Joseph Brings His Family to Pharaoh
(Genesis 47:1-12)
Jacob's family had arrived safely in Egypt. The long, dusty journey was over. Now it was time for Joseph to introduce his family to the most powerful man in the world: Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
Joseph went to Pharaoh first. "My father and my brothers have come from Canaan," he said. "They have brought their flocks, their herds, and everything they own." Then Joseph brought five of his brothers to stand before the king.
Pharaoh asked them a simple question: "What is your work?" The brothers answered honestly. "We are shepherds, your servants, just as our fathers were before us. We have come to live in this land because the famine is so terrible in Canaan that there is no pasture left for our animals. Please let us settle in the land of Goshen."
Pharaoh was generous. He told Joseph, "The land of Egypt is open to you. Let your father and brothers live in the best part of the land, in Goshen. And if any of them are especially good with livestock, put them in charge of my own herds."
Then came the most surprising moment. Joseph brought his father, Jacob, to meet Pharaoh. Jacob was 130 years old: worn, tired, and weathered by a life of struggle. Pharaoh was the ruler of the greatest empire on earth. By every measure of worldly power, Pharaoh was in charge.
But the first thing Jacob did when he stood before Pharaoh was bless him. Think about that. The old shepherd blessed the king. The Bible tells us that the one who blesses is greater than the one who is blessed (Hebrews 7:7). Jacob carried something Pharaoh did not have: the promise of God. And that promise gave Jacob an authority that no throne on earth could match.
Pharaoh asked Jacob, "How old are you?" Jacob answered, "The years of my pilgrimage are 130. They have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of my fathers." Jacob was honest about his hard life. Then he blessed Pharaoh a second time and left the king's presence.
Joseph settled his family in the best land in all of Egypt and made sure they had plenty of food, right in the middle of the terrible famine. God was providing for His people exactly as He had promised.
A Curious Question
Jacob was a tired, 130-year-old shepherd. Pharaoh was the king of the most powerful nation on earth. But Jacob was the one who did the blessing. Why do you think Jacob had the authority to bless someone so much more powerful than himself? Where did that authority come from?
Jesus Connection
Joseph brought his starving family out of a land with no food and into a land of abundance. He gave them the best land. He made sure they had everything they needed. He was their provider and their protector. All of this was a gift they did not earn. They came to Egypt empty-handed and afraid, and Joseph took care of them completely.
This is exactly what Jesus does for us. We are spiritually starving because of sin. We cannot save ourselves, and we have nothing to offer God. But Jesus invites us into His kingdom and provides everything: forgiveness, peace, purpose, and eternal life. He does not make us earn it. He does not make us prove we are good enough. He gives us the best of what He has because of grace. Joseph gave his family Goshen. Jesus gives us something even better: a permanent place in the family of God. And just like Jacob could bless Pharaoh because he carried God's promise, we carry something the world cannot give: the name and the love of Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions
- Jacob described his 130 years as "few and difficult." He was honest about how hard his life had been. Why is it okay to be honest with God about our struggles instead of pretending everything is fine?
- Jacob blessed Pharaoh, even though Pharaoh was the one with all the worldly power. What kind of "blessing" can you give to someone who seems to have everything already?
- Joseph gave his family the best land in Egypt and made sure they had food during the famine. How is that a picture of what Jesus does for us when we come to Him?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
Jacob carried the blessing of God into the throne room of the most powerful man on earth. Because we carry the name of Jesus, we can be a blessing to anyone, anywhere. Here are three ways to practice this week:
- Be a Blesser: Jacob blessed Pharaoh. You can bless people too. Pick one person outside your family this week, a teacher, a neighbor, a cashier, and say something kind to them: "Thank you for what you do" or "I hope you have a great day." A simple blessing from a child of God carries more weight than you think.
- Be Grateful for God's Provision: Joseph made sure his family had food in the middle of a famine. Before dinner one night this week, thank God out loud for three specific things He provides for you: a warm bed, a parent who cares, food on the table. Gratitude turns an ordinary meal into a moment of worship.
- Be Honest with God: Jacob did not pretend his life had been easy. He told Pharaoh the truth: "My years have been few and difficult." God does not need you to fake it. If you are having a hard day, tell Him. He can handle your honesty, and He will meet you right where you are.
Memorize God's Word
Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."
Hand Motions:
- Trust in the Lord: Point both index fingers up to heaven.
- with all your heart: Place both hands over your heart and press firmly.
- and do not lean: Lean your body to one side like you are about to fall, then catch yourself and shake your head "no."
- on your own understanding: Point to your head (your brain) with one finger.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for being our great Provider. Thank You that You gave Jacob's family the best land in Egypt and took care of them during the famine. Thank You that You take care of us too, through Jesus, who gives us everything our hearts really need. Help us to trust You when life is hard and to be honest with You about our struggles. Teach us to be a blessing to the people around us, just like Jacob blessed Pharaoh. We love You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Craft: "God's Provision" Thankfulness Mural
This group activity helps children visualize the abundance God provided in Goshen and connect it to the blessings God gives them today.
Materials Checklist:
- Set the Scene: Before class, lay out the large paper and draw a simple landscape of the "Land of Goshen": a sunny field with a few houses and animals. Write "God's Provision" across the top.
- Brainstorm Together: Ask the class: "What did God provide for Jacob's family?" (land, food, safety, each other). Then ask: "What does God provide for us?" (food, family, friends, the Bible, Jesus).
- Cut and Create: Have each child cut simple shapes from construction paper representing one thing God provides for them: a house, a heart for family, a book for the Bible, a plate of food.
- Label Each Shape: On each cutout, write or draw what it represents (for example: "Mom and Dad," "My Church," "Food on my table").
- Build the Mural: Glue all the shapes onto the Goshen landscape. When finished, step back and look at how full the mural is. Say: "Look at how much God provides. He took care of Jacob's family, and He takes care of us too."
Effective Teaching Techniques
The moment when Jacob blesses Pharaoh is the theological heart of this lesson, so do not rush past it. When you reach that scene, stop and ask the class: "Who has more power, the king of Egypt or the old shepherd?" Let them answer (they will all say Pharaoh). Then say: "Actually, Jacob blessed Pharaoh. The Bible says the one who blesses is greater. Jacob had something Pharaoh did not: the promise of God. That made Jacob the most powerful person in the room." Watch the kids' eyes widen. That reversal is the lesson.
For the mural craft, use the "Popcorn" method to keep the brainstorming section moving. After asking a question, let kids pop up with quick one-word answers. If a child talks too long, gently say: "Pop the popcorn to the next person!" This keeps the energy high and gives every child a chance to speak.
For younger children (ages 4 to 6), pre-cut a variety of simple shapes (circles, squares, hearts, houses) before class. Let them choose a shape, draw or write on it, and glue it to the mural. Keep the discussion simple: "God gave Jacob's family food and a safe place to live. What has God given you?" That one question is the whole application for little ones.