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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 37 “God Gives Israel the Victory”

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Featured Passage: Exodus 11-14

Even though Egypt was nearly destroyed, Pharaoh would not let Israel go. It would take one final dramatic blow to bring Egypt to its knees. This plague would strike so deeply into the heart of every Egyptian that they would demand that the Israelites leave. Every person, from servant to king, would suffer loss. Only the Israelites would be spared – if they followed God’s special instructions. If they followed these instructions to the letter, they would remain unharmed. The Egyptians, on the other hand, would suffer greatly.  

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • What was the last plague that God sent on Egypt? 
  • God gave Moses instructions for the Israelites to follow in order to escape the plague. What were the Israelites commanded to do? 
  • The night that God sent the plague is called the Passover because He passed over every household that followed His special instructions. Why do we still keep Passover today? How is it similar or different to the way the Israelites kept it in Egypt?
  • What other miracles besides the plagues did God use to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?

Memory Challenge:

Exodus 14:13-14

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 36 “God Sends the Plagues”

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Featured Passage: Exodus 7–10

As God had commanded, Moses demanded that Pharaoh release the Israelite slaves. As you might expect, Pharaoh refused. The Egyptians had no respect for God, and to the Pharaoh, Moses’ order from God was just a ploy for the Israelites to abandon their work. Before long, however, God would strike the Egyptians with plagues that would show that believing in the Egyptian gods was utter nonsense. 

Discuss:

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Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Pharaoh had sorcerers and magicians. What does God’s Word teach us about magic, fortune tellers, etc… (Deuteronomy 18:9–11)?
  • What plagues did God send on Egypt? Why did God send these particular plagues? What effect do you think each had on everyday life in Egypt? 
  • After the plagues, Egypt had no crops, no fruit trees nor any other trees, and very few livestock. There was only destruction everywhere (Exodus 10:7). Why did God allowed this to happen?
  • Why do you think Pharaoh continued to have a hard heart? 

Memory Challenge: 

Exodus 7:5 

And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 35 “Moses and Aaron Meet Pharaoh”

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Featured Passage: Exodus 5-6

When God told Moses to go to Egypt, Moses was very reluctant. He complained that he was not able to speak well. God didn’t accept his excuse. Instead, God informed him that Aaron, his brother, would speak on his behalf. They had a very difficult assignment – to tell Pharaoh that the great God of heaven demanded the release of the Israelites! Imagine the courage that it took to approach the Pharaoh of Egypt and give him this message! Yet Moses obeyed God and went to Egypt, preparing himself to face one of the most powerful rulers on earth, with faith in the most powerful ruler in the universe!

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • How did Pharaoh react when Moses told him to let the people go? 
  • Straw was an important ingredient for making bricks. The Egyptians provided the Israelite slaves this straw to mix with mud. When Moses demanded the release of the Israelites, Pharaoh angrily responded by making a decree that the Israelites would have to gather their own straw from then on. How do you think the people felt about Pharaoh’s order? How do you think they felt toward Moses? Why do you think God allowed this to happen?
  • What lessons did Moses and the Israelites learn from the way that God dealt with Pharoah? What lessons can we learn from reading this part of the Bible? 

Memory Challenge:

Exodus 6:7

I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 34 “Moses – From the Bulrushes to the Burning Bush”

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Featured Passage: Exodus 1-4

The Pharaoh who knew Joseph had died, and a new Pharaoh arose in Egypt. He enslaved the Israelites and treated them cruelly. He commanded that all baby boys be killed, but a special couple named Amram and Jochebed decided to hide their son from Pharaoh’s soldiers. They made a plan they hoped would save their baby boy. Jochebed placed her son in a basket of reeds and put him in the river and told her daughter Miriam to watch what would happen to him. What would become of the baby? God was looking for a man to lead His people out of slavery, and it seemed He had a plan in mind for this special little boy.

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • At the time, Egypt was the most powerful nation on earth. Why do you think the Israelites needed God to save them?
  • Amram and Jochebed showed great courage in saving their son’s life. Why do you think they wanted to protect their son? How do you think this compares to how God feels about us?
  • Moses grew up in a palace with servants and riches. Do you think it might be hard for someone to give up that life? Moses did it because he looked to the future Kingdom of God (Hebrews 11:23-26). How does looking to the kingdom of God help us make sacrifices in our lives?
  • Moses told God he wasn’t the right person to carry out God’s instructions to go speak with Pharaoh. Why do you think he was afraid? What did God say to change his mind?

Memory Challenge: 

Exodus 3:12 

So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 33 “Joseph Reunites with his Brothers”

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Featured Passage: Genesis 42-50

The seven years of plenty that God promised quickly passed, and soon famine struck Egypt and the land surrounding it. In Canaan, Israel and his family were running out of food, so when he heard that Egypt had grain, he sent his sons to purchase food there. Benjamin did not go because he was Israel’s youngest son and the only surviving son of Rachel. At least, that’s what everyone thought! When the brothers arrived in Egypt, they were brought before Joseph. Even though they were face to face with their own brother, they didn’t recognize him. On the other hand, Joseph immediately recognized who they were. Should he tell them that he was their long-lost brother? Could he overlook their cruelty on that day that they sold him into slavery? As Joseph agonized over what to do, the tables had been turned. Now, their lives were in his hands. Joseph faced a tremendous challenge, and his brothers were in for a big surprise. 

Discuss:

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  • Why do you think Joseph’s brothers did not recognize him when they came to Egypt? (Possible reasons are he was older, he was dressed as an Egyptian, etc.)
  • The brothers attributed their problems to what they had done to Joseph many years before. They felt guilty. Repentance is the remedy for guilt. When we repent, God is quick to forgive!
  • What was Joseph’s attitude toward his brothers? Was he bitter? Did he want revenge? 
  • Imagine the great joy Jacob and Joseph felt when they saw each other again. 
  • What did it mean for Joseph to receive the birthright? 

Memory Challenge: 

Genesis 45:4-7

And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 32 “Joseph Becomes Governor of Egypt”

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Featured Passage: Genesis 41

The Pharaoh of Egypt had some odd dreams that bothered him so he wanted to know what they meant. When his butler heard about the problem, he remembered that Joseph was able to interpret dreams. The butler told Pharaoh about Joseph, who was still in prison, and Pharaoh quickly sent for him. Joseph told Pharaoh that his dreams were a warning from God that there would be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph made some suggestions about how Pharaoh could prepare for the famine, and Pharaoh recognized that God was with Joseph, so he wanted Joseph to work for him. Joseph was seventeen when he was sold into slavery. Now, when he was thirty years old, he became one of the most powerful men in Egypt. 

Discuss:

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  • Who inspired and interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams? 
  • God was with Joseph every step of the way. Sometimes God allows us to experience trials so that we can learn important lessons.  What do you think are some life lessons Joseph may have learned from his years of trials?
  • What does it mean to be diligent? How did Joseph exercise diligence? 
  • Joseph made a plan to save the nation by storing grain while the harvests were good. How can we use this principle in our own lives?

Memory Challenge: 

Genesis 41:39-10 

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 31 “Joseph’s Troubles”

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 Featured Passage: Genesis 39-40

Joseph was in trouble. His brothers had sold him to Midianite traders who took him into Egypt. There he was sold as a slave to Potiphar, a captain of the guard for Pharaoh. Joseph, despite his troubles, decided to do his best to please his master, and God blessed all that he did. However, Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to betray his master with her. He refused, so she lied to her husband about Joseph. Joseph was soon stuck in prison for a crime he did not commit, but he did not lose hope. Joseph continued trying to make the best of a horrible situation.

Discuss:

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  • How do you think it would feel to be punished for something you didn’t do? How did Joseph deal with his situation? It can help to remember what God has promised in Hebrews 13:5 and Deuteronomy 31:6.
  • Joseph showed courage and bravery when he refused to sin against God. Can you think of any examples in your family when someone had to show courage and stand for what is right?
  • Joseph maintained a positive attitude through each trial he faced. He continued to obey God and to practice godly principles. Can you name some of Joseph’s good character traits?
  • Joseph was only a teenager when these things began to happen to him. As a young person he had already made a commitment to obey God. You are never too young to develop a relationship with God.

Memory Challenge: 

Genesis 39:2-3

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 30 “Joseph the Dreamer”

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Featured Passage: Genesis 37

Joseph was the first son of his mother Rachel, but he had ten older brothers. He was his father’s favorite son, and to make matters worse, Jacob gave Joseph a very special coat, with many different colors. Jacob often sent Joseph to check on his brothers to see how things were going with the flocks of animals, creating animosity between him and them. Then, Joseph began to have dreams he would one day rule over his brothers. He told his father and his brothers about the dreams. Over time, they came to resent and hate him, to the point that they were willing to kill him. 

Discuss:

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  • Jacob grew up in a home where his parents had a favorite child. What might be a problem with a parent showing favoritism to one of their children? Does God show favoritism?. 
  • Why do you think Joseph told his brothers about his dreams? 
  • What action did his brothers take to get rid of Joseph?
  • The older brothers did not seem to think about the great harm that their family would suffer as a result of their actions.What were some of the consequences of their decision? Why is it important to control your emotions and think before acting?
  • It is often difficult to be a younger brother or sister. What can older brothers and sisters do to help younger brothers and sisters feel a part of the family?

Memorization Challenge:

Genesis 37:3-4  

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 29 “Pentecost and the Firstfruits”

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Read Together: Through the annual Festivals, God has revealed to the Church His plan to offer salvation to every human being who has ever lived. The first steps in God’s plan are revealed with Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread which picture Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and our response to His sacrifice by repenting of our sins. The next Holy Day is the Feast of Pentecost or “The Feast of Weeks”. Once a person is called to God’s way of life and repents of breaking His law they are baptized into the body of Christ, His church. After being baptized, the person has hands laid on them to ask God to give them His Holy Spirit.Once a person receives God’s Spirit, they are then sanctified—set apart for good works, and become one of God’s firstfruits. The Day of Pentecost pictures the harvest of firstfruits, the beginning of God’s spiritual harvest of all people into His family

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Read Together: Leviticus 23:15–22; John 6:44; Acts 2:38–39; Romans 6:3–4; Acts 8:14–17; Galatians 2:20; Titus 3:8; James 1:18

Discuss:

  • Ask your child to explain in their own words the meaning of the feast of Pentecost in God’s plan of salvation.
  • Discuss with your child the meaning of repentance. When we repent, we stop breaking God’s laws and start to obey them.
  • Explain to your child that even though they are too young to be baptized, they can begin to follow God’s laws now and reap the blessings from doing so. Children of those with God’s spirit are still set apart for a special purpose.

Review Memorization.

Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

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Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: Lesson 28 “Israel Returns Home”

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Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.con.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org

Read Together: For many years, Jacob worked for his Uncle Laban, but he was not happy. Sensing his discontent, Laban agreed to give some of his sheep to Jacob in payment for his labor. Before long, Jacob’s flocks thrived, and he began to become very wealthy.

Now it was Laban’s turn to be unhappy. As his jealousy and envy deepened, Jacob knew it was time for his family to escape. While Laban was gone, Jacob and all his family made their getaway. Ten days later, Laban and his relatives caught up. What happened? You’ll have to read the story! Don’t worry…they parted ways and no-one was harmed.

But just when Jacob thought things were going better, he found out that his brother Esau was headed his way…with four hundred men! Remember Esau? He was Jacob’s brother. The last thing we heard from him was a promise that he would kill the brother who took his blessing. Things did not look good for Jacob and his family!

Thankfully, things did eventually take a turn for the better for Jacob. He survived yet another hostile encounter, and lived a long and prosperous life, as he passed on God’s promise to Abraham to his twelve sons.

To find out how Jacob survived these adventures, and also wrestled with God, read the chapters below! Oh, and did I mention, he also wrestled with God!

Read Together:  Genesis 30-35

Discuss:

  • Ask your child why they think Jacob left Padan Aram in secret. How does Proverbs 22:3 apply to what Jacob did? How does this principle apply today?
  • Remind your child that Jacob left Canaan with next to nothing, but he returned a wealthy man. Explain that Jacob’s wealth was a result of God’s blessings.
  • Help your child see that God names things what they are. Jacob was no longer the schemer he had been, and his new name, Israel, better reflected his new character. Note the humility Jacob expressed when he met his brother Esau.
  • Explain to your child that the promise of national prominence and great riches were passed down from Abraham to Isaac, and from Isaac to Jacob who became Israel. The nation of Israel is named for this patriarch.

Review Memorization:

Genesis 32:28  “And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.’”

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