Read Genesis 40. What does this story say about the nature of God? What does it say about the character of God? What does it say about the love of God?
As you read the text where do you find yourself today? With what verse, scene or section do you most resonate?
Consider the following dynamics of spiritual growth. Which of these dynamics has birthed the deepest growth in you? Explain.
- Small Group
- Reading Spiritual Books/Journaling
- Worship Experiences
- Serving
- Sermons/Studies
- Suffering
Looking back on Joseph’s life where do you see him experience suffering? Where in your life has suffering birthed spiritual growth?
Joseph was seemingly able to handle the ups and downs of life with God. Describe a season where the “rollercoaster” of life left you tired, lonely and doubting? What was the outcome of that season?
When was the last time you asked a friend or family member, “Why do you look so sad today?” What was the outcome of that conversation? When was the last time you were asked a question like this? What was the outcome of that conversation?
How does Joseph have such a capacity to see past his own sadness and engage the sadness in someone else? How is that possible?
It seems that Joseph is a “fearless truth-teller.” He shares God’s interpretation of the dreams, including the interpretation that would end in death. Who is a fearless truth-teller in your life? Who speaks truth to you, when no one else will? To whom are you fearlessly truthful?
Reread Genesis 40.23. In your own words write how this feels.
In the message on Sunday, we walked through an exercise where you were handed a script of a newborn child’s life. (Below are a few of the experiences.) After the script was read you had five minutes to erase and edit the script. What would you erase and edit? How would you rewrite the story? Be sure to consider the role of suffering in our transformative process.
- a learning disability
- struggle with sexual identity
- friend dies
- infertility
- depression
- job loss
- marital separation
- alone and forgotten
Read Romans 5.2-5
Read the story of the imprisonment of John the Baptist in Matthew 11.1-15 and answer the questions below.
What speaks most personally to you about this story?
Why does John end up in prison?
What do you make of John’s question, “Are you the one or should we be looking for someone else?”
What does Jesus say to John?
How does John receive Jesus’ message?
John ends up dying in prison. Why didn’t Jesus save him from death?
This scene ends with Jesus saying, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” What would this mean to John and his disciples? What does this statement mean to you?
Take time to reread and reflect on Romans 5.2-5. Praise Him for His eternal goodness and everlasting grace.
