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?
August 21, 2011: Journey from Malta to Rome
The text for this lesson is Acts 28:1–16.
Key Points
- Just as God took care of Paul through the people he encountered as he journeyed to Rome, so God richly and daily provides for us through the people in our lives.
- Law: My sin causes me to not see that God is the one who does great things for me.
- Gospel: God forgives my sins because of His Son, enabling me to look to and trust in Him for all things.
Discussion Points
- What comes to mind when you hear the word prisoners? How does one get sent to prison in our society today?
- What is unusual about how Paul was treated as a prisoner?
- How was this treatment a blessing for Paul?
- Why didn’t Paul die when the viper bit him? What was the explanation of the Malta natives?
- Were the miracles of healing performed by Paul of his own power?
- Who were the “brothers” mentioned in verses 14 and 15?
- How were they a blessing to Paul?
- How does God provide for us?
- How does God come to us?
- Where do we find Jesus?
August 7, 2011: Journey to Gethsemane
The text for this lesson is Mark 14:32–42.
Key Points
- Carrying the weight of our sins, Jesus journeyed to Gethsemane and prayed to His Father. Because Jesus took our sins upon Himself, we can pray to God, trusting Him to hear and answer our prayers.
- Law: In sin, I do not do what my heavenly Father wants me to do, and I do not want to pray to Him and seek His will for my life.
- Gospel: Jesus, God’s Son, willingly suffered and died for me as His Father had planned; now all God’s plans for me are for my good, and His will for me is life eternal.
Discussion Points
- Why did Jesus go to Gethsemane?
- What did the disciples go with Jesus?
- For whose sin was Jesus preparing to die?
- How did Jesus feel about suffering what He knew was coming for Him because of our sin? What does Abba mean?
- How did He conclude His prayer?
- Where do we speak this petition?
- How does this petition reveal our confidence in God’s love?
- What did Jesus advise the disciples to do while they waited for Him?
- What does the advice of Jesus mean for us?
- Who took the consequences for our actions? Who carried the weight of our sin? Who benefits from His death?
- Read 14:32–42. The hour was near when the Son of Man would be betrayed into the hands of sinners. The hour was also near when the declarations of Peter (14:31), James, and John (10:38–39) that they would share His suffering were to be tested. What did Jesus do as the hour approached? Three times He interrupted Himself to encourage the three disciples to do the same. Why (14:38)?
- The cup Jesus was about to drink filled Him with sorrow to the point of death. What was this “cup” that Jesus refers to in verse 36 (see Isaiah 51:17, 22)?
- What did the way Jesus addressed God show about His relationship with Him?
- How did Jesus’ prayer show His obedient submission?
- How did His words in Mark 14:42 show the same?
July 31, 2011: Journey to Jerusalem
The text for this lesson is Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–40.
Key Points
- Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem on His way to the cross so that our journey to heaven and life eternal would be made certain.
- Law: Because of my sin, Jesus had to suffer and die.
- Gospel: Because of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, my sin is no more, and I will live in heaven with Him forever.
Discussion Points
- What does Jesus know that the crowd doesn’t know and that even the disciples don’t quite understand yet?
- What kind of king were the people expecting?
- What will Jesus’ death accomplish?
- Why is this Journey with Jesus so important for us?
- How was this prophecy of Zechariah fulfilled in Jesus, the Savior, and written about in Mark and Luke?
- What is the significance of the colt never having been ridden?
- Why does the church call the day of Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday?
- Why do you think the people waved palm branches and laid their cloaks on the road before Jesus?
- What other time in the Bible did a king ride a mule on the way to his enthronement?
- What’s the significance of this happening at the time of the Passover in Jerusalem?
- What is the Passover?
- What does Hosanna mean? Where do these words that the people shouted come from?
- Why were the shouts of the people appropriate for Jesus’ entry even if their full significance wasn’t recognized until later? How was the humility of Jesus shown in this incident? How did Jesus fulfill Zechariah 9:9?
- How does this passage connect with both the liturgy for Palm Sunday and the closing portion of the Sanctus from the Divine Service: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”?
- What did some of those who shouted hosannas on Palm Sunday say on Good Friday? When does the same thing happen today?
July 24, 2011: Journey to Bethany
The text for this lesson is Luke 10:38–42.
Key Points
- As Jesus journeyed to Bethany to preach about Himself, the one thing that is necessary, so also He comes to us with this same message in His Word and Sacraments—salvation is found in no one else.
- Law: In sin, I am like Martha, worrying myself with many things and leaning on my own understanding.
- Gospel: For Jesus’ sake, God forgives my worrying and enables me to trust Him for all things.
Discussion Points
- What does Jesus serve us when we come to His house?
- How can His gifts help us serve others? Do we always serve God and others the way we should?
- Mary and Martha—which one is better? Why does Jesus single out Mary?
- How can we “sit at Jesus’ feet” in our day?
- How can we have Jesus as a permanent guest in our homes? What can our home life be like when we always think of Jesus as present?
- Why should every Christian family daily take time for family devotions? How should family members imitate Mary’s example when there is opportunity to hear God’s Word?
