The Dreamer - Genesis
Read the summary of the Sunday sermon: Joseph is a young boy who is both loved by his father and hated by his brothers. His life takes a perilous turn when he is kidnapped by his brothers and sold into slavery to traders going to Egypt. His young life seems to be one of hopelessness and as one who is abandoned by God. But God’s plans for Joseph, revealed in dreams, is beginning to take shape.
Read: Genesis 37:3-8, 12-14, 18-28
Discussion Questions:
Do you think Joseph was right to tell his brothers and family about his dreams of them bowing before him (Gen. 37:5-11)? Why or why not?
Joseph is eventually sold into slavery by his brothers because they do not want to believe that they will end up serving him (Gen. 37:18-28). What might this say about people’s natural reaction to God’s truth?
The story of Tamar becoming pregnant by Judah in Genesis 38 can be deeply unsettling for us to read about. How does this story show us the effects of sin?
These chapters record family dynamics that are complicated by jealousy and fear. Has your experience of family been like this? Why can it be hard to be in relationship with our families?
What are some ways that we, by God’s grace, can build healthy relationships with our families?
How do we guard against jealousy in our own hearts?
Has there been a situation where you, like Judah, had to own up to a mistake/sin when you first thought you were in the right? How did that change your view of yourself, if at all?
How might these chapters point us to the person and work of Jesus?
Prayer: Take some time to pray for your families, especially if there are messy family situations that were discussed in question #4. Ask God to give you grace and patience as you seek to relate to your family well.
