Awkward Family Photos: Jacob and Joseph
No family is perfect. All families are “awkward” in one way or another. All of us have some kind of “crazy” going on. But most of them wouldn’t even come close to the families in the Bible. In this series leading up to Thanksgiving, we’ll look at some of the “awkward families” found in the scriptures. Last week, we explored the story of Cain and Abel. This week, we take a look at Jacob and Joseph.
Sermon Reflections:
- How have you experienced favoritism or jealousy within your own family or relationships? How have these experiences shaped your understanding of yourself and others?
- How does Joseph’s story demonstrate the power of forgiveness and reconciliation? In what ways can we apply his example to our own lives?
- How does the concept of God’s sovereignty and divine purpose play out in the story of Joseph? How can we trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it?
- How can we cultivate empathy and compassion for others, even when they have wronged us? What steps can we take to heal broken relationships and restore trust?
- In what ways can we allow our pain and suffering to be transformed into something beautiful? How can we find meaning and purpose in the midst of adversity?
- How can we create a more inclusive and supportive community where people feel valued and loved, regardless of their background or circumstances?