Are You Kidding Me?! - It's Not My Fault!

Genesis 37:18–35

Being a Christian does not mean we will not face extreme hardships in life. According to these verses (18-35), how does what's happening to Joseph remind you of what happened to Jesus?
• Joseph was hated by his brothers. Jesus was hated by his own.
• Joseph's brother's conspired against him. The Jews of Jesus' day conspired against Jesus
• Joseph was stripped of his coat. Jesus was stripped of His clothing.
• Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver. Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

What is a time you took the blame for something you did not do or when someone took the fall for you?

Without looking it up online, what is your definition of the word 'blame'?
('to assign responsibility for a fault of wrong')

Joseph's brothers were quick to devise a plan that would help them "get away with" their actions. What makes it difficult to accept responsibility for your actions?

Part of giving blame is that you also then accept innocence. This can lead to hypocrisy in our lives. What is the danger of a Christian hypocrite to others? What is the danger of a Christian hypocrite to themselves?

What feelings do people avoid when they constantly blame other people for their actions?

What role does pain or discomfort play in the issue of blame?
(Blame is pushing away pain and discomfort. We blame when we're uncomfortable, experiencing pain, when we're vulnerable, angry, hurt, in shame, and grieving. There's nothing productive about blame.)

In your opinion, does stubbornness reflect an open or closed mind? Does it matter? Why or why not?

Joseph might have wondered where God was while being thrown in a pit and sold as a slave. However, we can see God in the small details. Share a real example of how to look for God's hand in times of trouble. How does this help you trust God more?

Why can't blame and trusting God co-exist?

Why is it comforting to know God can fulfill His will despite our rock-bottom circumstances?

Next Steps:

• What responsibility have you pushed on someone else that you need to take on yourself?

• What would it look or feel like to release the blame you've put on yourself, and ask God to forgive you?

• Is there a circumstance in your life that you are unhappy with and blame God? How might you experience His love and grace in that?

• What difficulty are you facing that you will trust God to control?