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Lesson #1 - Dark Threads Woven Early
Series: The Life of Joseph - A Tapestry of God's ProvidenceLESSON #1
DARK THREADS WOVEN EARLY
1. As we begin this study, take a moment to consider what you remember (most) about Joseph?
If you were telling someone about Joseph what words or ideas would be indispensable?
2. Of all of the characters mentioned in the book of Genesis, who gets the most ink?
Adam & Eve? … Noah? … Abraham & Sarah? … Isaac & Rebekah? … Jacob & Rachel? … Joseph?
3. Your reading assignment for the next several months is to read, re-read, and study Gen.37-50.
First, read all 14 chapters in one sitting - - if possible, without interruption.
Then, return to the overall assignment (Gen.37-50) and re-read two or three chapters per week.
4. Three dark threads begin to be woven early in the story of the life of Joseph:
CRUELTY / Gen.37
Why do you think Joseph’s brothers disliked (hated) him? –vs.4b
Was Joseph’s father (Jacob) part of the problem? – vs.4a
What role did Joseph’s dream play in exacerbating this sibling rivalry? – vs.5
How serious was the brothers’ conspiracy against Joseph? – vss.18-28
To whom was Joseph initially “enslaved”? – vs.27
Describe Jacob’s response to this so-called calamity of his favored son Joseph? – vss.28-36
SLANDER / Gen.39
Who eventually bought Joseph from the Midianites/Ishmaelites? - cf. 37:36 & 39:1
Who was Potiphar and what was his relationship to the Egyptian Pharaoh/King? – vs.1
After an impressive start, what turned Potiphar against Jospeh? – vss.7f
What false accusation did Potiphar’s concoct? – vss.12-18
How did Potiphar punish Joseph? – vss.19-20
INGRATITUDE / Gen.40
While imprisoned, how did Joseph come to find favor with the chief jailor? – cf. 39:21-23
What two characters did Joseph meet (oversee) in prison? – vs1.1-4
Describe the dream of the baker and Joseph’s interpretation – vss.16-19
Describe the dream of the cupbearer and Joseph’s interpretation – vss.9-13
What request did Joseph make of the cupbearer? – vs.14-15
How could the cupbearer forget Joseph’s request? – vs.23
e Next week’s assignment 4 Re-read Genesis 37, 38 & 40 and highlight every passage that speaks of God’s
providence on Joseph’s behalf. How does one explain God’s loving care in the midst of such dark threads?
