Week of October 5, 2025
Week 5 All Together - Family
Jesus is the center of our homes, and he holds families together. He is present in our family life, blessing us with love and joy through healthy relationships and also supporting us when there is family strife. Family life can be the best or worst of times, yet in it all, we can see Jesus.
Monday | Genesis 37:12-36
The two marriages of Jacob (to Leah and Rachel) and his favoritism toward Rachel’s children ultimately led to murderous jealousy among his sons. What motivated Joseph’s brothers to kill him (or at least to get rid of him)? How was God at work through his brother Reuben? What have you seen (and maybe even experienced) that has led to such jealousy and strife in families today? We’re not told at this point in the story what Joseph was thinking (we get a hint in 42:21). What might have been his thoughts and feelings about being betrayed? How have you responded to experiences of betrayal?
Tuesday | Genesis 42:1-24
Joseph had become a leader in Egypt when he was visited by his brothers, who were looking to buy food. Why do you think that he was initially harsh with them? In testing them, what was Joseph seeking to learn? What do you believe was Joseph’s ultimate desire and God’s design? What brought him to tears? What was beautiful about that situation?
Wednesday | Genesis 44:27-45:11
Joseph’s brothers, still not recognizing him, pleaded with him to allow their youngest brother, Benjamin, to return home to their father. Why do you think that moved Joseph to tears? In what ways were these tears of grief, and in what ways tears of joy? How had Joseph reframed his brothers’ betrayal and his own experiences in Egypt (4-8)? How have you (or could you) reframe a past family trauma or disappointment as God being at work to accomplish a bigger plan?
Thursday | Deuteronomy 6:4-9
How were the families of ancient Israel to keep the Lord God at the forefront of their thinking and living? How do we make Jesus’ conversations more regular in our homes? What symbols or imagery can we use to remind ourselves of Jesus’ presence? What was the ultimate goal of such intentional spiritual practice (see 4:5)? What helps you love the Lord with all your heart?
Friday | 2 Timothy 1:1-6
Although the Apostle Paul was arguably writing to Timothy in an era of “first-generation” Christians, Timothy's own family already had three generations of Christians. How do you think that his mother and grandmother influenced his faith? In Acts 16, we learn that Timothy was already a Christian when the Apostle Paul visited his city and invited Timothy along on the journey. Why does family life continue to be central to the spread of faith today? How has your family experience helped or hurt your faith in Jesus?
