Lesson 3 Student Assignment Choice 3

Choice 3: Genesis 29-30, 35, 37, 39-41. Joseph Endured His Trials

1. Read the chapter summaries for Genesis 29-30, 35. List the birth order of Jacob’s 12 sons. The order is Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin.

2. Read Genesis 37:1-11 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Genesis 37:3, “What Was the Coat of Many Colors?” (pg. 93). Write an explanation of possible reasons Joseph’s brothers were envious of him. Joseph's brothers could have been jealous for these reasons: Joseph had a coat that was worn by one in a better class, setting him above his brothers, his dreams, his father's obvious love for him, and so on.

3. List the challenges in Genesis 37 that Joseph faced. How do you think Joseph felt about his challenges? How are Joseph’s challenges like the ones young people face today? Jealousy from his brothers, being stripped of his coat and tossed into a pit, then being sold into slavery. He probably was upset about it, but he knew things were coming his way that would be better.

4. Read Genesis 39:2-3, 21, 23 and find a phrase that is similar in all four verses. Then answer the following questions:

·         What did Joseph do in Genesis 39 that allowed the phrase in verses 2-3 to still be true in verses 21, 23? He resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife and stayed clean. When do you think Joseph made the commitment to be morally clean? I think Joseph made that commitment long ago. Maybe when his sister was defiled by Shechem.

·         Give examples from Genesis 40-41 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Genesis 39:21-23; 40:1-23 (pg. 95) that illustrate how the Lord remained with Joseph. He was able to interpret the dreams of the baker and butler, he was able to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, he was able to save Egypt.

·         Write two or three paragraphs listing the lessons you learn from the life of Joseph. What can you learn from Joseph about turning bad experiences and circumstances into good ones?

What have I learned about Joseph's life? Joseph's an amazing person. He was able to stay true to God despite his trials. He was able to save Egypt.

Now, I know I am no Joseph. I will never save Egypt, I won't be able to do what he did, but I am able to stay true to God. As long as I stay true, I will be blessed.