Genesis 37-50

These stories about Joseph are some of the most appealing stories in the Bible. It's easy to get caught up in the human characters and forget about the Main Character, God. But in 45:4,5 Joseph says to his brothers: "I am Joseph, your brother whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don't be upset and don't be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives." What does this say about good and evil and God and his purposes?

Genesis 11-50

Beginning in 11:10, Genesis traces a family line which includes Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, and then Jacob who is the father of 12 sons who are the forbears of the 12 tribes of Israel. God makes some incredible promises to members of this family, even though they don't seem to deserve it. What does this say about the "chosen people"? What does this say about God?

Genesis, Chronicles

Genesis presents us with genealogies, as will many later books, especially 1st and 2nd Chronicles. Why would these genealogies have been important to the authors and original hearers/readers of these books? Is there any reason to read them these days?

Genesis 1-3

Regardless of your view of these first three chapters of Genesis, they are foundational to the story of the Bible. What things can we learn about God and humankind and good and evil? Does the story presented in these chapters influence your view of what you've read in Mark?