Jesus in Genesis

In this series we’ll study five Jesus-sightings in the first book of the Bible, proving that God had salvation in mind from the very beginning.

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Jesus Reverses The Curse

Posted: February 25, 2021
Jesus doesn't just appear in the New Testament-the whole Bible tells the story of why Jesus needed to come, starting in Genesis.

Talking Points:

  • Jesus is present from the first verse of the Bible. He created everything, and it was good. Genesis 1:1-3, John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-16
  • Humanity believed a lie and “sin” entered the world. This cursed everything. Genesis 3:1-5,16-19
  • After the fall of mankind, God set in motion His plan to reverse the curse. Jesus is the prophesied Redeemer from the beginning. Genesis 3:15, Hebrews 2:14, Romans 3:22
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. How familiar are you with the book of Genesis or the Old Testament as a whole? Is the idea that Jesus was present in the story of creation new to you? Explain.
  3. Read Genesis 1:1-3 and John 1:1-3. How does the Genesis passage describe the beginning of creation? What does the John passage say about Jesus?
  4. What does darkness signify in these passages? What’s the significance of light in both of these passages? How do these concepts apply to us today?
  5. Read Colossians 1:15-16. Put in your own words what Paul means when he says “everything was created through him and for him.”
  6. Read Genesis 3:1-5. What did the serpent do with a simple question? What does Eve’s response reveal about her? How does the enemy twist and confuse God’s words today?
  7. Read Genesis 3:15 and Hebrews 2:14. What is the curse that was introduced with Adam and Eve’s decision? How do both of these passages speak to the Gospel message?
  8. Read Romans 3:22. Identify all that this verse says about Jesus and us. Why is this verse so significant to the Christian faith?
  9. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Jesus Is a Priest Like Melchizedek

Posted: March 4, 2021
The Bible mentions a mysterious figure, a priest named Melchizedek who foreshadows Jesus as our High Priest and king.

Talking Points:

  • Melchizedek was a mysterious priest-king of God. He spoke a blessing over Abraham, affirming the earlier promises of God. Genesis 14:17-20, Hebrews 7:4,6-7
  • Melchizedek represented a higher priesthood than Aaron. This came as a shock to those who thought the way to God was through the Law. Hebrews 7:8-9,11
  • The mysterious Melchizedek foreshadows Jesus himself. He shows the way to God has always been based on a promise- not the law.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Read Genesis 12:2-3. What were the promises God made to Abraham? How were those fulfilled throughout the pages of the Bible?
  3. Read Genesis 14:17-20 and Hebrews 7:4,6-7. If God already made promises to Abram, why do you think Abram responded to Melchizedek’s blessing by giving him a tenth of the plunder?
  4. Read Hebrews 7:8-9,11. Aaron was considered the first priest (Exodus 28:1-3). What was the role of priests according to the Law? What does the author of Hebrews seem to be saying about the role of the levitical priesthood in these verses?
  5. Read Hebrews 7:19-22 and Psalm 110:4-5. Why was there no hope in the old system of priests and sacrifices? What does it mean that the new system is based on a solemn oath?
  6. Read Hebrews 8:1-2. How is Jesus our ultimate High Priest and what was he able to do that the Levitical priests couldn’t?
  7. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. How does this passage describe Jesus? What does it mean to you that you can come boldly before the throne of God because of Jesus?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Five Connections Between Isaac and Jesus

Posted: March 11, 2021
Genesis 22 connects to the work of Christ on the cross in 5 shocking ways.

Talking Points:

  1. Isaac and Jesus were both “one and only sons”, born by power and will of God. Genesis 22:1-3, John 3:16
  2. The sons carried wood on their backs as they marched toward their death. Genesis 22:6, John 19:17-18
  3.  The sons obeyed their fathers in quiet determination. Genesis 22:7-8, Matthew 26:39
  4. The fathers envisioned resurrection on the way to the altar. Hebrews 11:17,19
  5. God provided the substitute. Genesis 22:13-14, 1 Peter 2: 24-25
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Share a story of a time you sacrificed something for someone else. How did you make that decision and what was its impact?
  3. Read Genesis 22:1-3. What do you think was going through Abraham’s mind in this story? What do God’s words to Abraham reveal about this request?
  4. Read John 3:16. What does this verse say about God? What was the point of Isaac’s sacrifice? What was the point of Jesus’ sacrifice?
  5. Read Genesis 18:10-14 and Luke 1:31,34-35. Both conception stories are miraculous for different reasons. Why do you think God did it this way?
  6. Read Genesis 22:6 and John 19:17-18. What do you think was going on in Isaac’s mind as he carried the wood? How was Jesus’ mindset different from Isaac’s?
  7. Read Isaiah 53:7-8 and Matthew 27:12-14. Identify how the words in Isaiah were true in the life of Jesus. What do you think it means that Jesus never said a word? What did his actions speak instead?
  8. Read Hebrews 11:17,19. Abraham is in the faith hall of fame for a reason. How does Abraham’s faith challenge you as you face obstacles right now?
  9. Read 1 Peter 2:24-25. Identify all of the key points in this passage and the implications for us. How is Jesus the Guardian of our souls?
  10. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Jesus Is the Stairway to Heaven

Posted: March 18, 2021
If you wonder if God can use broken people, the story of Jacob's ladder will show you that he does.

Talking Points:

  • Jacob deceived his father and stole God’s blessing from Esau. He fled in fear-and along the way had a powerful encounter with God. Genesis 27:8-10,42-44
  • God extended his promise to Jacob in spite of his brokenness. The encounter was yet another example that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 28:13-14
  • Jacob had a vision of a stairway connecting heaven and earth. This stairway was a symbol of Jesus himself, the only way to heaven. Genesis 28:12, John 1:51, John 10:7-9, John 14:6
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Share a time someone took something of yours (property, promotion, friend etc.) How did that affect your life? What were the implications for Esau when he found out that he lost the blessing?
  3. Read Genesis 27:8-10, 42-44. What do you think Jacob thought when his mom helped him betray his brother? Have you ever felt like you missed out on something because someone else was favored over you?
  4. Read Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 28:13-14. Why do you think God chose to bless Jacob despite his craftiness? What does it say about God that he still chooses to work through those with bad intentions?
  5. How have you let your brokenness control your destiny rather than seeking God’s plan for your life?
  6. Read Genesis 28:10-15 and John 1:51. What would you guess Jacob thought was the point of the dream? What do you think the disciples thought when Jesus referenced Jacob’s dream?
  7. Read John 10:7-9 and John 14:6. God’s blessings are dependent upon God not on us. How does this idea give you hope today?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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5 Connections Between Jesus and Joseph

Posted: March 25, 2021
The story of Joseph shows us that God has been laying the tracks for the work of Christ throughout redemptive history. Here are five connections between their stories.

Talking Points:

  • Joseph and Jesus were both loved and praised by their fathers. Genesis often uses this father/son imagery to set the stage for God the Father’s relationship with God the Son. Genesis 37:3, Matthew 3:17
  • Joseph and Jesus were both envied and hated without cause. After all, where there is favoritism there’s always a little family drama! Genesis 37:4, John 15:25
  • Despite their innocence, both men were rejected and condemned to die. Worse yet, they were both abandoned by those closest to them. Genesis 37:18, Mark 15:12-15
  • Both rulers provided for God’s people in a time of desperate need. For Joseph this was physical provision; for Jesus it is spiritual. Genesis 41:57, John 6:35
  • Both stories end with nations bowing down to the rejected ruler. Just as Joseph’s brothers eventually bowed down to him as their deliverer, the descendants of Israel – and all nations – will one day bow down to Jesus and recognize Him as their Messiah. Genesis 42:6, Philippians 2:9-11
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from someone close to you?
  3. Read Genesis 37:3 and Matthew 3:17. What do these two passages say about the power of affirming words/gifts? Why do you think God made a point to affirm Jesus? What is God modeling for us?
  4. How have you seen favoritism negatively effect your family or workplace? Why is favoritism so toxic?
  5. Read Genesis 37:4 and John 15:25. How are the plights of Joseph and Jesus similar from these passages? What makes Jesus’ mistreatment more unjust than Joseph’s?
  6. Read Genesis 37:18 and Mark 15:12-15. What would you say was the ultimate motive for the brothers wanting to kill Joseph? Identify what the Mark passage reveals about the emotional state of the crowd. How have you seen bitterness/jealousy fuel destructive actions in your life?
  7. Read John 6:35. Why do you think Jesus used food to make his point? What does Jesus offer that means we’ll never long for any type of provision again?
  8. Read Genesis 42:6 and Genesis 45:3-8. Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes. What do you think he wrestled with internally when his brothers came to him in desperation? What does the Genesis 45 passage reveal about Joseph?
  9. Read Philippians 2:9-11. How has Jesus delivered you? How will you show your love and admiration for what he’s done in your life?
  10. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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