November 2 | Genesis 42-44 | Judah the Substitute

  1. The ‘bystander effect’ occurs when people are less likely to help someone in need in the presence of other people. Where have you experienced this in your own life (for example, multiple cars passing by an accident on the highway)? Why do you think this sort of phenomenon exists?

  2. Summarize Genesis 42-44. If you have enough people, split into 3 teams. Assign each team one chapter (42, 43, 44). Take 7 minutes to answer the following 3 prompts in your respective teams before rejoining and sharing your answers with the whole group:

    1. Summarize the chapter in a single sentence.

    2. Identify one verse that is especially important, interesting, or confusing.

    3. Why are the brothers’ faces to the ground? Explain how this detail builds tension in the story.

  3. Read Genesis 44:16-34. What is the difference between Judah’s conduct here and his conduct in previous chapters (37:26-27; 38:1-26)? How has God used Judah’s previous experiences to prepare him for this moment?

  4. Pastor Travis Simone says, “All love is substitutionary.” Who is Judah loving when he offers himself as a slave to Joseph? How is Judah’s offering like Jesus’ offering (1 Peter 3:18)? How is it different?

  5. Jesus loved us so much that he offered himself as our substitute. Name some ways that we can ‘get off the sidelines’ to show Jesus’ love to others in need this week. Pray for one another to be portraits of God’s love, pointing to Jesus.

Robb EsperatComment