November 20, 2011: God Provides Manna, Water, and Quail
The text for this lesson is Exodus 16–17.
Key Points
- In Christ, God feeds us with the manna of His Word and the water of His forgiveness, satisfying our eternal hunger and quenching our spiritual thirst.
- Law: In sin, I am lost, hungering and thirsting for what I cannot have.
- Gospel: Jesus Christ, the living bread and living water, satisfies my spiritual hunger and thirst.
- Law: My attempts to satisfy myself with all good things cannot fill the void sin creates in my life.
- Gospel: Christ—by His suffering, death, and resurrection—fills me to overflowing with His life-giving grace and mercy.
Discussion Points
- How do you worry about the many things that you need to support this body and life? How does your worry manifest itself as grumbling or complaining?
- In the Large Catechism, Martin Luther comments on the First Article of the Creed, which discusses God creating us and providing everything we need in this earthly body and life. Luther makes this startling claim: “This article ought to humble and terrify us all, if we believed it” (LC II 22). How does it humble you to believe and know that God “richly and daily provides [you] with all that [you] need to support this body and life” (Small Catechism, First Article of the Creed)?
- In Exodus 16:1–3, what led the Israelites to grumble against Moses and Aaron? How was this really an affront to the God who had graciously rescued them from bondage in Egypt?
- Now read Exodus 16:4–12. How did God show grace and mercy to His people despite their faithless grumbling and complaining? How did He promise to provide daily bread for His people throughout their wilderness wandering? Also see Exodus 16:35–36. According to Exodus 16:4 and 12, what message was God’s gracious provision supposed to send to His redeemed people?
- Read Exodus 16:13–30. What instructions did God give to His people for gathering and enjoying His gift of daily bread? How did the Israelites again show their faithless disregard for God and His gracious promise? See especially Exodus 16:20, 27–29.
- In Exodus 16:31–36, how did God testify that His manna should lead His people to worship and trust Him? How does this passage prepare us for our true, eternal living bread, Jesus the Christ? See John 6:31–35, 49–51.
- Read Exodus 17:1–7. About what did the Israelites grumble and complain against Moses (and God) this time? How did Moses confront them with their sin? How did God respond to the grumbling? How does this episode point us to Jesus Christ? See 1 Corinthians 10:4
- Read Exodus 17:8–16. How does this story show God’s gracious provision for His people? How might this story give us a preview of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross?
- The Israelites are quite often a good picture of us, even as we are the new Israel of Christ’s Church. How do we grumble and complain about the things that God gives to support our body and life? What does the New Testament say about such grumbling in Philippians 2:14 and James 5:9? How does God continue to provide for us despite our unbelief, worry, and complaining? See Matthew 6:25–34 and Philippians 4:4–13.
- How may having an abundance of daily bread tempt us to ignore God and His merciful blessings? How does contentment with God’s gifts of daily bread help us focus on and trust in our gracious God? See 2 Corinthians 9:8 and 1 Timothy 6:6.
- . How is Jesus Christ our bread from heaven? See John 6:26–27, 47–51, 53–58. How is He the water that quenches our thirst? See John 4:13–14. How does this help you see the spiritual significance of your daily meals? How does this help you hunger and thirst for the Lord Jesus as He comes to you in His life-giving body and blood?
November 13, 2011: Crossing the Red Sea
The text for this lesson is Exodus 13:17–15:21.
Key Points
- As God saved the Hebrews through the water of the Red Sea, He saves us through the washing of water in Holy Baptism, conquering Satan, our greatest enemy.
- Law: Satan and his forces fight against me, pushing me to sin and ultimately causing death.
- Gospel: God fights for me and saves me from sin, death, and Satan.
- Law: waves of this sinful world surge around me and drain me of life.
- Gospel: The waters of Holy Baptism bathe me clean of sin and grant me life eternal.
- Law: Thinking that I know better than God, I grumble against His plans for my life.
- Gospel: Jesus Christ took my grumbling, sinful discontent to the cross, conquering it once and for all.
Discussion Points
- Does freedom mean that we get to live and act in any way we choose? Why or why not?
- Take a moment and think of your favorite hymn. What about the hymn (music, words, etc.) makes you like it as your favorite? What makes it a great hymn for singing God’s praises?
- In Exodus 13:17–22, the Israelites begin their long journey out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. How did God lead them so that they would not wander aimlessly through the wilderness?
- Read Exodus 14:1–14. The Lord had freed His people by mighty acts of deliverance, especially in the final plague and the Passover meal, but Pharaoh changed his mind about letting his slaves go free. How did the Israelites respond—what did they say to Moses—when they saw Pharaoh’s strong army pursuing them? How did Moses try to console and strengthen them?
- Read Exodus 14:15–31. How did God prevent the Egyptians from overtaking the Israelites? Discuss how God parted the waters in verses 21–25 and led His people through them. How did He thwart the efforts of the Egyptians to chase and capture the Israelites?
- Read Exodus 15:1–18. Here we have an example of a great biblical hymn. As you read through this hymn celebrating God’s salvation at the Red Sea, ask yourself these questions: Of whom does the hymn sing? Of what does the hymn sing? How does retelling the story of God’s saving deeds make it a great hymn?
- Read Exodus 15:19–21, especially focusing on Miriam’s song. How did Miriam and the women sing of God’s salvation?
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:1–4. How does St. Paul apply the exodus story, specifically the crossing of the Red Sea, to us as Christians?
- Read Titus 3:5–8 and 1 Peter 3:21–22. What great promises do you find in these passages to help you treasure your Baptism and to give you great comfort when you face your own sin?
- When God liberated His people from Egyptian bondage, they were not free to go and make a new life by themselves or for themselves. Instead, they were free to follow the God of grace and mercy! Read Romans 6:1–11. In our Baptism, from what have we been set free? How do we live in this freedom? Also see Romans 6:20–22.
- Read or sing the first two stanzas of the hymn “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” (LSB 918; LW 220; TLH 54). Discuss how it applies God’s mighty deliverance in the exodus story to our lives.
November 6, 2011: The Passover
The text for this lesson is Exodus 11–12.
Key Points
- Christ is our Passover Lamb, whose blood was shed for our salvation.
- Law: Blinded by sin, I refuse to see the reality of sin and the death it brings.
- Gospel: God gives me proof of His grace: blood on the doorpost and Christ on the cross.
- Law: My sinful reason keeps me from believing that the blood of God’s Son is my only hope for salvation.
- Gospel: The Savior grants me faith to believe against all reason that He has suffered and died for me.
- Law: As a sinner, I fear death.
- Gospel: In Christ, I look forward to eternal life; death is no more.
Discussion Points
- Think of and discuss a ritual meal, such as Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, Easter dinner, or even a special meal to celebrate a birthday. What kinds of foods do we associate with each ritual meal? What connection does the food have with the meaning of the occasion?
- In Exodus 11:1–3, God instructed Moses to have the Hebrews ask for silver and gold from the Egyptians, and He “gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians.” Why did God choose this means of providing for His people? How would the Israelites later misuse this gift of God’s provision in Exodus 32:1–6?
- After one last time in Pharaoh’s presence, Moses “went out from Pharaoh in hot anger” (11:8). What accounts for Moses’ final and severe response to Pharaoh (see 11:9–10)?
- Read Exodus 12:1–14. Focus on the details of the lamb itself and what the Israelites were instructed to do with the lamb. Now read 1 Corinthians 5:7. In the chart on the next page, look up the Bible passages in the right-hand column to see how our Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the details and the use of the Passover lamb listed in the left-hand column.
- In Exodus 12:14–28, God establishes the Passover meal “as a statute forever” that God’s people are to keep “as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations” (12:14). We can also see how God Himself established this meal of deliverance as a liturgical act and celebration. Note the specific directions given as to the time of the year, the specific days, and how to observe the feast (12:15–20). According to 12:24–27, how was this “Passover liturgy” supposed to be handed down to future generations?
- Why did God choose to strike down “the firstborn” of the land of Egypt? See Leviticus 27:26; Genesis 22:2, 13–14; John 3:16–18; and 1 John 4:9.
- Why does Moses, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, record the number of years that the Israelites lived in Egypt in Exodus 12:40–42? See Genesis 15:13.
- 1 Corinthians 5:7 gives the best meaning of the Passover story for us Christians: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Because of Jesus Christ, how has death “passed over” us that we may live? See Romans 6:3–11; 2 Timothy 1:8–10; and Romans 5:10.
- In the Passover story, we see God delivering His people from their bondage in Egypt and giving them a meal with which to celebrate that deliverance. Discuss how the Lord’s Supper—the Christian’s Passover meal—is our meal of deliverance. How does it actually deliver us from our bondage to sin, death, and the devil? How is it a celebration of the deliverance that God gives in His Son, Jesus Christ? See Matthew 26:17, 26–28; Luke 22:7, 14–20; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 11:23–26; Hebrews 9:11–14, 22; and John 6:53–57.
- The quote that your leader will read comes from a homily of the Early Church pastor Melito of Sardis (ca. AD 190). Listen to it and discuss how the overall story of the exodus, as well as the Passover itself, is only a prelude to the ultimate exodus/Passover that Jesus accomplishes for us.
October 30, 2011: Moses and the Plagues
The text for this lesson is Exodus 5–10.
Key Points
- Through a series of horrific plagues, God punished the Egyptians for their sinful treatment of God’s people and freed His people from bondage. Through His horrific suffering and death on the cross, Jesus takes the punishment for our sin and frees us from sin’s bondage.
- Law: I am self-loving rather than God-loving.
- Gospel: In His Word and Sacraments, God turns my heart to love and trust Him.
- Law: On my own, I see no need for God in my life or world.
- Gospel: Christ suffered and died for my sin and enables me to see that He is the one I need most in this world.
- Law: Sin leads me to think I am in control of my life.
- Gospel: In His love, God acts to bless me, taking control of my sinful life with His grace.
Discussion Points
- In Deuteronomy 32:39, God says, “I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand.” Why would God, the God of life, kill or wound? How may we compare this to a surgeon who must cut a patient’s flesh in order to bring healing?
- In Exodus 5, the battle begins! In 5:1–2, what did Moses and Aaron command Pharaoh to do, and how did Pharaoh respond? In 5:5–14, how did Pharaoh increase the burden on the Israelites? In 5:15–23, how did the Israelites respond to the burden placed on them by Pharaoh?
- Exodus 6 has two main parts. In the first part, 6:1–13, how did God encourage Moses and urge him to continue his task? In the second part, 6:14–30, we read the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. Why is this important?
- Bible scholar Charles F. Pfeiffer wrote this about the ten plagues: “From one viewpoint the plagues were a chapter in Moses’ contest with Pharaoh; from a second viewpoint they represent the challenge of Yahweh to the gods of Egypt” (Old Testament History, p. 156). Exodus 12:12 and Numbers 33:4 give biblical support to this claim (see also Exodus 18:11 and Isaiah 19:1). Read over the chart your leader gave you to see how the true God of Israel used the various plagues to defeat the Egyptian false gods. Why does God set His people apart from the plagues beginning with the fourth plague (Exodus 8:22–23)?
- Exodus 9:12 gives this very startling conclusion to the sixth plague, the plague of boils: “But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them.” Why would the all-merciful Lord God harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not listen to Moses and Aaron? To answer this question, trace the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart through the first nine plagues. Read in order Exodus 5:1–2; 7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 12, 34–35; 10:1, 20, 27.
- In 1 Corinthians 10, the apostle Paul refers to the Israelites coming out of Egypt and says that these things “were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come” (10:11). How can the story of Moses and the ten plagues instruct us to (a) be prepared for God to defeat our false gods, and (b) confess our own hardness of heart toward God?
- When God separated His people from the plagues, He literally “set a ransom/redemption” between His people and the Egyptians. What “ransom/redemption” does God set between us and our foes of sin and death? See Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:5–6; and Ephesians 1:7. See also Psalm 103:10–12.
October 16, 2011: The Birth of Moses
The text for this lesson is Genesis 42–45; 50:15–21.
Key Points
- In Moses, the Lord saved His people from slavery in Egypt. In Christ, God saves all people from the bondage of sin and death.
- Law: In this world, I am enslaved by the demands of Satan.
- Gospel: God in His Son, Jesus, frees me from the slavery of sin.
- Law: My sinful flesh tempts me to sin.
- Gospel: God delivers me from temptation.
- Law: On my own, I cannot find rest or relief from the bondage of sin.
- Gospel: Because I am God’s child, He grants a heavenly, eternal rest from my sin and the sin of the world.
Discussion Points
- How are Christians persecuted for their faith, or at least discriminated against, in the twenty-first century?
- How does sin enslave you on a daily basis? How do your actual sins that you commit each day show you that you are in bondage?
- Read Genesis 15:1, 5–6, 12–14. What promises did God give to Abraham, and how were these promises fulfilled in the time of the exodus?
- Read Exodus 1:1–14. The Book of Exodus picks up where the Book of Genesis left off—with the Israelites prospering in Egypt. Read Genesis 50:22–26 to see how long Joseph lived and how the Israelites began to prosper. After a long period of time, and when “a new king” came to rule over Egypt, what did the Egyptians fear about the Israelites? What solution did Pharaoh decree in order to eliminate the threat? How successful was that solution?
- Read Exodus 1:15–22. When simple, burdensome slavery did not eliminate the Hebrew threat, what next solution did the king of Egypt decree? How did respect for God’s gift of life preserve His people? How do these events foreshadow the life of our Lord Jesus Christ? See Matthew 2:13–15.
- Read Exodus 2:1–10. How did the faith of Moses’ mother lead her to preserve her son’s life? See also Hebrews 11:23. What is significant about the “basket of bulrushes” in which Moses was placed for his safety and deliverance (see Genesis 6:14)?
- Why is it significant that Moses was raised as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter? See Acts 7:22.
- What significance does the name Moses have for the exodus story? For our Lord Jesus Christ? For us Christians?
- How does our Lord Jesus Christ rescue us from the bondage of our sin and death? Can we really say that we are rescued from this slavery if we keep committing sins? Look up and read Romans 8:1–2 and 1 John 1:9; 2:1–2.
- How does your Baptism deliver you from the bondage of sin and death? See Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:18–22.
- What saintly and good example do the Hebrew midwives give us for dealing with life issues—such as abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem cell research—in our day?
- The Small Catechism teaches us how to pray the Seventh Petition of the Lord’s Prayer—“But deliver us from evil”—by saying this: “We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.” How does this comfort you when you are weighed down by the slavery of sin and death in this fallen world?
October 9, 2011: Joseph Forgives
The text for this lesson is Genesis 42–45; 50:15–21.
Key Points
- Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and forgave them. Our Lord Jesus Christ reveals Himself to us and forgives us in His Holy Word and Sacraments.
- Law: My sin causes worry and guilt.
- Gospel: Jesus took my sins of worry and guilt to the cross.
- Law: Sin in the world hurts me and causes me to doubt God’s love.
- Gospel: God’s love and mercy are mine in spite of my sin and the world’s sinful state.
- Law: The unconfessed sins I refuse to acknowledge afflict my conscience.
- Gospel: In His mercy, the Lord invites me to confess my sins and promises to forgive them for Jesus’ sake.
- Law: The Law of God shows me my sins and cries out, “Repent!”
- Gospel: The Gospel shows me my Savior from sin and proclaims, “You are forgiven!”
Discussion Points
- Think of a time when a family member or friend sinned against you and hurt you. How did you react to that person the very next time you saw him or her?
- Now think of that same family member or friend and that same sin that they committed against you. How can you learn to look at that event as God’s will to humble you and bring you closer to Him and closer to your family member or friend?
- Read through Genesis 42 to see how Joseph’s brothers happened to meet him in Egypt. How did God once again use ordinary, natural world events to accomplish His purpose of saving His people? Why did Joseph’s brothers not recognize him (42:8)? How did Joseph’s dreams (37:5–11) become fulfilled as the situation unfolded?
- Why did Joseph apparently treat his brothers with suspicion and harshness by accusing them of being spies and then putting them in prison for three days? How did Joseph show them mercy in this first meeting? Why did they view Joseph’s kindness with such fear?
- Read through Genesis 43, which shows the second encounter that Joseph had with his brothers in Egypt. When the grain had run out, Jacob ordered his sons to return to Egypt to buy more grain. However, the sons had to convince him to send Benjamin with them. What promise did Judah make in 43:8–9?
- Summarize what Joseph did when he saw his brothers again, this time with Benjamin in their company. How did the brothers react to Joseph’s kindness in 43:18–22, and how did the servant respond in 43:23? How did Joseph’s emotions begin to get the better of him? How did Joseph begin to reveal that he knew something about these brothers?
- Read through Genesis 44. Summarize the test that Joseph gave his brothers when they began to return home the second time. How did Judah intercede on behalf of Benjamin in 44:18–34? How does this selfless act by Judah foreshadow the intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ for all people?
- Read through Genesis 45 to see how Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers. What prompted Joseph finally to reveal himself to his brothers? In 45:5, how did Joseph absolve his brothers for what they had done to him? In 45:7, what does Joseph teach us about God’s Church as he glorifies God for sending him to Egypt?
- Joseph’s brothers lived with unconfessed sin for twenty-two years, and it weighed them down. In fact, their unconfessed sin led them to view Joseph’s merciful deeds with suspicion and fear. How does your unconfessed sin weigh you down and change your outlook on your day-to-day life? Also see Psalm 32:3–4; Psalm 38:3–14; and Psalm 102:3–11.
- What can we do to relieve the burden of our unconfessed sins? This time, look up Psalm 32:1–2, 6–7; Psalm 51:7–12; and Psalm 143:9–12. What comfort, relief, and aid do these verses give?
- How can you use God’s forgiveness, given in Jesus Christ crucified and risen, to effect healing between you and your family or friends? See Colossians 3:12–13.
- When Jacob died (Genesis 50:15ff), Joseph’s brothers were filled with fear because they were still troubled by their sin and doubted Joseph’s forgiveness. What did Joseph say to them when they confessed their sins? How are we like the brothers when God forgives us? How does Joseph’s understanding of God’s actions affect his response to his brothers’ confession of sin? Read Romans 8:28 and discuss the similarities between this verse and Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20.
October 2, 2011: Joseph Feeds Egypt
The text for this lesson is Genesis 40–41.
Key Points
- God used Joseph to save His people from famine. He sent His Son, Jesus, to save all humanity from sin, death, and the devil.
- Law: My sin causes suffering for me and my neighbor, and I cannot take care of it.
- Gospel: In His love, God takes care of my needs, physical and spiritual.
- Law: Because of sin, I deserve to suffer and die.
- Gospel: On the cross, Jesus bore God’s anger for my sin and endured the suffering I deserve.
- Law: Sin causes others to hate and mistreat me.
- Gospel: Jesus took upon Himself the hatred and meanness of the whole world to save us from all evil.
- Law: In my sin, I lie to and cheat my neighbor.
- Gospel: God’s Word is always true and assures me that He forgives me when I lie and cheat.
- Law: My sinfulness causes me to doubt and fear when I suffer.
- Gospel: No matter what I think or feel, Christ promises to be with me and care for me always.
Discussion Points
- Do you ever wish that you could understand what your dreams mean? Think of a time when you had a pleasant dream and you thought a lot about it. Also think of a time when you had a disturbing dream that troubled you. In either case, what comfort can you take from Joseph’s words when he says, “Do not interpretations belong to God?” (Genesis 40:8)?
- What role do Christians have in our nation’s government? Would you ever consider serving in a public office? Why or why not?
- As a class, recount Joseph’s journey from favored son to prisoner in Egypt. How does this path of humiliation parallel the journey of our Lord Jesus Christ in Philippians 2:5–8?
- Martin Luther said these startling words about Genesis 40: “In this chapter there is nothing at all for us to linger over. For it contains only what led to Joseph’s exaltation and to the revelation of the face of God” (AE 7:107). How did God arrange the events of this true, historical story to effect Joseph’s exaltation? How did Joseph serve in his vocation and sustain himself until God carried out his exaltation?
- Compare and contrast the dreams that the cupbearer and the baker each had and their interpretations. How are they alike? How are they different? Also, what request did Joseph make of the cupbearer, and how was it answered?
- Summarize the details of Pharaoh’s dream in 41:1–8 and again in 41:17–24. Why was Pharaoh so troubled by his dreams? What help did God send him? How does this show the beginning of Joseph’s exaltation? See 41:14–16.
- Psalm 119:46 says, “I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings.” How did Joseph speak the testimonies of the true, triune God before Pharaoh as he interpreted the king’s dream?
- Read Genesis 41:33–45. How did Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream finalize his exaltation? How does this parallel our Lord’s exaltation in Philippians 2:9–11?
- Joseph is an inspiring example of patiently bearing with afflictions until the Lord God chooses to exalt him. How do you react to times of suffering or affliction? When you must endure trials and hardships, what help and comfort can you find in the following passages? Look up James 1:2–4, 12–18;
1 Peter 1:3–9; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; and
1 Corinthians 10:12–13. - How does God richly and daily provide you and your family with all that you need to support this body and life (First Article)? How can you grow in receiving your daily bread with thanksgiving (Fourth Petition)?
- How does God use you in your specific vocation(s), with your unique abilities, talents, cares, and concerns, to provide for people around you?
September 25, 2011: Joseph’s Troubles
The text for this lesson is Genesis 39.
Key Points
- The Lord was with Joseph so that His people could be saved and so that Christ, a descendant of Joseph’s brother, could be with us in every situation and could earn our salvation.
- Law: In sin, I question God’s will for me and the tasks He gives me to do.
- Gospel: In His love, God orders my life for good.
- Law: I don’t want to honor those whom God has placed over me.
- Gospel: In Christ, God forgives my sins against the Fourth Commandment and against all the commandments.
- Law: Satan tempts me to disregard my vocation and do only what I desire.
- Gospel: God places me in various vocations in life and, through these, provides care and protection.
- Law: In sin, I seek to live for myself and disregard my neighbor.
- Gospel: In His love, God uses me to serve my neighbor through the vocations He gives me.
Discussion Points
- Look up and read Psalm 105:1–5. Do you think that you could pray and sing these words with boldness and confidence if you were subject to forced slavery or in prison? Why or why not?
- Think of a time when your work was especially difficult or stressful, perhaps when your co-workers or your supervisor seemed to mistreat you. How does our Lord Jesus Christ sustain you in such times?
- Read Genesis 39:1–6a. Remember that some time has passed between chapter 37 (Lesson 3) and this chapter. What do we learn about Joseph’s new life and vocation after he had arrived in Egypt? How did God bless Joseph, even though he was a slave in a strange land?
- Joseph had been the favored son in Jacob’s family. How did the fact that “the LORD was with Joseph” (39:2) help him endure the harsh realities of hard labor in a foreign country?
- Read Genesis 39:6–18. Joseph’s faith and his faithful service were put to the test by Potiphar’s lustful wife. How did Joseph resist the temptation to commit adultery and thus keep what God would later give as the Sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:14)?
- How did Joseph honor, serve, and obey his master, Potiphar, not only in the times of success and blessing, but also when Potiphar put him into prison? What hope did Joseph have once he was put in prison?
- The Lord blessed unbelieving Potiphar through believing Joseph. How does our gracious, loving Lord bless the unbelieving world today through His faithful believers, the Church?
- How does the promise that the Lord is with you sustain and comfort you in your various vocations?
- In what ways are you tempted to commit adultery, that is, to not “lead a sexually pure and decent life in what [you] say and do” (Small Catechism, explanation of the Sixth Commandment)? How does our culture try to influence husbands and wives not to “love and honor each other”? How can you resist such temptations? What can you do if you do give in to such temptations?
- How can you honor, serve, and obey—even love and cherish—your authorities (parents, governing authorities, supervisors at work) when they mistreat you?
September 18, 2011: Joseph and His Brothers
The text for this lesson is Genesis 37.
Key Points
- God always provides a deliverer for His people and uses all things for our good. Jesus is our deliverer from sin, death, and the power of the devil.
- Law: The sins of hatred and jealousy blind people.
- Gospel: Jesus Christ endured the hatred of jealous men and opens my spiritual eyes to His love.
- Law: Murder begins in the heart and manifests itself in thoughts, words, and deeds.
- Gospel: Jesus died for every hateful and jealous thought, word, and deed I have committed.
- Law: Hatred ruins relationships and separates me from others and from God.
- Gospel: Jesus’ death and resurrection restores my relationships with God and others.
- Law: People are sinful and seek to hurt and harm others.
- Gospel: On the cross, Jesus saved me from the hurt and harm of my sin and the sin of others.
Discussion Points
- It has been said that, under certain circumstances, any human being could commit the most heinous crime. Do you think that is true? Do you think that, given a particular circumstance, thoughts of hate could lead to the action of murder? Why or why not?
- How much suffering do you think you could endure for Jesus Christ and the Gospel? Do you think that you could remain confident of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and life in the midst of a persecution of Christians in this country?
- In Genesis 29–30, we saw Jacob showing favoritism to certain family members (Lesson 1). Now reread Genesis 37:2–4. We are told that Jacob “loved Joseph more than any other of his sons” and that Jacob even “made him a robe of many colors.” Why did Jacob hold Joseph so dear? Was he again showing favoritism, or might there be another reason that he loved Joseph more? If so, what was that reason?
- What is so important about the “robe of many colors” that Jacob gave to Joseph (37:3)?
- God revealed His plan for Jacob’s family by giving two dreams to Joseph. What were the details of Joseph’s first dream, and how did his brothers respond? What were the details of Joseph’s second dream, and how did his father respond?
- Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers while they were tending the family flock. What did the brothers initially plan to do to Joseph when they saw him approaching from a distance? What alternative plan did Reuben give, and what could his motivation have been?
- What did the brothers finally do to Joseph, and how did their father, Jacob, respond? How does Joseph’s fate compare to that of our Lord Jesus Christ?
- How did Joseph endure the hatred of his brothers? How do you endure the hateful thoughts or actions of other people? How do you respond “when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely” on account of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:11)?
- How does God reveal His will and salvation today? Does God use dreams to lead us in His will or make His salvation better known to us?
September 11, 2011: Esau Forgives Jacob
The text for this lesson is Genesis 31:3; 32-33.
Key Points
- Jacob struggled against man and God for his birthright. On the cross, Jesus struggled against sin and death to win our heavenly birthright.
- Law: Sin separates me from God and from those I love.
- Gospel: In Christ, nothing can separate me from the love of God.
- Law: Broken families and failed friendships are the result of sin.
- Gospel: Jesus’ forgiveness restores my broken relationship with God and can heal my broken earthly relationships as well.
- Law: Sin causes me to doubt God and His promises.
- Gospel: All of God’s plans for me are good and perfect.
- Law: Sin causes fear and shame.
- Gospel: On the cross, Christ paid for my sin and destroyed my shame and fear.
Discussion Points
- When your prayers to God seem to go unanswered, do you think He may be ignoring you? Can you trust a God who seems to ignore you?
- How do you respond when you pray for something, but God seems to answer your prayers in the exact opposite way from what you asked?
- How do you wrestle with God in your life—with understanding His message in Holy Scripture, with trusting His purpose and will for you, and so on?
- Jacob had fled from his uncle Laban, and Laban caught up with him and confronted him (see Genesis 31). Next Jacob had to prepare to meet his brother, Esau, who was greatly angered when Jacob stole his blessing (see Genesis 27:18–30). Why was Jacob so fearful of his brother? See Genesis 27:41–45. How did Jacob turn to God for comfort at this time of fear and anxiety (see Genesis 32:9–12)?
- In Genesis 32:13–21, how did Jacob try to appease his brother, Esau? That is, how did he try to earn his brother’s favor?
- Hosea 12:4 summarizes this story by saying, “[Jacob] strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor.” With whom did Jacob wrestle, with an angel or with God Himself? What clues can you find in the text (Genesis 32:22–32) to answer this question?
- Even as Jacob wrestled God and prevailed, his hip was dislocated. However, Jacob did not let go and give up. What did he do after his hip was dislocated (see Genesis 32:25–26)? Why is this important?
- When Jacob asked for a blessing, the “Divine Wrestler”—the LORD—changed his name from Jacob to Israel. What does the name Israel mean? What was the significance of this name for Jacob? For his descendents? For his ultimate descendant and heir, Jesus Christ?
- In the morning, after the wrestling match, what did Jacob call the place and why (see Genesis 32:30)? How is this like the experience that Moses had in Exodus 33:17–23?
- In Genesis 33:1–20, how did Jacob try to win the favor of his brother, Esau? Why was this unnecessary (33:9)? In this blessed reunion of two long-estranged brothers, how did Jacob turn from trying to appease his brother to living the holy life of faith (33:10–11)?
- When Jacob feared the reunion with his brother, Esau, he tried to appease Esau, or earn his favor. When we realize that our sin separates us from God, how do we try to appease God—that is, earn His favor? Why does this create only fear and anxiety for us?
- Remember a time when you had a serious disagreement with a family member or a friend. What frightens you about being reconciled to that family member or friend? How does that fear get in the way of being reconciled?
- How does our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wrestle with us? See, for example, Matthew 15:21–28. What benefit or blessing does our Lord Jesus bring out of such wrestling matches?
- Just as Jacob wrestled with God and was blessed by seeing God, we also get to see God with the eyes of faith, even as we wrestle with trusting His saving promises. How do we see God in the Christian Church? How are we delivered and blessed?
