Study Guide for

We – we ones

May 24, 2009

Open Up

Tell your group about either one of the most expensive pieces of clothing you’ve ever worn or a piece of clothing with great sentimental value. OPTIONAL: Was that piece of clothing ever damaged or almost damaged?

TRANSITION: Joseph’s coat of many colors is a memorable prop that highlights the family tension that can explode into open conflict.

Dig In

(1) BACKGROUND: Jacob (also called Israel) favored Joseph because he was the son of Jacob’s favorite wife, Rachel. Joseph contributes to the family tension by telling his family about dreams that seem to foretell that they will bow down to him. Read Genesis 37:18-33. The Bible writes honestly about family conflict. Recognizing that this topic needs to be handled sensitively, ask your group members to give modern examples of extreme relational conflict, either in a family or other close setting. OPTIONAL: If asking your group to share real-life, personal examples could open too many hurtful wounds, ask your group to give examples from TV shows or movies.

(2) BACKGROUND: God guides Joseph through two rise-from-the-bottom experiences, in a prominent Egyptian household and in the royal prison. God blesses Joseph with the ability to interpret dreams. Read Genesis 41:15-41. In verses, 38-39, the Egyptian ruler recognized that God was with Joseph. Ask your group about real-life examples of Christians who were so Spirit-blessed that even non-Christians recognized this.

(3) BACKGROUND: The famine that God predicted forced Joseph’s brothers to come to Egypt for help. Joseph does not reveal his identity to his brothers while he interacted with them several times. Read Genesis 45:1-15. What is Joseph’s perspective on the wrong that his brothers did to him? How does this help him to forgive? Share examples of how a new perspective on past hurt can help people forgive.

Work On

Discuss situations in which your group members are facing the choice between either holding on to resentment and anger, or choosing forgiveness.

Lift Up

Give thanks to Jesus for the undeserved forgiveness He gives us, and pray for the Spirit’s help in choosing forgiveness.

Another Step – Advanced Study

(1) Read Genesis 37:2-11 and Genesis 39:1-23. Describe some changes Joseph made from young dreamer to conscientious servant and trustworthy prisoner. (2) Ask your group to share examples of being falsely accused. Was Joseph exonerated from the rape accusation or did God eventually bless him another way?