Bible Study

Joseph and Jesus both willingly submitted to God’s plan as it unfolded. These two men serve as powerful examples of how we are to treat those who mistreat us.

Have the children look up the verses and read them aloud. Then lead a discussion with these questions. Add additional questions or other Bible verses as desired.

Matthew 5:43–45:

⁴³“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! ⁴⁵In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

• Does Jesus say it is okay if we just show love to those people we care about? No.
• In verse 44, what does Jesus tell us to do? Love and pray for our enemies.
• Do you think we can do this on our own? No.
• Why or why not?
• Who can produce that kind of love inside of us? Holy Spirit—God.
• Have you ever prayed for an enemy or someone you disliked?
• Is it difficult?
• Who do we represent when we obey God in this way? God, our Father.
• What do you think verse 45 means? We should treat believers and non-believers the same—show the love of God as He does to all people.
• How does the story of Joseph and God’s provision during the famine relate to this verse? God saved the lives of Egyptians, as well as Joseph’s family. Joseph showed love to his brothers.

1 Peter 3:9:

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing.

• Why is it so easy to insult someone who has insulted you?
• How can the Holy Spirit—and our Discipleship Challenge—help us here?
• Have you ever done something nice for someone who treated you badly or said something hurtful to you?
• How did Joseph and Jesus answer those who mistreated them?
• Why should we do this? God calls us to do it.
• What will He do if we obey Him? Bless us.

Romans 12:19–21:

¹⁹ Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. ²⁰ Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” ²¹ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

• Do you think Joseph ever thought about the day he could take revenge on his brothers, or do you think he forgave them early in his captivity?
• According to verse 19, when is it acceptable to take revenge on someone? Never.
• Who should we trust to handle the situation? The Lord.
• Why is this hard when you are mistreated?
• What do you think verse 20 means?
• How can it make someone feel bad when you show kindness?
• How do you think doing good conquers evil?
• Have you ever done what this verse tells us to do? What happened?
• How do you think these verses would change the world today if people lived by them?