In Chapter 37, we see again that favoritism does not lead to favorable outcomes. We also learn of Joseph’s dreams which will be fulfilled throughout the rest of Genesis. However, these dreams and Jacob’s favoritism deepen his relational conflict with his brothers. When the opportunity presents itself, they sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. The once exalted son is now cast into suffering. Where is God in such times? As we look at this chapter we see that even when God appears to be hidden, he is not uncaring or absent, but actively working for his good purposes.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
It’s been a long time since we have studied Genesis together. Flip back to Genesis 35 and 36. What happened before our new section? (Indicated by “These are the generations of Jacob…”)
Summarize Joseph’s dreams. How do his brothers and father react to his dreams?
Why do you think Rueben argues against killing Joseph?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Joseph is a “type of Christ.” What similarities do you see between Joseph’s story and Christ’s?
What do you know to happen in the rest of Joseph’s story? Where do you see the hand of God working in this chapter? How can this chapter encourage us in our own difficulties and relational conflicts?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Is there a relational conflict that you need to confess and resolve? What steps can you take towards reconciliation and healing?
Read Genesis 37:26, Judah presents an alternative to killing Joseph that seems to benefit everybody (the brothers make money and Joseph gets to live), but was really selfishness and deceit. Sin always presents itself as a sweet alternative, but inevitably leads to regret (Job 12:12-17), why, then, do we fall for its lies? How do we, like Judah, justify sin in our own lives?
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