For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Years later, Joseph stands face to face with the brothers who hurt him — and he gets to choose: pay them back, or forgive.
Today's Story
The hard years had come, just as Joseph said. People from everywhere traveled to Egypt for food — including Joseph's own brothers. They didn't recognize the powerful ruler standing in front of them… but it was Joseph! And instead of paying them back, Joseph had wept, hugged them, and moved his whole family to Egypt where there was plenty to eat. Together again at last.
Years went by. Then their father, Jacob, grew old and died. And suddenly the brothers got scared. “Now that Dad is gone,” they whispered, “what if Joseph finally pays us back for what we did?”
They came and bowed low before Joseph, trembling. “Please forgive us.”
But Joseph cried when he heard it. “Don't be afraid,” he said gently. “Am I God? It's true, you meant to harm me. But God meant it all for good. He used it to save many, many lives. So don't be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.”
And he did. Joseph forgave them — all the way — and kept his whole family safe. The brother who was once thrown in a pit became the one who rescued them all.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Joseph chose to forgive his brothers instead of paying them back. Is forgiving easy or hard? Is there someone you need to forgive?
- Joseph said, “You meant harm, but God meant it for good.” Can you think of a hard thing that ended up bringing something good?
- Joseph cried and hugged his brothers. How do you think it felt for the whole family to be together and okay again?