From Prison to Palace: Joseph’s Story
Scripture: Genesis 37:1-36; 39:1-41:57
Theme: God works all things together for good
Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
Lesson Title: God Calls Me! (Moses and the Burning Bush) God loves each of us and has a special job for us, even if we feel small or shy! In the Bible, Moses was just an ordinary shepherd, but God called him to do something big. Just like Moses, you might feel like you’re too little to help, but God knows the best things for you! God speaks to us in exciting ways, through dreams, feelings, or even a gentle voice inside! When Moses saw a glowing bush, he was scared but also wonderful because he trusted God. God says, “I’ll go with you!” (Exodus 3:4). What if you could hear God’s call today? Maybe it’s to share kindness, learn new things, or help others! God uses all of us, strong and weak, loud and quiet. Moses wasn’t perfect, but God made him brave by his side. You don’t have to be perfect to help! God is proud of you because you’re his little superhero. Let’s cheer for each other today and ask, “What can I do for God?” Encouragement for Teachers: – Use repetition: “God calls me!” (say it often!) – Let kids act out Moses’ reaction (shy, then brave). – End with a simple prayer: “Dear God, help me listen for your voice today!”
Bible Story
Moses and the Burning Bush
One day, long ago, Moses was tending sheep in a desert place. He looked up and saw a bright, shining bush. It was burning with fire but didn’t catch fire! Moses stared, wondering, “What’s happening?”
The bush spoke to Moses. “Do not come near!” God said, “I see you tending my sheep.” Moses said, “Who am I? I’m just a weak shepherd.” God smiled and said, “I will be with you. This is my sign, I will send you to free my people.”
Moses still didn’t believe. “What if they say I’m crazy?” God said, “I will show them miracles. I will help you.” With a happy heart, Moses agreed. “Yes, God, lead me!”
God gave Moses a staff and told him to go back to Egypt. “Tell Pharaoh to let my people go,” God said. Moses packed his bags, but first he asked God for help with his big speech. “I’m not good at talking!” God laughed and said, “I will help you, just go forward in faith!”
That story shows us that God calls us to do big things, even when we feel small. He gives us strength and trust. With God, we can do anything!
Activities
Joseph’s Good Story
Supplies: Joseph pictures, Story book
- Step 1: Teacher shows pictures of Joseph.
- Step 2: Teacher tells Joseph sold his brothers.
- Step 3: Teacher says Joseph went to Egypt.
- Step 4: Teacher says Joseph was in a box.
- Step 5: Teacher says Joseph found God’s goodness.
Joseph’s Good Heart Craft
Supplies: Paper heart, Crayons, Glue
- Step 1: Teacher shows a heart.
- Step 2: Children color a heart.
- Step 3: Teacher glues the heart.
- Step 4: Teacher asks Did Joseph have a good heart.
Discussion Questions
- Here are four open-ended discussion questions to spark wonder and thoughtful reflection about the story of Moses and the Burning Bush:
- What might the fire in the bush have felt like?
- Sometimes God shows us special things in unexpected ways, like a bright, warm flame or a gentle whisper. How do you think the fire made Moses feel? Do you think it was scary, exciting, or just really strange? What kinds of “burning bushes” might you see in your life? (Maybe when you feel brave, when you hear God’s voice, or even when you feel a little confused.)
- Why do you think God called Moses by name?
- When Moses saw the bush, he thought it was a mystery! God didn’t just tell him, “Hey, Moses!”, he said, “I’ve got a job for you!” Why do you think God chose Moses to do something important? What names do you hear often? Do you think God might call you to do something wonderful too, even if it feels hard at first?
- What would you have asked God if you were Moses?
- The bush kept burning but didn’t burn up! That was so strange, what questions would you have asked God? Maybe something like, “How will I know this is really you?” or “What should I do?” Do you ever ask God big questions, like, “Why am I here?” or “How do I know you’re watching me?” What do you wish you could ask someone who cares about you?
- How can we be brave like Moses when things feel scary?
- Moses had to step into something big, he had to lead others even though it scared him. Sometimes we feel nervous too, like we’re too small or not good enough. What’s one brave thing you’ve done already? Or something you want to do? How can you remember God is with you, like the fire in the bush never left Moses alone?
- These questions encourage curiosity, wonder, and connection to God while keeping the conversation light and engaging for little ones! Would you like any tweaks to fit a specific tone or focus?
Prayer Focus
Prayer for Wonder and Kindness First, let’s close our eyes and imagine a special place, just like Moses did! Oh, wonderful God, we thank You for the stars in the sky and the sun shining so bright. When Moses walked in the wilderness, he saw something amazing, a bush that wasn’t burning but still sparkled with Your light! Help us to wonder, like Moses did, when we see something new. Show us how to trust You, just like He trusted You. Now, let’s stretch our hands up like Moses did when God called his name! Dear God, You called Moses to do something big, just like You call us to help others. When we see someone who needs kindness, help us to be brave and gentle, like Moses was when he spoke to You. May we always remember You are with us, like that burning bush was full of Your warmth. Let’s pray together with joy and wonder! Oh God, make us like Moses, full of wonder, trust, and kindness! Help us to hear Your voice in our hearts, so we can shine Your light for others. Amen!
Missions Spotlight
The Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews) have preserved ancient traditions about Moses and the Exodus for centuries. Missionaries working in Ethiopia have found that the burning bush story opens doors to share about the God who still speaks today.
To the Cross
God revealed Himself as ‘I AM WHO I AM’, the self-existent, eternal God. Jesus later said, ‘Before Abraham was, I AM’ (John 8:58). The same God who spoke from the bush sent His Son to deliver us from sin.
Teaching Tips
- Use Big “Up and Down” Movements: Have the children act out the stor
- Ask “What Would You Do” Questions: Instead of asking “Why?”, ask de
- Work in Small Groups of Three: Break the children into groups of 3
- Simple Crafts with Guidance: Make a “Joseph’s Crown” or a jar of tr
Family Take-Home
This Sunday school lesson tells how God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt through a miraculous encounter, the angel of the Lord appeared as a burning bush that didn’t burn up (Exodus 3:2). God revealed His name (Yahweh) and promised to deliver Israel, calling Moses to speak for Him, despite his fears. A perfect reminder that God uses unlikely heroes and calls us to brave His call!