For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Joseph can't hold it in any longer. The greatest family reunion in the Bible is about to happen — with tears, hugs, and forgiveness.
Today's Story
Joseph couldn't hold it in for one more second. He sent all his servants out of the room. Then, with tears streaming down his face, he said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?”
The brothers were too stunned to speak. Joseph?! The brother they had sold all those years ago — alive, and the governor of Egypt?! They were afraid.
But Joseph said the kindest words. “Come close to me. I am your brother Joseph. Don't be afraid, and don't be angry with yourselves for selling me. Because God sent me ahead of you to save lives! It wasn't really you who sent me here — it was God. He turned it all into something good, to keep many people alive — including you.”
Then Joseph threw his arms around his brothers and wept, and kissed them, and they all cried together. After all those years — forgiveness, and family, and joy.
“Hurry home,” Joseph said, “and bring my father and all of you to live near me, where there's plenty of food. I'll take care of you.” The brothers raced home with the most unbelievable news of their lives: “Joseph is alive! And he forgave us!”
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Joseph said, “It wasn't you who sent me here — it was God, to save lives.” How did God turn something terrible into something good?
- Joseph forgave his brothers completely and hugged them. Is there someone you need to forgive? How might God help you?
- The brothers raced home with amazing news. If you had great news about God, who would you run to tell?