Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his

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Learn about the special, colorful coat that Joseph received as a symbol of love from his father, Jacob.

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves.

But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hate him, and could not speak peaceably to him.

Note: This background is for the Sunday School Guides to give more detail about the Bible Story and to offer some questions and wonders for them personally. It is not meant to be used as part of the lesson for the children. Children may occasionally feel that a parent likes one of their siblings best. Rarely has a parent made that preference so obvious as Jacob does with Joseph. Last week, we saw sibling rivalry between Jacob and his brother Esau. Now, Jacob has given an extravagant gift (the coat) to his son Joseph, the oldest son by his beloved wife, Rachel. It is not surprising that this leads Joseph’s older brothers to hate their doted-upon brother.

Long robes or coats with sleeves were not the customary attire of shepherds. Instead, they typically wore sleeveless tunics that provided comfort without getting in their way as they worked in the fields. The type of coat that Jacob gave to Joseph was more appropriate for a man of wealth and power. It reflected Jacob’s love for Joseph, but it also foreshadowed the important position that Joseph would eventually hold as second in command in Egypt during the great famine. What ways can the gifts that we receive influence our perception of our place in the world and the paths that we travel in life? How do the gifts we receive from our families relate to the gifts that we receive from God?

Two-year-olds: Guides read the Beginner’s Bible, page 71, ‘”Joseph’s Colorful Rob.” Three-year-olds: Guides read the big book called “Joseph, Favorite Son.”

SENSORY PLAY: Use the provided fabric squares to help the children understand why Joseph’s coat was so special. It was made of fancy, expensive fabric (silky and soft), yet most clothing in those days was only brown and made of scratchy fabric. Allowing the class to touch and feel the fabric will allow them a better connection with the story. CRAFT: Make Joseph’s coat! All materials, directions and samples are in your supply box on counter in Room M203.

learned about the fancy coat that Joseph’s father gave him, but how it also got him into trouble. God was with Joseph and kept him safe. Call: The Lord be with you. Response: And Also with you.

Children in preschool love music. Try playing one of the provided music CD’s as they enter to classroom. This adds a welcoming touch and tends to help engage and invite them into the space. There is also a SONG SHEET with simple Joseph’s Coat lyrics in your box to try with the class!