Skills:
- How can we get better applications of the Bible?
- Getting better applications at the middle-level
Activation:
- Jacob's favoritism toward Joseph
- Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers
- Discussion of Acts 6 (Stephen's speech)
At-Home Skills Practice:
- Step 1: Read through Genesis 37–50 at least twice this week. This is the account of Jacob and his family. Don’t forget that you can use an audio Bible to help you. We will focus our in-class discussion this week on Genesis 38 (story of Judah and Tamar). So you will want to spend some time meditating on the meaning of that part of the larger context.
- Step 2: What is the purpose of this story in the author’s overall narrative? In other words, why does he include this story?
- Step 3: How is the story of Judah and Tamar used in Matthew 1? At what level: top level, middle level or bottom level? Be prepared to tell me in one sentence how you would teach a lesson based on the story of Judah and Tamar, integrating both Genesis 38 and Matthew 1.
- Step 4: How would you answer the following questions from an unbeliever? Be prepared to discuss in class.
- Why are unpleasant stories like Genesis 38 included in Scripture?
- Why are people who hurt others, even their own family members (like in Genesis 38), granted the privilege of being included in the Messianic line?
