Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

Read the story.
On the index cards, write the names of Joseph and his 11 brothers: Rueben, Naphtali, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Zebulum, Judah, Benjamin, Asher, Levi, and Simeon. Tape a straw to each card to make a small flag.
Optional: Download, print, and copy the coloring sheet (PDF). Place coloring sheets and crayons where children can use them when invited but will not be distracted beforehand.

This story and activity will help participants understand how long it sometimes takes for forgiveness to happen in the world.

Gather participants in the large group area. Have the story, process questions, and signs nearby.

Read the story "A Journey of Forgiveness: Joseph and His Brothers."

Following the story, process with these questions.

Why do you think Jacob didn't seem to treat his sons fairly?
Let's think about this. Does treating someone fairly mean that we treat them all the same? If your brother was one year old and you were eight years old and you got to go horseback riding, should your one-year-old brother get to go horseback riding? So how can we be fair but be respectful of differences?
Joseph forgave his brothers. How long did it take him to forgive them? It took years for that forgiveness to happen. Joseph didn't even know where his brothers were when he forgave them. So how did the forgiveness take place? Forgiveness takes place with words. If we forgive someone and we don't use the words, how does that person know they are forgiven? Joseph told the brothers he forgave them when they came to Egypt for grain.