know someone else facing a bad situation who needs prayer? Let’s take a moment and pray for all the bad situations we or others may face. Let’s ask God to help us trust and obey Him in all things, and help us see the good in every situation. Let’s believe, praise and thank God for a good outcome.



LET'S PRAY

Dog and boy praying

****************************************************
Dear God, thank You for always being in control
and knowing what is best for us. Help us remember
to be kind and to forgive others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
****************************************************


CAN YOU FIND THIS STORY IN THE BIBLE?
Genesis 44:24 - 50:22


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crayons

Joseph Reunites with His Father Coloring Page
Memory Verse Coloring Page
Forgiving Others
Egypt Coloring Pages
Bible Heroes: Joseph
Bible Colour and Learn 7: Joseph
Joshua 1:9 Colorable Stickers

Action Bible Coloring Book
Coloring Through the Bible
Beginner's Bible Super-Duper Mighty Jumbo Coloring Book
Bible Stories Kids Love Coloring Book (ages 2 to 4)
Bible Verse Coloring Pages #2
Big Book of Bible Story Coloring Pages for Elementary Kids
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know, Coloring Book
My Bible Coloring Book
My Jumbo Bible Story Coloring Book
The Super-Sized Book of Bible Coloring & Art
Children's Bible Coloring Books


child reading a book

Adventure Bible: Joseph The Dreamer (I Can Read)
Beginner's Bible: Joseph & His Brothers (I Can Read)
Benjamin Goes To Egypt With His Brothers
Genesis 45
God's Dreamer: The Story of Joseph (Bible Wise)
Joseph (read online)
Joseph and the Hidden Cup
Joseph and the Hidden Sacks of Silver

Joseph—God's Superhero
(Discover 4 Yourself Inductive Bible Studies for Kids)

Joseph in Egypt
Joseph, Jacob's Favorite Son (Arch Books)
Joseph Rules
Joseph Saves His People
Joseph's Coat (Famous Bible Stories)
Joseph's Ten Brothers Go to Egypt

The Birth of a Nation: Abraham to Joseph
(listen and read online)

The Great Famine

Beginner's Bible
Beginner's Bible for Little Ones
Bible in Pictures For Toddlers
Bible stories
Children's Books
Early Reader's Bible
100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs w/2 CD
Pilgrim's Progress Comic
Spanish Children's Books

365 Activities For Kids:
A Bible Story And Activity For Each Day Of The Year


365 Read-Aloud Bedtime Bible Stories
The Children's Illustrated Bible
The Picture Bible (also in Spanish)
The Preschooler's Bible
Toddler's Bible


activities

Jigsaw Puzzle (online)
Genesis 50:20 Color, Cut, and Scramble
Crossword Puzzle
Word Search
5 Band-Aid Games
Multiple Choice
Joseph the Dreamer Sticker Book: Bible Story Sticker Book for Children
Word Scramble
Word Tiles

Best Book of Bible Activities
Bible Puzzles: Word Search
Big Book Of Bible Puzzles
Big Book Of Bible Story Activity Pages V1
Bingo
Children's Activity Books
Children's Puzzles
Christian and educational toys
Crossword Books
Encyclopedia Of Bible Games For Children's Ministry
Games
Jumbo Bible Activity Book 4
Memory Verse Games for Kids
Sticker Books
The Humongous Book of Games for Children's Ministry
The Super Sized Book of Bible Puzzles


crafts

Genesis 50:20 Cut and Scramble
Joseph and Jacob Embrace Jigsaw Puzzle
Egyptian Crafts
Jacob Moves To Egypt
Joseph Activities and Games

Bible Crafts
Bible Crafts & More (Ages 3-6)
Crafting the Word of God
Easy-to-Make Bible Crafts PDF for Kids & Digital Album Download [PDF Download]
Encyclopedia Of Bible Crafts For Preschoolers
Hot Crafts for Cool Kids pdf download
Maker-ific WOWS! (ages 8-12): 54 Surprising Bible Crafts

More! Bible Crafts on a Shoe String Budget:
Paper Sacks & Cardboard Tubes

(Reproducible: Ages 5-10)

Puppet Crafts For Kids


CDs and Videos

Bugtime Adventures: Blessing in Disguise - The Joseph Story (watch online)
Heroes of the Bible: Moses, Miriam, and Joseph VeggieTales DVD
Joseph: Beloved Son, Rejected Slave, Exalted Ruler DVD
Joseph: Beloved Son, Rejected Slave, Exalted Ruler (watch online)
Joseph Forgives His Brothers (watch online)
Joseph & the Coat of Many Colors (Greatest Heroes & Legends)
Joseph: King of Dreams — I Am Your Brother (watch online)
Joseph: King of Dreams — You Know Better Than I ending scene (watch online)
Superbook: Joseph's Revelation to His Brothers (watch online)
The Beginner's Bible, Volume 4 (watch online)
The Bible Stories: Joseph, DVD
The Story of Jacob and Joseph
VeggieTales: Following God's Directions (watch online)
VeggieTales: The Ballad of Little Joe (watch online)

Do You Wonder Why? (watch online)
God's Story from Creation to Eternity (listen & watch online)
Read and Share DVD Bible
The Jesus Storybook Bible Curriculum Kit
Bible story DVDs
Children's DVDs


birds singing

A Heart That Forgives
Everywhere I Go - Sheet Music
Romans 8:28 - Sheet Music
God Will Take Care of Us All by Helen McAlerney Barth (listen online)
In His Dreams - Sheet Music
Joseph's Coat Of Many Colors [Music Download]
You Can't Stop God from Loving You (listen online)

100 Ways To Know God Loves Me & 100 Songs
100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs
Action Bible Songs
Bible Songs on CD
Bible Songs on DVD
100 Singalong Bible Songs For Kids

Platinum Bible Collection of Classic Christian Songs on DVD
The Bible in a Minute (sing along)

25 Favorite Sunday School Songs
Children's Music


RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS


Genesis 47-50 Bible Study
Children's Sermon
Joseph and His Family Take Home Paper
Joseph by F B Meyer
Joseph - A Very Colorful Story
Jacob Moves To Egypt
Joseph (Jewish Virtual Library)
Power of Forgiveness - Drama

Free Bible story images
801 Questions Kids Ask About God
Absentee Postcards
African American Resources
Almost Every Answer for Practically Any Teacher
Bible for Children in 232 languages
Children's Ministry
Bible Memory Match Game
My Jumbo Bible Story Coloring Book
The Jesus Storybook Bible Curriculum Kit
Big Book of Bible Games
Bulletin Board helps
Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul
Children's Ministry Volunteers That Stick
Children's Sermon
Church Supplies
Closing Prayer

FREE materials to Bible schools, Bible colleges, seminaries,
churches, missionaries & individuals worldwide


52 Games That Teach The Bible
Free educational videos
God's Servants Teach Me

God's Wisdom for Little Boys:
Character-Building Fun from Proverbs


Help! I'm a Sunday School Teacher
How To Lead a Child To Christ
King James Version Gift & Award Bibles

Leading Little Ones to God:
A Child's Book of Bible Teachings


Lord Teach Me To Pray For Kids
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours
Memory Verse Resources
Object Talks
Opening Prayer
Parenting Resources
Pray & Play Bible for Young Children
Puppet Scripts
Review Activities for Bible Lessons
Seven Laws of the Learner
Spanish Resources
Sunday school resources
Sunday School Songs: Lyrics and Tunes (online)
Talking to God
Teachers' Reproducible Classroom Pages
Teaching Children Memory Verses Ages 4-5
Teaching Children To Pray Ages 4-5
Teaching to Change Lives
The Beginner's Bible Curriculum Kit

The Humongous Book of Bible Skits
for Children's Ministry


Vacation Bible School
What Every Sunday School Teacher Should Know

Children's resources


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