Genesis 38-40; Mark 15

Genesis 38: Who was Tamar? Why did she trick Judah?

Genesis 39: Why did Joseph prosper? Why was he thrown in jail?

Genesis 40: What ‘gift’ had God given Joseph? Do you remember when he had used that gift before?  What did Joseph ask of the cupbearer?

Mark 15: Why did Pilate release Barrabas?

Journal Prompt: We see God as such a central character in Joseph’s life, always providing for him and Joseph always relying on him – in spite of some pretty terrible situations.  Write about that relationship and how it can be an example for you.

Answers:

Genesis 38: Tamar was Judah’s daughter-in-law. She tricked Judah, because he was supposed to provide a son for her to marry, since her husband died, yet he did not.

Genesis 39: The Lord was with Joseph (v. 2) and the Lord gave him success is everything he did. (v.3) He was thrown in jail because Potiphar’s wife wanted to sleep with him and he refused, so she accused him of trying to rape her.

Genesis 40: God gave Joseph the gift of interpretation of dreams – although pay special attention to verse 8.  Joseph had told his brothers about two dreams he had (chapter 37) where his brothers were humbling themselves for him.  Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him and show him kindness when he was released from prison.

Mark 15: Pilate released Barrabas because the chief priests were stirring up the crowds and telling them to demand that Barrabas be released. Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowds. Jesus was crucified with two rebels.  “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.”