October 19 | Genesis 39 | Son, Slave, Prisoner

  1. Think of a time you were treated unfairly. What emotions did that experience stir in you? What action did you take as a result? As you look back on that episode now, can you see God’s hand at work in that episode of your life? Why or why not?

  2. Read Genesis 39:1. Twice the narrator describes the journey as being ‘down’ to Egypt. What downward movements happen in Joseph’s in Genesis 37 & 39?

  3. Read Genesis 39:2-3. Twice the narrator describes the LORD as being' ‘with’ Joseph (twice more in vv21-23), mirroring the two references to ‘down’ in v1. Why is it significant that the LORD is with Joseph? How does God’s presence affect his story?

  4. Read Genesis 39:11-20. In this story, Mrs. Potiphar represents Egypt while Joseph represents God’s covenant people. What contrasts do you see in character and motivation between these two? Do you think there are similar contrasts/tensions today between believers and the world around them? Why or why not?

  5. Read Philippians 2:3-16. In the sermon, Robb called Jesus the ‘true and better Joseph.’ What parallels do you see between the story of Joseph and the story of Jesus recounted here? In what ways does Jesus’ story go further than Joseph’s? How are our stories bound up with the story of Jesus (3-5, 12-16)?

  6. Read John 14:18 & Matthew 28:20. Just as God was with Joseph, so Jesus promises to be with his disciples. How did Jesus’ suffering provide for the fulfillment of this promise? What significance does Jesus’ promised presence have in your own life?

FOR YOU FURTHER ENRICHMENT

Robb EsperatComment