Sunday School Questions for May 11

Work Toward Reconciliation

Lesson Passage Genesis 43:1-45:28

 

-Share your name with the class and tell us what your Mother's maiden name was and when her birthday is.
-Does anyone here have an old friend or possibly a family member who was once close to you but is now estranged? Did you contribute to the riff or was it all the other person's fault?
-Does anyone here have an old friend or possibly a family member who was once at odds with you but now is reconciled? Did you initiate the reconciliation or did they?
-According to verses 1-2, what three actions did Joseph command of his steward in a final test of determining whether reconciliation might be possible with his brothers?
-In what position did Joseph place Benjamin by having the silver cup placed in his bag? Does this seem like the actions of someone who is looking to see if his brothers were ready for reconciliation? Explain your answer.
-How do you know when it is time to seek genuine reconciliation from someone? Is there a test that you use?
-Do you think that forgiveness and reconciliation occur quickly? Does the process often take time and effort? In other words; does reconciliation require a lot of work or is it easy?
-In 44:34; Joseph's brothers apparently care deeply about someone, who is it? Why is it significant that Judah became the brothers' spokesman? What bargain did Judah try to make with Joseph?
-Which of these is the most important when it comes time to seek reconciliation; making an effort at communication, concern for others, accepting responsibility, admitting guilt, or genuine repentance?
-Joseph's brothers also felt searing emotion after they learned his identity. What was the emotion they experienced?
-Joseph did not use the word, forgiveness, did his other words and actions communicate it? If they did; how did they?
-Will you agree with this statement... "Most of the time both parties in a broken relationship are at fault." If you have ever apologized even when you were not sure you did anything wrong, how did that affect the reconciliation process?
-To whom did Joseph give credit for his circumstances? Who do you attribute to your life's circumstances? Where is God in your conflicts and disputes? Do you think that God wants you to be at odds with anyone?
-God infuses believers with a desire to be reconciled to Him, He also infuses believers with a desire to be reconciled with one another. What will you do today to begin the reconciliation process with God and with someone whom you have a broken relationship? Let's pray.
-Before next Sunday, read Genesis 46:1-47:26. Study the lesson in your quarterly and think about "Major Life Adjustments" Will you adjust your life when God calls you to do so?