Genesis 42–50

Genesis 42–50

Overview

During the seven years of famine prophesied by Joseph of Egypt, his brothers came from the land of Caanan to buy food in Egypt. Joseph’s brothers did not recognize him, but he recognized them. Joseph accused them of being spies, kept Simeon in prison and told them to return with their youngest brother Benjamin. Joseph gave them food and put the money they paid in their sacks of food. Later, when they returned with Benjamin, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and forgave them. Eventually Joseph’s father Jacob and all his family came to live in Egypt. Toward the end of his life, Joseph of Egypt prophesied that in the latter days, the Lord would raise up a prophet to bring the people out of darkness. This prophet was Joseph Smith.

Find appropriate ways to express your love. When the people you teach feel your love, they are more likely to also feel the Savior’s love for them as you teach. The Savior always looked for unique and personal ways to help the people He taught feel His love. To learn more, see “The Savior Expressed His Love for Those He Taught” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2022], 14–15).

Look for opportunities this week to appropriately express your love for your students. One way you could do this is to send a message to a few students’ parents sharing something positive you have noticed about their child. (For additional training, see “Find appropriate ways to express your love” in Teacher Development Skills.)

Prepare to teach

The following information provides you with ideas of what you may need to prepare in advance for each lesson.

Genesis 42–45

Lesson purpose: To help students follow the Savior’s example by being more forgiving.

• Student preparation: Invite students to ponder the Savior’s commandment to “forgive all men” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:10). Ask them to list some of the blessings they or others have experienced through forgiving someone.

• Videos: “Joseph and the Famine” (2:26) from time code 0:00 to 1:42; “Forgiving Others: An Easter Message from President Russell M. Nelson” (5:01); “The Power of Spiritual Momentum” (17:17) from time code 15:12 to 15:54

Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50

Lesson purpose: To help students strengthen their testimonies that the Lord called Joseph Smith to be a prophet.

• Student preparation: Invite students to write down what the Prophet Joseph Smith has done that has helped them come closer to Jesus Christ. They might ask a family member or friend to share their thoughts and feelings as well.

• Content to display: A two-column chart with one column titled “Prophecy about Joseph Smith” and the other “Possible ways this prophecy was fulfilled”

• Images: Joseph in Egypt; Moses; Joseph Smith; Jesus Christ

• Video: “Joseph Smith” (14:49) from time code 11:44 to 12:48

Assess Your Learning 2

Lesson purpose: To help students reflect on the goals they have set and the growth they have experienced during their study of Genesis 12–50 and Abraham 1–2.

• Student preparation: Invite students to come ready to share ways they have grown spiritually from their study of the Old Testament and the Pearl of Great Price this year. You might suggest that they review their study journals or notes in their scriptures to help them notice their growth and learning.

• Content to display: Drawing of a young tree and a mature tree; image of the temple used in Lesson 29: “Genesis 24”; graphic about students’ plans to gather Israel

• Images: Jacob’s dream