BibleMAX Teens 1

JOSEPH – SESSION 1: A BIG FIGHTING FAMILY

OVERVIEW OF THE LESSON

Bible passage: Genesis 37

Memory verse: Romans 8:28
Main idea: Joseph’s family had many relationship problems but God had amazing plans for each person.

PREPARE – LEADER BIBLE INTRO AND RESOURCES TO COLLECT

The story of Joseph is a true account of God working to develop godly character in all the circumstances of life; good and
bad. Ultimately God achieves his sovereign will; he saves Egypt and all the nations around it from famine. This is also a part
of God’s bigger story of salvation. Jesus comes from this family and God saves the whole world through Jesus. The 12
brothers are the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel and Jesus is from Judah’s tribe.

In this session we see that Joseph’s family situation is far from ideal. Favouritism, jealousy, hate and bragging all lead to
some very ugly behaviour from different members of the family. As teenagers, we begin to notice this more as we become
more aware of ourselves and other families. Everyone in Joseph’s family is at fault in some way, yet God does not give up on
them. God can work his perfect purposes through anyone! Take time to reflect on your own family relationships. Pray for
them.

Things you will need in the following sections:

 Kickoff! Building project pack with paper sheet, pop sticks, a pin or split pin and mouldable putty or thick glue.
 What’s the issue: Leader prepared with a personal story to tell.
 What’s next? : A Bible, magazines, blank paper and glue. Poster paper and marker pens

LEADER TIP: ORGANIZING SMALL GROUPS

Small group discussion is a good time for leaders to disciple a small group of children. Put teens of the same age and
gender together. Match the leader carefully with the type of group.

KICKOFF!

Use some of these activities depending on how much time you have for the session

1. Welcome:
Add activities that your group especially likes to do – add that special flavour of your group’s personality! Singing, making
music, snack time, sport, football, volleyball, chat and catch up, or worship.

2. Game: Get in order

Divide the big group into teams of about 10 people. Each teams stands in a straight line. Ask children to arrange themselves
into a straight line in the order of the category; order of height, birthday, number of people you live with, time it takes to get to
this activity. Make up some of your own categories. The team, which puts themselves into the correct order the quickest, wins
a point for their team.

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?- TEACH THE BIBLE

3. Leader’s personal story

A leader welcomes the group and tells a funny/interesting story about a brother or sister. Ask others to answer this question.
How do you really annoy your brothers and sisters, or friends? How do they annoy you?

4. Quiz – Family Relationships

Have 8 volunteers come to the front. 4 will be contestants. The other 4 will be a ‘buzzer’ for each. When a contestant wants to
answer a question they hit the ‘buzzer’. The buzzer makes a funny noise each time.

QUESTIONS: 1. The sister of your wife is your _

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2. The daughter of your brother is your _ 7. The mother of your cousin is your _
3. The brother if your father is _ 8. The son of your son is you’re your _
4. The wife of your brother is your _ 9. The father of your dad is your _
5. The son of your uncle is your _ 10. The cousin of your brother is your _
6. The daughter of aunt is your _
5. Read Genesis 37
Choose one activity from ways to unpack a Bible story. This may be done in a big group or a small group.

SUGGESTION: Body sculpture – Work in pairs; one as the clay and the other as a sculptor. The ‘sculptor’ models the ‘clay’
to express how a character is feeling at certain events in the passage. Swap roles at different times so that each person
has a turn at being the sculptor and the clay. We will provide a video example of this.

6. Small group discussion

 What interesting things happened in the Bible passage?
 What are the signs that this family was unhappy in their relationships?
 How did the father, Jacob show favoritism?
 Use the many ways to ask questions guide for more ideas.

IMPORTANT
Help individuals realize that God made everyone unique, not more important than anyone else. We must let each person
become the person God wants them to be and not squeeze into the shape we are comfortable with them being.

WHAT’S NEXT?- APPLY THE BIBLE

7. Collage making activity

Ask each person to make a collage of magazine or news clippings, which represents their family. To make a collage, cut out
pictures and words from magazines and newspapers and glue them on paper in an interesting way. The collage will express
how they see each person in their family. The collages can be displayed around the room later. In small groups look at the
collages and debrief together by asking these questions.

8. Discussion about the collage picture

 How would you do things differently if you were Joseph?
 What is the mood in your family? (Positive or negative, competitive or cooperative)
 Why do you think this is so?
 How can you build positive relationships in your family? List some ideas.
9. Take Home Challenge
Journaling/mentor partners. Challenge children and leaders to think about things they could say to their brothers, sisters and
close friends to encourage them. Try to find opportunities in the week to say some of these words to them.

CONTINUE

10. Scripture to remember – in small groups

We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen
for his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NEV)

SUGGESTION: SMS scripture – Stay in small groups. Give the scripture to them as a code as mobile phone numbers. E.g.
We = 93, know = 5669, etc. SMS the Bible verse to each person later during the week.

11. Prayer in small groups or pairs

Way 3: Pair and share- Show another person the collage of the family and explain to them the family situation. After a few
minutes swap roles. Spend time praying for each other’s family situation.

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JOSEPH – SESSION 2: DON’T GIVE UP

OVERVIEW OF THE LESSON – ALL THE BASIC INFO TO DECIDE IF THE LESSON IS RIGHT TO KEEP
READING

Bible passage: Genesis 39 and 40

Memory verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
Main idea: Joseph puts himself in the hands of God to be shaped in character. This happens in good times and
bad.

PREPARE

Joseph’s life with God can be summed up in one word. He is irrepressible. Joseph is in a constant cycle of good fortune and
then bad circumstances; yet he remains buoyant, faithful, trusting in God and never giving up.

It is important to remember that Joseph has God’s blessing right through these times. If God’s blessing was simply ‘success’
and ‘prosperity’ then this would not make sense because why would he suffer? Instead we can understand God’s blessing in
a much fuller sense. For Joseph, God’s blessing is being obedient and faithful to God in everything, knowing God is in
charge. He understands God is sovereign, and that knowledge is a blessing. Because Joseph learned these important
lessons, later on God is able to bless the whole of Egypt through Joseph.

Things you will need in the following sections:

 Kickoff!: Building project pack (straws, sticking tape, bubblegum, sweets, paperclips, marble, etc)
 What’s the issue?: Leader prepared with a personal story to tell or find a story that reveals the issue
 What’s next?: Bible or printed text. Fake or real mic and video camera

LEADER TIP: TEENS ARE IMPORTANT

Teenagers will feel more connected to the church when they are given opportunities to serve and be involved. How can
you involve teens more in the life of your church? How can the church show that teens are important?

KICKOFF!

Use some of these activities depending on how much time you have for the session
1. Welcome
Singing, making music, snack time, sport, football, volleyball, chat and catch up, worship.

2. Leader welcome:
Leader tells a story about how they didn’t give up or experienced difficult situation that eventually turned out great. Review
last week. Hold up a fancy coat and ask the teens how it relates to last week.

3. Activity: Building Project

Get into small teams of about 5 people. Give each team their packs of materials to build “something”. They will be told what
they will make after they have made decisions about the materials they will use. Ask each group to decide on an item that
they will give back before they are told what they are building. Once each group has given back one of their items, tell them
that they need to make a tower at least 1 metre tall. Give each team 5-10 min to complete the project and then let all the
groups look at the results.

4. Debrief questions
 What item did your group give up?
 What were you able to do easily?
 What were you unable to do because an important item was missing?
 What does this tell you about all the parts that were originally in the pack?

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?- TEACH THE BIBLE

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5. Leader’s personal story

A leader welcomes the group and tells a story about his failure and great turnout. Then, show a video of the girl, Rachel, who
wanted to raise money for digging wells in Africa, but passed away before she could that (http://youtu.be/nC_vXAF-pBM). Or
you can use any other video about failure and success. It can be a story of Olympic athlete getting injury, who never gave up.

6. Read Genesis 39 and 40

Choose one activity from ways to unpack a Bible story. This may be done in a big group or a small group.

SUGGESTION: Press conference. Have 4 people to play roles of Patifar, Joseph, wine and bread guys. They will sit at front
and have asked questions from the rest of the group, who pretend to be journalists. Both of the groups read the story and
journalist come up with the questions for all characters.

7. Small group discussion

 What bad things happened to Joseph in this story?
 What good things happened to Joseph?
 In Gen 39:2-4 Joseph is successful and brings blessings. What type of blessings is this?
 What pattern do you notice in Joseph’s life?
 Do you think it is easier to learn lessons of life in good times or bad times? Why?
 What hardships are you going through in your life right now? What does God want you to learn though these?
 Use the many ways to ask questions guide for more ideas.

IMPORTANT
Help the teens realize that Joseph trusts God in good and bad times. God is more interested in developing godly
character than making Joseph comfortable.

WHAT’S NEXT?- APPLY THE BIBLE

8. Pair sharing
Have teens get into pairs and discuss stories in their lives that relate to the issue of not giving up.

Discussion questions:
 What was the situation that seemed bad at first in your life, but later you gained benefit from it?
 What was first reaction and what did you do? Why?
 What have you learned from Joseph that you want to apply to your life?
 What will you do to be obedient to the Scripture?

9. Take Home Challenge

Share what they learned. Have teens to find someone they know is having difficult time in their lives and share this truth with
those people. Next time, let them share how did it go.

CONTINUE

10. Scripture to remember – in small groups

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6 (NIV)

Choose a memory verse activity

Suggestion: Sticker. Write down the verse on the piece of paper and stick it at home at a place you visit the most during
the day.

11. Prayer – in small groups or pairs

Way 3: Small group - have teens into groups of 4-5 people, discuss and pray

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JOSEPH – SESSION 3: GOOD TIMES OR BAD, GOD TEACHES US

OVERVIEW OF THE LESSON

Bible passage: Genesis 41

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4:10
Main idea: God develops skills, abilities and character in us. He uses these to serve others. Our talents, abilities,
character and skills are from God and for his use.

PREPARE

The Pharaoh has two amazing dreams that worry him. In Joseph’s time, more attention was paid to dreams of significance.
Read the story of Pharaoh, and ask yourself these questions.

How has God developed Joseph to be ready for this time? What has Joseph endured to reach this point? List the character
traits that you admire in Joseph.

Things you will need in the following sections:

 Kickoff!: video clip about ant and locust (or something similar); tea, coffee, cookies
 What’s the issue: work through small group discussion questions
 What’s next?: A Bible

LEADER TIP: KNOW YOUR TEENS WELL

Know your teens and be prepared to see a positive attribute about their character. This is very important in this lesson.

KICKOFF!

1. Welcome activity:
Prepare coffee, tea, cookies as you greet teens. On the wall, put a sign “it will not be always this way”. While they have fun
and conversations, ask them what it took to prepare to this. Then interrupt in the middle of it, have them go out of the room
for a minute and take everything off the tables. As the team come in again and see nothing, ask them how they feel about it?
Would having something saved with them help?

2. Leader welcome and revision:

Ask teens how did it go with finding a person with difficulties in life. Review main points of the last lesson. Then show a video
clip about ant and locust. Or tell the story, following this link (http://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/se/mtsi/mtsi251.htm)

3. Gulliver Challenge
Gulliver game. Divide the group into teams of about 10 people. Have each team to place a shoe as far as they can get
without touching the ground.

4. Game:
Have teens into two groups. Prepare five stations where each team should do different kind of challenge at each: sing, solve
a puzzle, do push ups, answer trivia questions, etc. The idea to use all skills of the group to pass each base. And emphasize
that we need one another.

Debrief questions:
 What did you see in the video? What can you learn from the characters?
 In Gulliver game, why you were able to place the shoe at first place? How did you do it?
 Would it work, if all of you could do the same thing or were the same kind?
 In base game, how did you pick the people to perform the activity?
 What helped you to go through all of them more easily?

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WHAT’S THE ISSUE?- TEACH THE BIBLE

5. What’s the Issue?

Ask teens if there are things their parents make them to do? Do they like it or not? Why? And why do they think parents do
that?

6. Read Genesis 41
Choose one activity from 7 ways to explore a Bible story - Teens

SUGGESTION: Divide and digest

7. Small group discussion

Gather the teens in small groups to discuss these questions.

 What happened in the story?

 What was Joseph’s role at this time?
 How long had Joseph been forgotten?
 What character traits does Joseph show?
 What makes him such a good leader?
 How do we know that Pharaoh trusted him?
 What does Joseph say about his ability to interpret dreams?
 What does his attitude and behavior tell us about him?

IMPORTANT
Help teens understand that just as God gave gifts and skills, ability and character to Joseph, he is doing the same with us.
God gives us these abilities so that we can serve Him. These abilities we have are not ours to hold tightly to; they come
from God for his use.

Use the 7 ways to ask questions guide for more ideas.

WHAT’S NEXT?- APPLY THE BIBLE

8. Reflection activity:
Matching activity: Provide the group with big sheet paper and have them right their name and needs they might have or issue
they struggle with. Then put it in front of everybody to see if anybody can help other person with their needs, having these
skills or abilities.

9. Discussion questions
 What will it take you to help your peer?
 What can stop you from doing that during the week?
 When will you do it?

CONTINUE

10. Memory Verse

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its
various forms. 1Pet. 4:10 (NIV)

Choose a Memory Verse activity.

11. Prayer – Choose a way to pray together.

12. Take Home Challenge

Break into pairs and commit to hold each other accountable by calling one another on the week and asking if they did what
they plan.

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JOSEPH – SESSION 4: RESTORING RELATIONSHIPS TAKES TIME

OVERVIEW OF THE LESSON

Bible passage: Genesis 42-44

Memory Verse: Eph. 4:32 (2 lessons)
Main idea: God helped Joseph to be patient and wise, allowing restoration of relationships to take place.

PREPARE

Joseph’s character is on display to those visiting Egypt, and to all of Pharaoh’s household. He is watched carefully as he
looks after Egypt and serves the neighbouring countries who are also facing famine and starvation. When his brothers arrive,
he could have taken out his anger on them. They deserve this because they had treated Joseph so badly. Instead, he paces
himself, taking time to respond carefully, and allowing restoration to ultimately take place.

We may not all be promoted to second in command of a whole country and all of its wealth, but there are plenty of times
when we are in positions of power, and have those who have hurt us at our mercy. What is your character like at these times
of trial?

Things you will need in the following sections:

 Kickoff (or some other name): a coin, videos on forgiveness and not paying back.
 What’s the issue: a map that shows Israel and Egypt in Joseph’s days
 Unpack the Bible: A Bible
 What’s next?

LEADER TIP: MEDITATE

Take time to review the Bible content for yourself and apply it to your own life before the lesson. It will give you greater
insight and more compassion for the children in your care. Be open and willing to share a suitable challenge you are
facing in your own life.

KICKOFF!

1. Welcome activity:
Play some games that the teens happy to be involved in and helps welcome new kids.

2. Leader welcome and revision:

Start with asking how did it go for them to serve others last week.

 What skills did you use?

 How did it make you feel?
3. Set a challenge
Divide teens into two teams. Flip the coin to choose which team goes first. The team should think of a very hard, out of
comfort zone, but still possible activity for the second team to do. When it’s done, the second team gets the chance to play
against other team.

Debrief questions:
 How did you feel when you were requested to do an activity?
 How did you feel when you had an opportunity to plan activity for others?
 Why did you do the way you did?

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?- TEACH THE BIBLE

4. What’s the Issue?

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Leaders prepare a skit based on the movie called “Le Miserable”, where the priest forgives the thief and gives him the second
chance.

5. Genesis 42-43
Choose one activity from 7 ways to explore a Bible story - Teens: (paraphrase of the scripture)

This is a very long passage. Tell the story with a map to show the journeys taken, and stop during the story at key points to
ask the following questions.

6. Large group discussion

 What do you find interesting about this story?
 Compare Josephs’ position now, to his dreams from Chapter 37.
 Why did the brothers need to go to Egypt?
 What would you have done if you were Joseph?
 Why do you think that Joseph doesn’t say who he is?
 What examples do we see of Joseph’s character?
7. In small groups:
Ask teens to write the answers to each of the questions on their paper:

 What is God’s message about reconciliation?

 What does this say about our own character and how God is shaping us? (God is helping us to be more
compassionate and outwardly focused)
 Who do you need to be reconciled with?

IMPORTANT
Joseph’s real character is on display for everyone to see. He could be very angry and seek revenge. Instead, he paces
himself carefully and refrains from revenge. He acts slowly and carefully, allowing restoration.

WHAT’S NEXT?- APPLY THE BIBLE

8. Reflection activity:
Lead youth in reading and meditating on Eph. 4:32. Have them think about discussion questions

9. Discussion questions
 How are those that hurt you in any way? How do you feel about them?
 How did you hurt God in any way? How did He felt about it?
 What did Christ do for you? What is it that you should be doing towards others?

CONTINUE

10. Memory Verse

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph. 4:32 (NIV)

Choose a Memory Verse activity.

11. Prayer – Choose a way to pray together.

12. Take Home Challenge

Have teens recall anybody who hurt them in any way and commit to pray for them every day asking God to restore those
relationships. If they feel they need to go and try to reconcile, let them do that.

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JOSEPH – SESSION 5: GOD IS OUR SAVIOUR!

OVERVIEW OF THE LESSON

Bible passage: Genesis 45

Memory Verse: Rom. 8:18
Main idea: God deserves the glory for bringing incredible good and salvation out of terrible events. God’s goodness
lasts for generations!

PREPARE

This is a wonderful story. Joseph gives God the glory for pulling together his mighty plans throughout Joseph’s life to save
not only his own family but Egypt and the whole known world!

No matter what we do or what happens, God can use it for his glory! The climax of this story is in Gen 45: 8 when Joseph
says that God was in charge of everything and that all the bad things that happened were ordained by Him to help Joseph
and bless all nations. Through incredible evil and sinfulness, God brings out good. Joseph can see this and gives God the
glory. Compare Joseph’s story with that of our salvation in Jesus.

Things you will need in the following sections:

 Kickoff! :
 What’s the issue:
 What’s next?: A Bible, a big sheet paper

LEADER TIP: WHAT MOVES YOU IN THIS STORY?

Take the time to explore this story for yourself and consider how you would share with the teens what has impacted you
the most from it. This is a way for you to ‘share your life’ with the children and gives them a way to understand you better
and serve you in prayer!

KICKOFF!

1. Welcome activity:
Volcano game, crossing the lake of fire to get to promised land.

2. Leader welcome and revision:

Leader asks teens about how did it go with forgiving others and praying for those who hurt them. Also, he should share his
personal story about forgiving others.

3. Physical challenge: Push and shove

Ask the group to split into 2 teams. They stand 4 metres apart facing each other. They are numbered 1 to (20). When a
number is called, those two people come to the middle and crouch down and push against each other to push the other
person backwards past a marker. Count the points for each team. Match genders against each other.

4. Video:
Leader shares the story of Nick, disabled guy, no legs, no arms. The video can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjbX6mDnMwM

Debrief questions:
 What would be your attitude is something like that would happen to you?
 How did Nicks parents feel about this situation?
 Why would God let that happen?
 How God uses Nick’s life?
 What would be the hardest thing to do in this kind of situation?

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WHAT’S THE ISSUE?- TEACH THE BIBLE

5. Use shocking statement.

Say: “out of evil comes good” or “only bad people get to heaven”. Let teens work with this statement, try to either justify or
deny that statement

6. Read Genesis 45
Choose one activity from 7 ways to explore a Bible story- Teens

SUGGESTION: Read the Bible passage all together.

7. Small group discussion

 What does Joseph say to his brothers?
 What does Joseph say about God?
 Is he right? Has God been active in this story? What has God done?
 What have we discovered about God from this story?
 What links can you see in Joseph’s story and Jesus’ story? (help them if they don’t know Jesus’ story well, and give
hints if they struggle).
 What questions do you have?
 Can you imagine what will happen next in Joseph’s story? (Ch 50)

IMPORTANT
Help children realize that God loves us and wants to save us. He deserves the praise and glory for bringing incredible
good and salvation out of terrible events and making the goodness last for generations.

Use the 7 ways to ask questions for more ideas.

8. Genealogy hunt
Look at Matt chapter 1:1-17. Where is Joseph in this story of Jesus? Who else is there?

WHAT’S NEXT?- APPLY THE BIBLE

9. Reflection activity:
Journaling. Have teens to think about their lives where God showed His glory and brought good. Or you could have teens
come up with parallels in Joseph’s and Christ’s lives. Make a chart on a sheet paper, using two columns.

10. Discussion questions

 What happened to Christ in the same way as to Joseph?
 Why did God let that happen to Jesus?
 What are those things in your life that seem to be bad, but can be used by God for good?

CONTINUE

10. Memory Verse

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Rom. 8:18 (NIV)

Choose a Memory Verse activity.

11. Prayer – Choose a way to pray together.

12. Take Home Challenge

Commit to practice this: every time during the week, if there are things that are out of comfort zone, praise God.
Or have teens to teach the story to younger kids.

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