Yearbook predictions, or Name tags

While teaching the lesson, “Remain Faithful”, ask members to recall their high school yearbook prediction. Share the first part of this story, which mentions a yearbook prediction.

Or consider “adapting” Phyllis Merritt's approach for chapter 45 below to help you teach chapter 49. Use her name tag idea, but make up your own questions that can be answered from the text.

Pin a large name tag on yourself entitled, TV Reporter. Pass around name tags for each person to choose and wear. Use these names first: Joseph, Reuben, Judah, Simeon, Benjamin. If more than five persons are present, add the others brothers’names (Genesis 35:23-26).

Ask each person to listen for the answers to the following questions as one person reads Genesis 45:4-15 aloud. Before class, write the following questions on paper large enough for everyone to see.

• Joseph, how could you control your emotions so well? (Genesis 45:1-2)
• Reuben, what was the first question Joseph asked, after telling who he was? (Genesis 45:3)
• Judah, what was your first thought when you found out who Joseph was? (Genesis 45:3-4)
• Joseph, why did you not use your powers to hurt your brothers for the wrongs they had done to you? (Genesis 45:5)
• Simeon, how did your brother Joseph explain God’s part in his unusual life? (Genesis 45:7-8)
• Reuben (or another brother), what instructions did he give you all? (Genesis 45:9-11)
• Benjamin, what concerns did Joseph say about your father? (Genesis 45:3,9,13)
• Simeon (or another brother), were you able to really believe that Joseph had forgiven you for selling him into slavery so many years before? (Genesis 45:14-15)

The text above is quoted from ADULT BIBLE STUDY IN BASIC ENGLISH TEACHING GUIDE GENESIS 12-50: FAMILY LIFE, Published by the BaptistWay Press.