Genesis 39–40 · Joseph and Potiphar
Joseph and Potiphar
God was with Joseph everywhere he went — in Potiphar's house and even in jail.
"The Lord was with Joseph." — Genesis 39:2
Simplified: God is always with me.
Sensory story
- 1Joseph worked in Potiphar's house. (Pretend to sweep or carry.)
- 2Joseph said no and ran away. (Shake head, then run feet in place.)
- 3Joseph went to jail. (Hold hands like bars in front of your face.)
- 4The butler and baker had dreams. (Rest hands beside your cheek.)
- 5God was with Joseph. (Point up, then hand on heart.)
Picture-book pages
- Joseph was bought by a man named Potiphar. God was with Joseph, and he was successful!
- Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his whole house. God blessed everything Joseph did.
- Potiphar's wife wanted Joseph to do something wrong. Joseph said no and ran away. Joseph listened to God.
- She told a lie about Joseph, and Joseph was put in jail. But God was still with Joseph.
- In jail, Joseph met a baker and a butler. They both had dreams and asked Joseph what they meant.
- God helped Joseph understand dreams. The butler would be free. Joseph asked the butler to remember him.
Comprehension questions
Who bought Joseph?
Potiphar · Esau · The butler — answer: Potiphar
Did Joseph listen to God?
Yes · No — answer: Yes
God helped Joseph understand...
Hamburgers · Dreams · Math — answer: Dreams
Who was always with Joseph?
God · Potiphar's wife · Potiphar — answer: God
Adapt for this child
- Tell the story
- Tell the five-line sensory story with the same motions each time.
- Activity
- Roll and place play doh on the Joseph and Potiphar mat to fill each shape from the story.
- How they respond
- Ask, "Who was always with Joseph?" Accept a point to God, a sign, an AAC tap, or a word.
Regulation tip
Keep Potiphar's wife simple: "She wanted Joseph to do wrong. Joseph said no." Keep jail play calm and remind students God stayed with Joseph.
Craft
Color the "God is always with me" Joseph coloring page. Offer chunky crayons and allow help or watching.
Sensory play
Play doh mats — roll and arrange play doh to fit each shape from the story. Pre-soften play doh for little hands.
Worship moment
Repeat slowly with motions: "God is always with me." (Point up, then hand on heart.) Sing a familiar song about God being near.
Core words / AAC
Joseph · God · with · house · no · jail · dream
Mini lesson
How Joseph's story points us to Jesus
Joseph obeyed God, was falsely accused, and was put in jail even though he did nothing wrong. Jesus never sinned, yet He was falsely accused and punished for us. In jail God was still with Joseph, and Jesus is Immanuel — "God with us." Jesus promises He will never leave us.
Say it to the kids (with motions)
- 1Joseph did the right thing. (Thumbs up.)
- 2People said untrue things about Joseph. (Shake head gently.)
- 3God was with Joseph in jail. (Point up, then hand on heart.)
- 4Jesus never did wrong, and He came to save us. (Make a cross with two fingers.)
- 5Jesus is always with me. (Hug yourself.)
"I am with you always." — Matthew 28:20
Say it simply
God was with Joseph. Jesus is with me always.
You will need
- Joseph and Potiphar coloring page
- Crayons
- Play doh: green, brown, tan, black, light blue, and pink
- Printed play doh mats (at least one per student)
- A small figure, a little house, and a box for the sensory story