Grow Guide | Sept 28 and Oct 2

Sep 27

Written By Jen Hackbarth

Who We Are

printable version

Genesis 39:1-6a, 11-23

Connecting Questions

When have you experienced betrayal or witnessed a betrayal?

Can you name a time when God was working in your life, even though you weren’t aware of God’s presence at the time?

Context

This week we continue to move through the book of Genesis, from Abram and Sarai (later called Abraham and Sarah) to their descendants, who are now a large and complicated family. We are focusing on Abraham and Sarah’s great-grandson Joseph, who experienced God’s blessings amid hardship, and who was a powerful blessing to others. The story of Joseph is not only the longest story in the book of Genesis; it is one of the longest stories in the entire Old Testament. In this week’s reading, we enter Joseph’s story in the middle, after he was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt. God then blessed Joseph and made him prosper, which led him to serve Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Yet Joseph again experiences betrayal when Potiphar’s wife’s lies send him to prison.

Look at the Book

If you have time, familiarize yourself with the story of Joseph by quickly skimming Genesis chapters 37 and 39-50. Carefully read Genesis 39:1-6a, 11-23.
Why do you think Joseph’s story is so long? Why do you think he is such an important character in the Old Testament?
What do you think of Potiphar’s wife? In verses 14-17, she doesn’t use Joseph’s name, but calls him “a Hebrew” and “the Hebrew servant.” What does this tell us about her opinion of Joseph? How does she use her power against him? How do people abuse power today in similar ways?
Look through the passage and notice or underline all the verses that mention God’s presence and blessing with Joseph (verses 2-3, 5, 21, 23). What do you notice about God’s presence with Joseph? When has God shown you “steadfast love?”
God promised to bless Abraham and Sarah and their descendants. How do you see God keeping these promises in Joseph’s life, despite (or amid) his challenges?
What do you think God is up to in Joseph’s story?

Taking it Home

· Practice noticing God’s presence in your daily life. At the end of each day this week, reflect on the question, “Where did I see God today?” Practicing this in good times helps us to get through the hard times.

· What do you think God is up to in your life? In the lives of your loved ones?

Jen Hackbarth