Origin Stories: Joseph and Judah
This series will explore familiar stories and people in the opening books of the Bible, asking these primary questions: What do these stories tell us about God? What do they tell us about humanity? What can we learn about our relationship with God?
1.Discuss your knowledge of the story of Joseph, on whom the last 13 chapters of Genesis are focused. What did you learn about Joseph as a child (or from Broadway musicals)? Has your understanding of his story changed since then?
2.What do you know about Joseph’s brothers? How much could you say, specifically, about Judah?
3.Read Genesis 37: 26-34 and discuss:
Judah and Reuben’s role in what transpires
Jacob’s experience as a father
Joseph’s knowledge, or lack of knowledge, of this scene
4.Read Genesis 44:27-34. In this pivotal scene in Genesis, we see that God’s covenant with the children of Abraham (his great grandsons, in this case) is continued, passed on, in part, through the self-sacrificial act Judah takes on behalf of his youngest brother. Reflect on the following questions:
How is Joseph transformed by the knowledge that not only did his father not send him to be harmed by his brothers, but has been grieving the purported loss of Joseph this whole time?
How has Judah grown since he and his brothers sold Joseph?
What shades of Jesus do you see here in his ancestor Judah?
5. As we wrap up our series on Genesis, discuss some of the things you have learned. Here are some potential prompts:
What has been most impactful to you in re-visiting some of the stories of Genesis?
How has our study given you a deeper appreciation or understanding of the book of Genesis, the Old Testament, or the larger story of scripture?
In what ways have you been able to see the thread connecting the story of God, humankind, and our covenant relationship with God, continued to us today through the Risen Christ?
