Devotion Joseph

Summary
Key lessons
Biography
Activities

Summary

Joseph, a righteous man, obeyed God’s command to marry Mary and became the earthly father of Jesus, demonstrating kindness and courage. He protected and guided his family through challenging times, showing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s plan. Joseph’s story teaches us about trust, compassion, and the courage to follow God’s will.

Key Lessons

Obedience to God

Joseph listened to God’s message delivered by the angel and followed His instructions, showing the importance of trusting and obeying God even in uncertain situations.  

Kindness and Compassion

Joseph demonstrated kindness by initially planning to protect Mary from public disgrace, teaching us the value of compassion towards others. 

Courage and Faithfulness

Joseph showed courage by taking on the responsibility of being Jesus’ earthly father, highlighting the importance of being faithful and committed to God’s plan. 

Trust in God’s Plan

Joseph faced many difficulties, including being sold into slavery and imprisoned, but he consistently trusted God's plan and timing through all trials.

Biography

Luke 2:27, 33, 48; 4:22

A long time ago, in a small town called Nazareth, there lived a kind and hardworking man named Joseph. He was a carpenter, which meant he built things out of wood, like tables and chairs. One day, Joseph learned that his fiancée, Mary, was going to have a baby. Joseph was confused and worried because he knew that the baby was not his, but an angel appeared to him in a dream.

The angel said, “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby she will have is from the Holy Spirit, and He will be named Jesus. He will save people from their sins.” Joseph trusted the angel’s message and immediately obeyed. He married Mary and took care of her and the baby Jesus.

When it was time for Jesus to be born, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem. There, in a stable, Jesus was born. Joseph made sure Mary and the baby were safe and comfortable. He loved Jesus as his own son and taught Him many things as He grew up. 
Joseph listened to God’s guidance throughout his life. When King Herod wanted to harm Jesus, an angel warned Joseph in another dream, and he quickly took Mary and Jesus to Egypt to keep them safe. After some time, they returned to Nazareth, where Joseph continued to care for his family.

Joseph’s story teaches us about faith, obedience, and the importance of being
a loving and protective parent. 

Activities

Carpenter Craft

Provide children with popsicle sticks and glue to create their own small wooden projects, like a simple table or chair. Discuss how Joseph was a carpenter and how he used his skills to provide for his family. 

Dream Journal

Have children create a “dream journal” where they can write or draw about their dreams and hopes, similar to how Joseph listened to God’s messages in his dreams. This encourages them to think about their own aspirations.  

Role-Playing Joseph’s Story

Set up a role-playing activity where children can act out key scenes from Joseph’s life, such as the angel’s visit, the journey to Bethlehem, and the return to Nazareth. This helps them engage with the narrative actively. 

Listening for God’s Guidance

Have a discussion about how Joseph listened to God’s messages. Encourage children to think of ways they can listen for God’s guidance in their own lives, whether through prayer, reading the Bible, or listening to trusted adults. 

Discuss the Importance of Trust and Obedience

Use Joseph’s story to talk about how important it is to trust and obey God, even when we don’t fully understand what is happening. Encourage children to share times when they had to trust someone, emphasizing that God always has a good plan for us, just as He did for Joseph and his family.