March 9-15, Come Follow Me, Youth lessons, Sunday School
- redwallace
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Hello and Welcome!
Here are this week's free ideas and printables. The Free Print is at the very bottom of this page. You can also read about the object lesson below.
Here is the purchasable lesson. You can click the image below to purchase it on Etsy. You can also read about it in the lesson plan below.
This gift tag is included in the lesson bundle, but you can purchase it separately by clicking on the image below:
With the Lord’s help, I can flee temptation.
If Joseph were to give counsel on how to resist temptation to commit sexual sin, what do you think he would say? Think about this as you read about his experience in Genesis 39. For example, consider how Joseph might respond to concerns like these:
If no one else knows what I’m doing, what’s the big deal? (see verses 8–9).
I try to resist, but the temptation just doesn’t seem to stop (see verse 10).
What should I do when I’m in a situation where temptation is strong? (see verse 12).
“Distance Determines Strength” (Magnet Object Lesson)
Object:
A strong magnet
Paper clips (or small metal objects)
Demonstration:
Bring the magnet close—the paper clips jump toward it.
Then pull the magnet farther away.
Ask:
“What changed? The magnet? Or the distance?”
Teaching Points:
Temptation is like the magnet.
The closer we get to tempting situations, the stronger the pull feels.
Joseph didn’t stay in the room to “prove” he was strong.
He changed the distance.
You can tie this into making a plan:
What situations increase the “magnetic pull”?
What does creating distance look like in real life? (Phones alone late at night? Being isolated with someone? Certain media?)
Message: Sometimes strength isn’t resisting harder—it’s creating distance sooner.
How would you explain why obeying the law of chastity is important? (see For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 23–28).
Joseph’s example, of course, can apply to other kinds of temptation. With Joseph’s experience in mind, consider making a plan for avoiding and resisting temptation. For example, you could think of a temptation and write down situations to avoid and how you will “flee” when the temptation arises.
Start out with your board like this:
Right away, you want the youth to understand that this lesson isn't about a guy who lived 1,000 years ago; it's about them.
Most of the kids already know the story of Joseph; it is well-known in musicals and movies. You can read Genesis 37:4, which says he was hated by his brothers. But let the students fill it in more. With "Only son from Rachel." "Trusted God," "Remained faithful," "Had visions (Revelations)," "Kept the law of Chastity (Popipher's wife)", "Forgiving of brothers," etc.
If they really don't know the story, tell them to hold tight; we will be learning about it today.
How are you different? Let them fill this in with how they may stand out or be different because of their faith in Christ. I also have plenty of help, such as the cards below, that you can choose to add or omit depending on your students' needs.
I will have questions and insights for teachers that include these quotes.
These are available in my store.
Hand out all the pieces with scripture references to the youth in your class for them to look up. Notice, the scriptures are mostly just one verse, maybe two, not hard. Tell the youth to be prepared, think about that short scripture verse from every angle, because you will be asking them a question about it. And "I don't know" is not the right answer. I will have the questions and insights in the material.
You are going to go along with your lesson, and your board will look something like this:
Also, notice that there is no scripture verse for when Joseph was sold into slavery. You will need to summarize little parts of the story like that.
We are getting into the Chasity part...everyone loves this part!(: This is going to be an extra big dip in the rollercoaster, not because Joseph did anything wrong, but because we live in a fallen world and people have their agency. You might want to explain that some trials in our lives come because of our agency and choices, and from other people's agency. In Joseph's case, the agency of others is fierce.
You will put the teen concerns on the lines like this:
The youth with the 3 plain circles get to match the response to the concerns. As if Joseph was responding to them. Like this:
There are notes in the materials to help with this discussion. Remember how you prepared them at the beginning: after every scripture is read, that person is to answer a question? Stick with that; it will help them read those scriptures with a purpose. And you will still continue to do it here.
The rest of Joseph's story is in next week's lesson, so tell them to "Stay tuned, but spoiler alert, the roller coaster does go back up in a wonderful way." Showing that "When the Lord is with (him) us" we will always be blessed for "Walking with him" (2026 youth theme) even through the hard times.
There are 8 scripture pictures and (If you choose to use them) 4 "How are you different?" cards, which equals 12 parts. If you have more than 12 students, divide them into groups to work together. If you have less than, give some students two parts.
There is one more quick game you can play with them to help them learn the "Strength of the Youth" better. How would you explain why obeying the law of chastity is important? (see For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 23–28).
If you don't like competition, you can easily change this.
This is in my lesson bundle.
I also have this free Print that the youth can use to record their escape plan.
I am also adding this quote to the end.
