Supplies:

Two index cards per student
Pens or pencils
Construction paper or colored paper (multiple colors)
Scissors
Glue sticks
Large sheets of posterboard or paper (one per student or group)
Markers or pens

Note to the Teacher

This lesson, “Signs and Faithfulness,” explores Joseph’s quiet trust in God’s plan from Matthew 1:18–25. The “Plan A, Plan B” icebreaker helps students reflect on unexpected turns in their own lives. The “Faithfulness Mosaic” activity shows that broken or imperfect moments can still create something beautiful. Through discussion, students learn that faithfulness isn’t about everything working out perfectly; it’s about listening, trusting, and following, even when the plan changes.

Icebreaker (10 min.)

“Plan A, Plan B”

Give each student two index cards labeled “Plan A” and “Plan B.”

Ask them to write or draw one thing in life that didn’t go as planned on the “Plan A” card — it can be something small or funny (like “my dog ate my homework” or “my cookies turned into burnt bricks”).

Then, on the “Plan B” card, have them write or draw what actually happened and how it turned out differently — or even better — than expected.

Invite students to tell one or both of their stories.

Bible Reading (5 min.)

Read Matthew 1:18–25.

Discussion Questions (10 min.)

Themes: Challenges, dreams, fairness, the unexpected

What problem(s) did Joseph face after learning Mary was pregnant?
What message did the angel give Joseph in his dream? If you were in Joseph’s situation, how would you tell Mary about that dream?
Why do you think Joseph was called “righteous” in this passage? What do you think “righteous” means?
Have you ever had to change your plans in a way that felt unfair or confusing? How did you process and handle those unexpected changes?
Why do you think God chose someone like Joseph — quiet, ordinary, and often overlooked — for such an important role in the story of God coming to earth?
Which do you think is more difficult: trusting God when you have a clear plan or trusting God when everything falls apart? Why? Which do you consider more important? Why?
Why do you think people are surprised when a “normal” person like Joseph ends up being a super important person or doing something amazing? Can you think of other biblical stories of a “normal” person doing amazing things? How about in our current time?

Active Learning Activity (20 min.)

“Faithfulness Mosaic”

Give students construction paper, scissors, and glue. Have them tear or cut small pieces of paper in different colors — no perfect shapes needed. Explain that each piece represents moments in life when plans changed, challenges came, or things did not make sense. Invite them to write a word for each of those moments on each piece of paper.

Then, invite them to glue their pieces of paper onto a larger sheet to form a mosaic with one cohesive image — a cross, heart, star, or another simple symbol of faith. Encourage them to fill any gaps with words or phrases like trust, courage, patience, obedience, or hope.

When they have finished, have students share their mosaics and a story or two from them.