In the Beginning, Part 52: A Meal in a Palace
Joseph’s brothers sat down and had a meal while Joseph was trapped in a pit. Many years later, Joseph invited them to a meal in a palace. None of what happened to Joseph was “good luck” or “bad luck,” but it was the providential working of God to bring about His sovereign plan to redeem the world.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing about this message that was particularly helpful, challenging, or encouraging for you?
- What does it mean that the church should “run toward the mess”? How do you think we are doing with this as a local church body? What is one way you need to “run toward the mess”?
- Read and discuss Genesis 43. What stands out to you from this account? How does favoritism once again play a role in the story? In what ways do you see the providence of God at work here?
- How do you see a guilty conscience at work in Joseph’s brothers, making them afraid? Share a time when you were led by fear because of a guilty conscience. What happened?
- How does Joseph foreshadow the gospel? How does he portray the beauty and redemption found in Jesus Christ?
- In what ways do you note the ongoing process of sanctification taking place in your life?
- Discuss this statement: Loving those who don’t love you back is the gospel in action. How have you observed or experienced this?
- Have you ever served someone who hates you? To whom do you need to reach out in love and grace, even though there may be animosity between you?