Part 9 of 9 - Joseph (11th son of Jacob)

Genesis 46-50

re-told by Debbie Dunn

Story highlights:

* Joseph tells Makir & other grandchildren tales of old days

* Joseph explained how his Hebrew family left Canaan for Egypt due to famine

* Joseph asked descendants to take his bones to bury in Hebrew land

Bible role-play begins:

Narrator #1: As we wrap up the story of Joseph described in Genesis 46 to 50, imagine, if you will, that Joseph is sitting with his grandson, Makir (may-keer), and his other grandchildren.

Narrator #2: Joseph tells them story after story about his father, Jacob, also known as Israel, his 10 older brothers, his younger brother Benjamin, and how he became the 2nd-in-command in Egypt.

Narrator #1: Makir (may-keer) said, "My favorite part of this story is that since you walked, talked, and dressed like an Egyptian, they had no clue that the governor of Egypt was their younger brother."

Narrator #2: Another grandchild joked, "You even pretended you did not understand their Hebrew language and used an interpreter when you talked with them."

Narrator #1: Joseph smiled as he said, "I cannot tell you how exciting it was to see my little brother Benjamin once again. Of course, since 20 years had gone by, he was not so little any longer."

Narrator #2: Another grandchild asked, "Why were your brothers so scared when they discovered it was you who was the second most powerful man in Egypt?"

Narrator #1: Makir (may-keer) said, "I know that answer. They were afraid you were going to want to get revenge for selling you into slavery when you were only 17."

Narrator #2: Joseph said, "Once I figured out they had become good and loyal men through the years, I only cared about keeping them and the rest of my family alive during the five remaining years of the famine."

Narrator #1: Another grandchild asked, "What did you and your father do when you finally saw each other again?"

Narrator #2: Joseph sighed, "My father and I hugged and cried tears of relief and joy."

Narrator #1: Makir (may-keer) asked, "What was the night vision or dream that your father had as he traveled to see you in Egypt?"

Narrator #2: Joseph said, "One night, my father replied, 'Here I am,' when he heard a voice calling out his name. Listen to what the voice said."

Father God: I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes.

Narrator #1: Joseph continued, "Since the Egyptians have no respect for shepherds who take care of flocks and herds, I knew it would be best for them to live in the region of Goshen in Egypt."

Narrator #2: "Pharaoh permitted them to do so. It was a proud moment when I was able to hear my father bless Pharaoh when they finally met."

Narrator #1: Makir (may-keer) said, "I remember hearing that your father was 130 years old at the time. He even managed to live another 17 years."

Narrator #2: Joseph said, "That's right. He died at the age of 147. Before he died, he blessed each of his 12 sons. He also blessed my 2 sons. He made us promise to bury him in Canaan instead of Egypt."

Narrator #1: "Pharaoh gave his permission. After a period of mourning here in Egypt, we carried him back to Canaan."

Narrator #2: Makir (may-keer) said, "You buried him in the same cave with his grandfather Abraham, his grandmother Sarah, his father Isaac, and his mother Rebekah."

Narrator #1: Joseph nodded. He said, "After his death, my brothers were terrified I would want revenge for that day when they sold me into slavery."

Narrator #2: Makir (may-keer) said, "When they begged you to forgive them, what did you tell them, Grandfather Joseph?"

Narrator #1: Joseph responded, "Brothers, don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God to judge you? Of course not. I will provide for you and your children."

Narrator #2: I also told them, "Back in those days, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done - the saving of many lives."

Narrator #1: Makir (may-keer) said, "That was a great story, Grandfather Joseph! My final question is what you made your brothers promise after you die?"

Narrator #2: Joseph said, "I know when I die, Pharaoh will embalm me and place me in a coffin in Egypt. But just like my father, I don't wish my body to remain in Egypt."

Narrator #1: "So when the year comes when they finally leave Egypt, I want them to take my bones with them to bury them in the land of the Hebrews and not the land of Pharaoh."

Narrator #2: After that day of storytelling, several years went by. Joseph finally died at the age of 110.

Narrator #1: Little did any of them guess that it would be about 430 years before their descendants could finally fulfill that promise to Joseph.

Narrator #2: Next week, we will hear the incredible story of Moses.

Narrator #1: If you have ever watched the animated movie called "The Prince of Egypt," you may find you are already familiar with this tale.

Narrator #2: END OF SKIT. Let's give our volunteers a great big hand!

Are you a Bible enthusiast or do you lead a Youth Group or Family Bible Study? To get a FREE PDF download of this story, click on this link below:

Free PDF download of Part 9 of 9 - Joseph (11th son of Jacob).

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Monday, August 17, 2026

Bible tale: Part 9 of 9 - Joseph (11th son of Jacob)