Youth Group Bible Study for Story of Joseph

Study Questions for Biblical Account of Younger Son and His Brothers

Jul 20, 2009
Stella Walsh

Joseph Wore a Coat of Many Colors - Stella Walsh

A Bible study of Joseph is a good resource to help Christian youth understand forgiveness and that it is often difficult to see God's plan in seemingly tragic events.

When the story of Joseph is read from the Bible, it is a long account. If it is being read with a youth group, it may be better to read the story from a Bible story book, which condenses the account into a manageable text, without leaving out the important elements of the events.

Bible Story – Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37-47)

This is the story of Joseph, who is favored by his father, then sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers. He grows in power by interpreting dreams and pleasing the king. When famine comes he forgives his brothers and is able to help his family.

Questions for Youth Group Study of Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37-47)

The following questions can be used in a general discussion of the story, or the group can be divided into smaller groups, comparing their views in the larger group when everyone is finished.

How did Jacob feel about Joseph? What symbolized his feelings?
How did Joseph’s older brothers feel about him?
What did Joseph’s brothers do to him as a result of their feelings?
Besides jealousy and anger, what other feelings might Joseph’s brothers have experienced?
How might Joseph have felt about the events that came to pass?
How did Joseph come to find favor with the king of Egypt? How did the king reward him?
What events led to Joseph being reunited with his brothers?
How did Joseph treat his brothers when they were reunited? Why did Joseph treat them this way?
Why is it important for people to forgive each other?
Anyone in the group who wishes to, can relate a personal story of forgiveness.

Guidelines for Youth Group Discussion on Story of Joseph

It is always important to have a set of guidelines for youth group discussions. There are several ways that this can be handled:

The group can work together to create a list of guidelines to follow during the small group discussions. The list will be displayed in the room for all to see. One person in each group will be responsible for reminding the group to stay on track, watch the time and follow the guidelines.
If the group has already engaged in group discussions, they can apply any guidelines that are already in place.
The youth group leader can supply a list of preset guidelines for the smaller groups to follow.

No matter which method the group uses to establish a set of guidelines, the following points, or some version of them, are important directions to include:

All answers and members are treated with respect.
If members disagree, they are to do so in a polite and respectful manner, without getting personal.
When all members have had an opportunity to speak, the group moves on.
Members choose whether or not to share details of their personal lives.

The story of Joseph and his brothers is a good resource for teaching about forgiveness and the mystery of how God works out His plans for people.

For other articles related to youth Bible study see Children of the Bible for Youth Group Activities, Devotion on Negative Peer Pressure and Youth Group Activity for David and Goliath Story.