Joseph and His Brothers: A Story of Forgiveness | Catholic Bible Story for Kids
Famine brings Joseph's brothers to Egypt, where they bow before the brother they once betrayed. Follow Judah's offer to protect Benjamin, Joseph's tears, and a family's first steps toward reconciliation.
Part 4 of the four-part Joseph series. Joseph chose mercy over revenge. Repentance means turning away from wrongdoing, and God can bring good without making evil right.
Watch the story in Early Preview
Runtime: 11:59. Watch now through Servus Dei membership, or use the native player's purchase and rental options. The preview is free; full playback follows your video access.
The free YouTube release is scheduled for Thursday, January 28, 2027, at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Explore the Joseph series
4. Joseph and His Brothers: A Story of Forgiveness - You are here
Free lesson resources
Free printable PDFs for ages about 7-11, adapted by readiness. Use the two-page leader guide with either child handout, or download the complete four-page packet. Allow about 25-35 minutes including the story; younger children may draw or answer aloud.
Talk together
Why did Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt?
How did Judah show he had changed?
What did Joseph do when he revealed who he was?
Did forgiveness mean the brothers' actions were right?
Try one faithful choice
Use a simple classroom example such as damaging someone's drawing. Practice three responses: tell the truth, say sorry, and offer a repair. Discuss how the harmed person may need time and an adult's help; no one must hug or pretend the harm did not matter.
Pray together
Merciful God, help us tell the truth, repair the harm we cause, and choose mercy with wisdom. Amen.
For parents and teachers
Includes past betrayal, enslavement, hunger, detention, threats of further enslavement, and family grief. Joseph's staged cup test is part of the narrative, not a method for children to imitate. Forgiveness does not require unsafe contact, immediate trust, physical affection, or silence about harm. Seek a trusted adult's help.
The story uses animated illustrations and dramatized dialogue to tell the biblical narrative. Read the Scripture passage together and pause for questions as needed.
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