Lesson 5: The Adventures of Joseph

Youth Development Studies on Personal Values, Goal Setting and Decision-Making

By Gary Petty

The story of Joseph is gripping. The favored son of a wealthy man finds himself betrayed by his brothers and has to deal with a number of challenges. In the end, he meets his brothers again under very different circumstances. Lessons from Joseph's adventures are not only interesting, but they are relevant to young people today.

1. Genesis 37: Here is the beginning of the story of Joseph.

Genesis 37:3-4: Jacob, also called Israel, showed partiality to Joseph. Jacob had been shown partiality as a child, and it caused strife in his family. It is a proclivity for families to repeat the same mistakes. How do you suppose this made Joseph's brothers feel?

Genesis 37:5-11: What kind of boy does Joseph appear to be?

If you have brothers or sisters, what do you argue over the most?

Genesis 37:12-36: What were the motivations of the different brothers in taking action against Joseph?

What do you think Joseph felt like when he was put into the well? What would he have thought? What did he feel when he was dragged off like a piece of property?

2. Genesis 39:1-6: Joseph as a slave in Egypt.

Genesis 39:1-6: Many terrible things had been done to Joseph, yet he didn't sulk or waste his life blaming others. How do you react when people are mean to you?

Couldn't Joseph blame God for abandoning him?

How does our society teach people to blame others for their troubles?

What does Joseph's example teach us about happiness?

What does Joseph's example teach us about being a good employee?

3. Genesis 39: Joseph in the house of Potiphar.

Genesis 39:7-20: Why was Joseph so intent on not having a sexual relationship with Potiphar's wife?

What can we learn about how Joseph handled her attempt to seduce him?

Genesis 39:21-23: Joseph is falsely accused. Have you ever been falsely accused? How did you handle the situation?

Have you ever been mistreated because you did something right?

Why would God allow this to happen?

How is Joseph now different from the boy who was the pampered son of Jacob?

How did God show mercy to Joseph in these horrible conditions?

4. Genesis 40: Joseph is inspired by God to interpret dreams. Yet, the man he helped forgets and Joseph is still locked away in prison.

Do you think Joseph suffered from discouragement?

Have you ever been greatly discouraged? What can cause a person to be discouraged? What can help a person deal with the discouragement?

How can you help someone who is discouraged in the coming week?

5. Genesis 41: Joseph becomes an important leader in Egypt.

What was God doing with Joseph through all the adversity he suffered?

What qualities had been developed in Joseph to prepare him for what God wanted him to do?

How can these qualities be developed in your life?

6. Genesis 42: Joseph's brothers come to Egypt.

Genesis 42:1-20: Why do you think Joseph did this to his brothers?

Genesis 42:21-22: Are Joseph's brothers really repentant?

7. Genesis 43 and 44: Joseph's brothers return to Egypt.

Genesis 43:26-34: What do these verses tell us about the character and heart of Joseph?

Genesis 43:14-34: Compare this with Genesis 37:26-28. How had Judah changed?

For a damaged relationship to be restored, the person who is offended must forgive and the person who committed the offense must accept responsibility, repent and ask forgiveness. How are all these elements contained in the story of Joseph and his brothers?

Matthew 18: What does Jesus teach about restoring damaged relationships?

8. Genesis 45 and 46: Joseph's family is reunited.

Genesis 45:1-15: Notice that Joseph didn't harbor hatred towards his brothers for their wrong against him. Instead, he saw how God had worked things out for the best. Have you ever had a bad experience that ended up working out for the best? What does Joseph teach us about faith in God?

9. Genesis 46-50: Joseph's family reconciled.

Genesis 50:15-21: What is the reason Joseph can truly forgive his brothers?

Think about whether there is someone you need to forgive. What actions would a person need to take to show that he or she forgives others?

Think about whether you have hurt someone. What actions does a person need to take to seek the forgiveness of someone that he or she has hurt?