Lesson: Acts 7:18 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Acts 7:18 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Acts 7:18, it talks about a time when a new king took over Egypt who didn't know Joseph. Imagine if you had a favorite teacher at school who was really kind and helpful. Everyone loved that teacher because they always looked out for you and made sure you were okay.

Now, let's say a new principal came to your school who didn't know anything about this special teacher. The new principal might not understand how much that teacher meant to everyone. That's kind of like what happened in Egypt with Joseph.

Joseph had helped the people of Egypt a lot, just like your favorite teacher helped you. But when a new king came along who didn't know Joseph, he didn't care about all the good things Joseph had done. This teaches us that sometimes people forget the good things others have done for them in the past.

But even when people forget, God never forgets the good things we do. He sees everything and remembers all the ways we have helped others. So, we should always try to be like Joseph, kind and helpful, even if others don't remember or appreciate it. God sees our good deeds and they matter to Him, just like Joseph's good deeds mattered to God.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a wise old owl named Oliver. Oliver lived in a beautiful forest where all the animals respected and loved him.

One day, a new king squirrel took over the forest, and he didn't know about all the good deeds Oliver had done for the animals in the past. The new king squirrel started making unkind rules and causing trouble for everyone.

Oliver, being a kind and patient owl, decided to teach the new king squirrel about the importance of kindness and respect. He shared stories of the past and how the animals had lived in harmony before.

Slowly but surely, the new king squirrel began to understand the value of compassion and unity. He changed his ways and became a fair and beloved ruler, just like Joseph in the Bible.

And so, the animals in the forest lived happily ever after, remembering the lesson that even when a new king comes along, kindness and goodness should never be forgotten.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for always being with us, even when things change around us. Help us remember that just like Joseph, we can trust in You no matter what happens. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means that the new king in Egypt did not know Joseph?
2. How do you think the Israelites felt when a new king who did not know Joseph came to power?
3. Why do you think it's important for us to remember how God can work through difficult situations, like the one the Israelites faced in Egypt?
4. How can we trust God's plan for us even when things seem uncertain or challenging?
5. What can we learn from this verse about the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in our lives?

Life Application

This verse from Acts 7:18 reminds us that times change and new people come into power who may not know or understand the good things that were done in the past. For a child your age, this can be a lesson to remember that people around you may not always know or appreciate the good things you or others have done before.

At home, you can apply this by being patient and understanding if your parents or siblings don't remember or appreciate something nice you did in the past. You can choose to keep doing good things without expecting recognition.

At school, you can remember that teachers or classmates may not know about your achievements or kind deeds from previous years. Instead of feeling upset, you can continue to work hard and be kind to others without seeking constant praise.

With friends, you can apply this by being understanding if your friends forget about something nice you did for them before. You can choose to forgive and continue to show kindness, even if it goes unnoticed or unappreciated.

Overall, the message of this verse teaches us to keep doing good things and being kind, even if others do not remember or acknowledge them.

Craft or Activity

To help children better understand Acts 7:18, you can organize a skit or play where the children act out the story of Joseph and the new king in Egypt. Assign roles for Joseph, the new king, and other characters. Encourage the children to act out the story and discuss how the new king not knowing Joseph impacted the Israelites. This interactive activity will make the verse come alive for the children and help them remember its message.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In Egypt's land, Joseph was a star,
But a new king came from afar.
He didn't know Joseph, that's for sure,
And things in Egypt changed for sure.

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Acts 7:18 is "Our God is in Control" by For Kids Worship. This song reminds us that even when things change or new leaders come, God is always in control.

Another wonderful song is "God Is So Good" by Cedarmont Kids. This song celebrates God's goodness and faithfulness, even when things around us may seem uncertain or different, just like when a new king came to power in Egypt in the Bible.

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