God Speaks to Joseph in a Dream Lesson 2

Bible Point We can trust Gods plans.

Bible Verse
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and
he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Growing Closer to Jesus

Students will n discover how Joseph trusted Gods plans,
n consider how difficult it might have been for Joseph to trust Gods plans,
n recognize that Gods plans for us are for our good, and
n participate in Gods plans to share the good news.

Teacher Enrichment
Bible Basis
n God speaks to Joseph in a dream.
Matthew The angels visit to Joseph reported in this passage followed the angels appearance to
1:18-25 Mary in Luke 1:26-38. This visit would have been at least long enough after the angels
visit to Mary for her pregnancy to have become known.
When Mary became pregnant, Joseph had every right to report her to the authorities
for punishment, because she was engaged to be married to him and he knew that the child
she carried was not his. However, he kindly did not want to subject Mary to that kind of
punishment and ridicule, so he had decided he would just end the engagement quietly.
Notice that the angel addressed Joseph as son of David. The Old Testament required that the Messiah be
born from the line of David. The name Jesus, which the angel instructed Joseph to use for the son that would
be born to Mary, carries special significance in that it means savior. The angel was telling Joseph that this
baby would indeed be fulfilling a special role in Gods planthat of the promised Messiah.
The angels visit changed Josephs mind about stopping his marriage to Mary. And it gives us a glimpse
into the character of this man who would function as Jesus earthly father. Joseph was a man of faith and a
man dedicated to following Gods will in his life, even if it meant being ridiculed and criticized for something
he knew to be true although others thought it foolish.

Prayer
Scan the genealogy in Matthew 1.
Who do you recognize in this list of Jesus ancestry?
How will your descendants look back on your role in their lives?
Pray: Dear God, thank you for Jesus. Help me to share him with

Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4 21

 Lesson 2

Before the Lesson

n Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab
Supplies listed on the chart.
n Make photocopies of the Hands-On Fun at Home handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your
children.
n Pray for your students and for Gods direction as you teach the lesson.

This Lesson at a Glance

What Children Will Do
Attention No Slops, No DropsHave a
Grabber water relay race, and think about
how there is sometimes a reason
for things we dont understand.
Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies
Masking tape, 2 small cups, fruit
juice concentrate, spill-proof
pitcher, water, 1 disposable cup
per child, towel

Bible Josephs WorriesListen to Bible, CD player

Exploration & Josephs story based on Matthew.
Application

Josephs JourneyPrepare Bibles, Josephs Jingles handout

for a mini-musical based on (p. 28), markers, newsprint, CD
Luke 2:1-5, 6-7, and 15-19 about player, scissors
Josephs role in the Christmas
story.

Angel MessagesMake Bible, Angel Card handout

encouraging angel cards with a (p. 29), construction paper,
message from Proverbs 3:5-6. scissors, glue sticks, markers

A Song of TrustShare ways Bibles, CD player

they need to trust God, and sing a
Bible verse song.

Closing Share PrayerTell partners Angel cards

who theyll send their angel cards
to, and thank God for his plans.

22 Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4

 God Speaks to Joseph in a Dream

Welcome
As kids arrive, ask them how they put what they learned last
Read over your lesson ahead
week into action. Ask questions such as, How did you share the
of time. Hands-On Bible Curri-
light of Jesus love with others? and What kind of Christmas cards
culum lessons are simple to
did your family receive last week? prepare. If you dont want to
Tell kids that whenever you ring the bell, they are to stop be tied to your Teacher Guide,
talking, raise their hands, and focus on you. Explain that its consider copying the discussion
important to respond to this signal quickly so the class can do as questions onto a chalkboard or
many fun activities as possible. flip chart. Kids can also refer to
these written questions to refresh
their memories during small
group discussions. The pages in

Attention Grabber this Teacher Guide are perforated

for your convenience. Tear out
Hands-On Fun at Home and other
n No Slops, No Drops handouts for easy photocopying,
or tear out an entire lesson and
SUPPLIES: masking tape, 2 small cups, fruit juice concentrate, spill-proof pitcher, take it to class.
water, 1 disposable cup per child, towel
Before class, use masking tape to mark start and finish lines on the floor several
feet apart. Make juice from a concentrate in a spill-proof pitcher, adding all the
water except the quantity that is contained in the two small cups you will use in the
following game. Fill two small cups to the very top with water. You will also need
water to replenish the cups. Have kids count off by twos, form two teams, and line up
behind the starting line. Give the first person in each team a cup of water.
Say: Lets start our class today with a relay race. Its part of my great
plan for class today! Youll each carry the cup of water to the finish line,
hold the cup on your head as you turn around, and then carry it back to
the starting line and pass it to the next person. Heres the catch. If you spill
even a drop of water, you have to go back to the starting line and begin
again. Is everybody ready?
Ring the bell to start the race. Encourage teams to cheer for their members. As kids
have to return to the starting line due to spills, refill the cups so that they are always
full to the very top. Call time after each child has had a chance to carry a cup or after
about five minutes. Use the towel to clean up any water spills.
Have kids sit in a circle.
Ask: What did you enjoy about this race? (It was challenging; it was fun to
get wet.)
What didnt you like about this race? (It was frustrating; I didnt want to get Its important to say the Bible Point
wet; I couldnt go even one step without spilling water, so I had to keep starting over.) just as its written in each activity.
How was having to race with a full cup of water like having big worries Repeating the Bible Point over and
in your life? (Worries hang over your head like the water was over our heads; worries over will help children remember it
are frustrating.) and apply it to their lives.

What was it like to trust in my plan for this race? (What plan? You didnt
tell us your plan.)
Say: Worries can be like carrying the water in this race. They can slow
us down and sometimes cause us to make a mess of what were doing.
But I really did have a plan! Hold up the pitcher of juice. The cups you were

Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4 23

 Lesson 2
As you teach third- and fourth-
graders, keep in mind the
following aspects of their physical
development:
They work quickly and with good
fine-motor coordination.
They want frequent repetition of
activities theyve enjoyed.
They are interested in active
games and organized activities.
Get to know the students in
your class. When you meet your
students for the first time each day,
call them by name. Find out about
their lives away from church. Learn
and recognize their strengths.
Make affirmation a regular part of
your class. Be sure to compliment
your students when you see them
practicing what theyve learned.
24 Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4
carrying contain exactly the amount of water that we need to finish making
this juice! Pour the water from the relay cups into the juice pitcher, and pour a small
cup of juice for each child.
As kids enjoy their drinks, say: In our race, you may not have understood
why I made sure the water cups were full. But I had a plan for our relay
race today. I knew just how much water we would need, and I knew just
how I would use the water. I had a plan. In todays Bible story, were going
to look at a man who didnt quite understand Gods plans for him but who
learned that we can trust Gods plans.
Bible Exploration & Application
n Josephs Worries
SUPPLIES: Bible, CD player
tracks 2 & 3 Open your Bible to Matthew 1:18-25, and show kids the
passage. Say: For todays Bible story, were going to hear
from Joseph. Hell tell us what may have worried him
just before Jesus was born. Come onlets visit Josephs
carpenter shop together.
Play Josephs Worries, Part 1 (track 2) on the CD. When the track has ended, ask:
What do you think Joseph might have been worrying about? (What
people would say when they found out that Mary was pregnant; if he and Mary would
be rejected by their families.)
Whats the best way to handle worries like that? (Pray; talk to people
you trust.)
Say: Lets see how things turned out.
Play Josephs Worries, Part 2 (track 3) on the CD so that kids can listen to the
rest of Josephs monologue. Then turn off the CD player, and ask:
Why do you think God sent an angel to Joseph? (To help him stop
worrying; to give him a message from God so hed know what to do.)
How did the visit from the angel help Joseph trust Gods plans? (Joseph
knew for sure what God wanted him to do; the angel helped Joseph know Gods plans.)
Say: God knew that Joseph was worried, so he sent the angel to help
Joseph understand his plan. Joseph realized that we can trust Gods
plans. Lets see what Joseph did with that information.
n Josephs Journey
SUPPLIES: Bibles, Josephs Jingles handout (p. 28), markers, newsprint, CD player,
scissors
Before class, make a photocopy of the Josephs Jingles
tracks 4, 5, & 6
handout. Cut on the dotted lines to make three parts. Also
inflate the inflatable microphone. Before this activity, have the
CD player ready to play Josephs Jingles (tracks 4, 5, and 6).
Have kids count off by threes to form Group 1, Group 2,
 God Speaks to Joseph in a Dream

and Group 3, and have each group move to a different corner or area of the room.
Each group will need a Bible, a marker, a sheet of newsprint, and the section of the Bible Insight
handout that corresponds to the groups number. In Mary and Josephs day,
Say: Today were going to present a short musical called Josephs rabbis had set minimum
Journey. Each group will have a special part to play. In your group, choose ages for marriage: 12 for girls
and 13 for boys. Mary was
a Reader who will read the Scripture and a Recorder who will write your
probably 12 or 13 at the time
thoughts on the newsprint. And youll all get a chance to sing a fun song!
of her betrothal, but Joseph
First, have your Reader read the Scripture passage aloud. Then, as a was probably older. Mary
group, discuss what you think Joseph might have been thinking and feeling and Joseph were legally
at the time. Have your Recorder write one or two phrases on the newsprint betrothed at the time of
based on your discussion. Then, quietly practice your song segment her pregnancy. Joseph was
together. The words are written on the handout I gave you. When its time to considered her husband, but
present your song to the class, Ill hand you the inflatable microphone and in keeping with custom, they
turn on the CDs musical accompaniment. had had no marital relations.
Give groups about five minutes to prepare. Then say: Now its time for the
musical Josephs Journey! Each groups Reader will read the Scripture
to the rest of us. Then the groups Reporter will hold up the newsprint and
explain the thoughts about Joseph. Then Ill give the group the microphone.
When I start the CD with the musical background, the group will sing along.
Lets get started!
After all groups have performed, have kids give one another a big round of
applause. Then have kids sit in a circle.
Ask: How did Joseph show that he trusted Gods plans? (He kept on
taking care of Mary even when it was hard; he obeyed God.)
Why do you think God didnt send an angel each time Joseph faced a
worrisome situation? (God wants us to trust him without constant reminders from
angels; God had already given Joseph instructions and didnt need to give them again.) Look for teachable moments!
An activity that seems to be a
Say: Joseph trusted Gods plans for his life, even flop may provide a wonderful
though he must have worried at times about how opportunity for learning if you
things would turn out. But God was faithful. He had a ask questions such as, Why didnt
this work out? Be sensitive to
plan for Josephs life, and Joseph knew that he could
your kids, and concern yourself
trust God to take care of him. We can trust Gods
more with their growth and faith
plans, too. development than getting through
Ask: What do you need to trust God with in your own the stuff you have planned.
life? (Problems at home; my grades; doing better in sports.)
Say: Jesus cares about every one of your problems, big or small.
He may not take your problems away, but he will be right there with
you through every situation you face. Lets thank God for showing his
love for us in this way.
Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for being with us through every
difficult situation. Help us turn to you and trust you with our lives.
Amen.

Return the CD and the inflatable microphone to the Learning Lab.

Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4 25

 Lesson 2

n Angel Messages
SUPPLIES: Bible, Angel Card handout (p. 29), construction paper, scissors, glue sticks,
markers
Before class, photocopy the Angel Card handout. Youll need one copy for each
student.
Say: One of the best things Christians can do is remind one another to
trust Gods plans. The Bible tells us how an angel encouraged Joseph by
telling him about Gods plan. Today were going to make angel messages to
remind our friends that we can trust Gods plans, just as Joseph did.
Set out photocopies of the Angel Card handout, construction paper, scissors, glue
sticks, and markers.
Have a volunteer read Proverbs 3:5-6 aloud from the handout. Then ask:
How might this verse encourage someone whos worried about his or
her life? (It can remind people that God can work things out if we trust in him; it
helps us know that we should talk to God about our problems.)
How does this verse guide us? (It tells us to trust God and not our own ideas;
it tells us to pray.)
Help kids follow the directions on the handout to make their cards. When the cards
are completed, have children set them aside to dry while you continue the lesson.
Provide glitter glue, tinsel,
bits of foil, or other shiny craft
supplies children can use to HANDSON BIBLE
further decorate their angel Give each student a plastic spoon. Place permanent markers,
cards. gold or silver foil, and tape where kids can easily reach them.
Say: Joseph wasnt the only one who was given a message
by an angel. Another group of people received a message from
God as well. Lets find out what happened!
Have children open their Hands-On Bibles to Luke 2 and read verses 8-15.
Then have them use the supplies youve provided to complete the Armies of
Heaven craft.
After children have completed the craft, say: Just like Joseph trusted God,
the herds trusted the message from the angels and ran to see Jesus.

n A Song of Trust
SUPPLIES: Bibles, CD player
track 7
Say: Our Bible verse today reminds us that we can trust
Gods plans. Lets each find Proverbs 3:5-6 in our Bibles. Pause
for children to find the verses in their Bibles. Listen while I read
these verses. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not
depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you
do, and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Have children form pairs. Say: Tell your partner one thing thats worrying
you right now in your life. Then discuss ways you can trust God and seek his
will with this problem.
Allow a few minutes for discussion; then say: Theres a song that uses the
words to this Bible verse. Lets sing it together.

26 Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4

 God Speaks to Joseph in a Dream

Lead children in singing With All Your Heart (Proverbs 3:5-6), track 7 on the
CD. You can find the lyrics to this song at the end of this book.

Closing
n Share Prayer
SUPPLIES: angel cards
Have kids find partners and sit facing each other, holding their finished angel cards.
Say: No matter whats happening in our lives, we can be sure that we can
trust Gods plans. Tell your partner one time you trusted God and what
happened.
Give kids a few minutes to share their experiences. Then say: Now think of
someone to give your card to. Tell your partner how you will help that
person trust in Gods plans this week. After kids share, say: Lets thank God for
loving us so much that he makes plans for our lives.
Pray: Dear God, thank you for your wonderful plansthe plan of sending
your Son, and the plans you have for each one of our lives. Help us to
remember that we can trust your plans, just as Joseph did. In Jesus
name, amen.

Growing closer to Jesus extends

beyond the classroom.
Photocopy the Hands-On Fun at Home handout (at
the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home
with your kids. Encourage kids and parents to use the
handout to spark meaningful discussion on this weeks
topic.

Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4 27

 Josephs Jingles
Group 1
Scripture: Luke 2:1-5
Song: Sing to the tune of Away in a Manger
Away from our home,
Were so far away!
Its a long road to Bethlehem and our feet are so sore!
Poor Mary is tired. We both need some rest.
Were trusting in God to lead us on this quest.

Group 2
Scripture: Luke 2:6-7
Song: Sing to the tune of Joy to the World
Joy to the world,
The time has come!
The babys about to be born!
God sends his only Son
To be our precious one.
But I cant find a room.
But I cant find a room.
I guess Ill just trust in God to find one soon!

Group 3
Scripture: Luke 2:15-19
Song: Sing to the tune of The First Noel
The first Noel, and a stables our hotel.
Now here come some visitors, but who I cant tell.
Its some shepherds and their sheep, and now I cant sleep.
God told them to come here; their words we will keep.
Noel in a hotel, Noel in a hotel,
Ill just have to trust God for all Israel!

Permission to photocopy this handout from Groups Hands-On Bible Curriculum Grades 3 & 4 granted for local church use.
28 Copyright Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. group.com
 ANGEL
CARD Trust in the Lord with
all your heart; do not
depend on your own
understanding.
Seek his will in
all you do, and he will show
you which path to take
(Proverbs 3:5-6).
Instructions
1. Fold back on the center dotted line.
Fold forward on the other dotted lines,
and then open them again. Cut out the
angel on the solid lines.
2. Fold a sheet of construction paper in

Copyright Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. group.com
half. Line up the center fold of the angel
with the center fold of the construction
paper.

Permission to photocopy this handout from Groups Hands-On Bible Curriculum Grades 3 & 4 granted for local church use.
3. Put glue only on the angels wingtips
and on the robe outside the side folds.
Press the angel to the construction
paper. Pull the center fold of the angel
forward as you close the card.

29
 LESSON 2

We can trust God's plans.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own
understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you
which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Read Luke 2:1-19 together, and then discuss:

If you could have been there that first Christmas, what would you have
wanted to see? Who would you want to meet?
__________________________________________________________
How did different people trust God in this event?
__________________________________________________________
How can you learn to trust God from the example of these people?
__________________________________________________________

Buy frozen bread dough.

Set it out to thaw. When
it has thawed, roll it into sm
all balls. Put the balls
together on a cookie shee
t in a Christmas tree
shape. As the dough rises,
worries seem to get bigge talk about how our Read Proverbs 3:5-6.
r and bigger when we try
Bake the dough according to ha ndle them ourselves.
to the directions on the pa What are some things you may
dough rises only to a cer tai ckage. Watch how the
n point. Talk about how wo not understand but that you
things are out of control. rrying causes us to think
When we trust and follow
worries under control, jus Gods plans, he brings ou trust God about?
t as baking brings the do r
frosting and sprinkle color ugh under control. Drizzle
ed sugar on the baked bre
eating the warm bread, tha ad-tree. As you enjoy Read Proverbs 4:6-7.
nk God for his plans for yo
ur lives.
How does giving thanks to God
help you trust his plans?
Use the angel card you made
Read Psalm 139:2.
in class as a pattern to make more
cards. Give the cards to teachers, How does understanding that
neighbors, and friends. Make a whole choir of angels God knows everything about
to tape around the door of your house to give
you help you trust his plans
everyone an angelic welcome!
for you?

Permission to photocopy this handout from Groups Hands-On Bible Curriculum Grades 3 & 4 granted for local church use.
30 Copyright Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. group.com