Simple Symbolism

Scripture: Genesis 39-41

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will learn God has a plan, but sometimes bad things still happen.
  • Students will learn that God is always working, even when bad things happen.
  • Students will learn that God can use whatever happens to us (good or bad to prepare us for what He wants us to do).
  • Students will learn God sometimes God will ask us to wait for the next step of His plan to happen.
  • Students will learn we can serve God anywhere we are.
  • Students will learn what symbolism is.

Guiding Question: Why should we trust God in difficult situations?

Materials: Large construction paper, pencils, drawing utensils

Procedure: Review the story of Joseph in Egypt. Tell students that God is always looking out for us and working out situations for us even when we do not realize it. Sometimes we have to be patient and trust that even though we do not understand something, God is in control and can work through bad situations. Review Pharaoh’s dreams and their meanings. Explain that the different things happening in Pharaoh’s dreams were called symbols. A symbol is something that stands for something else. Give examples: School crosswalk sign, popular restaurant logo, “Jesus Fish”. Have students share symbols they have seen before.

Introduce the activity. Remind students about symbols and how they are seen in many different places we go. Have the students create their own symbols for things such as a restaurant, a cup, a food, etc. Help students as needed and allow some to share their symbols at the end.

Additional Questions: How can students recognize symbols in an environment?

Supplemental Activity: Have students do a “symbol hunt” around the church to find symbols being used in the building.

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