Grow Guide | June 16, 2024
Series Theme: The Good Book
Reading: Genesis 50:15-21
Connecting Question
Do you have a sibling? What do you admire about them?
Prayer for Illumination
Let your Spirit, our Advocate, guide us still— preserving us from judgment, protecting us from sin, and leading us into righteousness, so that we may testify to the good news: fullness of life and joy for all; through Jesus Christ our Savior and in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Context
The Good Book: Meeting Our Ancestors in Faith, One Story at a Time
The Bible can be a barrier for a lot of people of faith. It’s large, intimidating, and can be confusing! Many people are wary of reading these texts, carry bruises from their upbringing, or simply do not have enough information for the stories to make any sense. This summer, we invite you to spend time reclaiming the “good” in The Good Book - learning and relearning how ancient stories relate to our stories here and now. We are so glad you are here!
From Pastor Terry Fretheim at EntertheBible.org:
The story of Joseph becomes the prism in and through which the development of Jacob’s family is portrayed. Egypt is the primary location of this story, which sets up the narrative in the book of Exodus.
Look at the Book
Open to Genesis 50; this is the last chapter of the book. How did Genesis start? Where are we now?
Egypt is where Joseph is living. Google some key highlights of Joseph’s story—where was he born...how did he get where he is now?
Joseph had the unique gift of interpreting dreams. Go to Genesis 41:14 and following. What was the dream that Joseph interpreted for Pharaoh?
What key parts of our passage for today look like the dream Joseph helped Pharaoh understand?
Famine was at the heart of the community for Joseph. How does “loving our neighbor” fit into an issue like this?
Joseph’s father has just died in 50:1. Who was his father?
In Genesis 50:15, what are Joseph’s brothers up to?
How does Joseph respond?
Verse 19 starts with a powerful command; what is it? Where else have you heard those words related to Jesus's story?
Read Genesis 50:20. What do you make of this verse? What might make it complicated or messy in how it's explained?
How is Genesis 50:20 connected to the famine in Joseph’s mind?
What is commanded in Genesis 50:21 again? Why?
What has been an experience of reconciliation that was meaningful to you?
Is there a difference between being reconciled with God and being reconciled with family or neighbor? Why or why not?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Who in your life needs to hear “fear not?” Why?
Who is someone you are praying to see reconciliation happen for? Why?
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.