Have you noticed any similarities between Joseph’s life and the atoning mission of Jesus Christ? To see some examples of these similarities, try comparing:

• Genesis 37:3 with Matthew 3:17.

• Genesis 37:26–28 with Matthew 26:14–16.

• Genesis 45:5–7 with Luke 4:18.

• Genesis 47:12 with John 6:35.

What impressions do you have about the Savior and His mission as you read these passages?

• It might be fun for your children to reenact the story of Joseph reuniting his family (see Genesis 42–44). Or they could use “Joseph and the Famine” (in Old Testament Stories, 57–60) or pictures in this outline to teach the story to each other. Here are some questions that could help your children learn from the story:

  • What did Joseph do to show love for his family? (see Genesis 45:4–15).

  • Why do you feel Joseph forgave his brothers?

  • How do you think Joseph’s brothers felt when they found out Joseph had forgiven them? Who in your life needs to be forgiven? How can you show love and forgiveness?

Jacob’s blessings to his posterity contain vivid imagery, but they aren’t easy to understand. Thankfully, the restored gospel gives us some help. When you read the blessing to Joseph in Genesis 49:22–26, read the following verses too, and see what insights they provide: 1 Nephi 15:12; 2 Nephi 3:4–5; Jacob 2:25; Doctrine and Covenants 50:44.

• You and your children could look at the picture of Jacob blessing his sons at the end of this outline and discuss what is happening (see Genesis 48:8–9). If needed, explain that Jacob, Joseph’s father, wanted to give priesthood blessings to his family. Perhaps you could share with each other any experiences you’ve had receiving help from God through a priesthood blessing. What are some reasons we might ask for a priesthood blessing?

• How can you help your children see the Savior in the story of Joseph saving his family from famine? Consider making a chart with two columns labeled Joseph and Jesus Christ. Help your children search the following pairs of scriptures and fill in the chart with things that Joseph and Jesus have in common: Genesis 37:3 and Matthew 3:17; Genesis 37:26–28 and Matthew 26:14–16; Genesis 45:5–7 and Luke 4:18; and Genesis 47:12 and John 6:35.

• Ask your children what it means to save or rescue someone. If any of them have had an experience being saved or rescued from danger, invite them to share. How did Joseph save his brothers? (see Genesis 42:1–3; 45:5–7). Then you could look at a picture of the Savior together and ask your children to talk about how Jesus saves us.