Lesson: Joseph & His Family

Session 1

Scripture Reading

Introduction: An Ancient Family with Modern Problems…

1. Joseph's family was a complex web of relationships.
   • (Chart of the Family tree)
2. Joseph's father, Jacob, had 2 wives, 2 concubines, 12 sons, and 1 daughter.
3. Joseph's generational heritage and immediate family were highly dysfunctional.
   1. Much of Jacob's life was characterized by deception. (Genesis 27–33)
   2. Joseph's brothers were consumed with revenge. (Genesis 34)
   3. Joseph's father and grandfather faced conflict with avoidance and passivity. Genesis 26:6–11; 35:32

4. Jacob blatantly expressed his favoritism by making Joseph a richly ornamented robe.

5. Joseph's brothers were filled with hatred and jealousy.

6. Joseph's brothers demonstrated their hatred by betrayal.
   • Joseph's brothers plotted how to kill him.
   • Reuben and Judah intervened to save Joseph's life.
   • His brothers sold Joseph to Midianite merchants heading to Egypt.

The Sins of the Father…

• The merchants sold Joseph to Potiphar.
• Jacob's sin of deception was perpetuated by his sons.
  • The brothers deceived their father with Joseph's blood-soaked robe.
  • Jacob mourned and refused to be comforted.

Breaking the Cycle…

By trusting God, Joseph refused to be defined by the dysfunction of his family.

1. Joseph rejected deception and chose integrity.
2. Joseph rejected revenge and chose forgiveness.
3. Joseph rejected passivity and chose initiative.
4. Joseph rejected favoritism and chose impartiality.
5. Joseph rejected jealousy and chose contentment.
6. Joseph rejected betrayal and chose loyalty.

Conclusion

The Painful Reality…

There are no perfect families.

• Every home is broken as a result of the fall and the curse.
• This cycle of dysfunction is not inevitable.
• It can be broken by the choices we make in response to God's grace.

Our Response

1. How has the dysfunction in the home you grew up in negatively impacted you?
2. Have you, or will you, forgive your parents and siblings?
3. In what one specific area do you most want to break your generational pattern and establish a new legacy?
4. In what ways do you see your personal character flaws manifested in your children?
5. When and how will you humbly ask your children's forgiveness and help them learn from your mistakes?