31 August-6 September 2026 (Genesis, Mark, Psalms)
Bible Reading Plan
Monday: Genesis 39:1-40:23
Tuesday: Genesis 41:1-56
Wednesday: Mark 10:1-52
Thursday: Mark 11:1-12:44
Friday: Reflection Day
Fluid (fit in any time): Psalm 10:1-18
Reflection and Discussion Questions
Monday (Day 1): Genesis 39:1-40:23
Why was Joseph put in prison in Egypt? Who took him and put him in prison?
Was Joseph an ethical man and faithful to God?
What does Genesis 39:21 state?
What messages for us today do you see in Genesis 39?
Is our relationship with God relevant to our ability to live a life for God and lead and/or care for His people?
Yahweh was with Joseph, yet in spite of doing the right thing regarding Potiphar’s wife, he ended up being penalised and placed in jail, losing his privileges. How do you think Joseph would have felt at the time he was in prison? (cf. Gen 39:21-23; 41:2) Do you think all Christians feel this support when significant injustices occur in their lives? Why or why not?
How or why were dreams considered important in ancient Egypt?
Monday (Day 2): Genesis 41:1-56
What was being referred to by the seven good and bad cows and heads of grain in Pharaoh’s dream?
Why do you think all the wise men and magicians in Egypt had no interpretation for Pharaoh? (Gen 41:8)
Who points Pharaoh to Joseph as someone who may be able to interpret his dream?
Was it by God’s power or Joseph’s power that he interpreted the dream?
Looking deeper into Gen 41:32, what do you think about Wenham’s and Hamilton’s comments regarding the text and narrative? Wenham writes:
This explanation of doubled dreams is highly significant for the light it sheds on their place in the Joseph story. It shows that “the thing is established” by God; the same terminology is used of clearly proven cases in Deut 13:15(14); 17:4; of the Davidic dynasty (2 Sam 7:26); and of the moon (Ps 89:38 [37]). Doubling also shows that “God is in a hurry to do it.” In the immediate context, Joseph’s remark refers to the forthcoming famine, but in the context of the book as a whole, it has a deeper significance. Some years earlier Joseph had dreamed a pair of dreams announcing that one day his father and brothers would bow down to him. That prophecy too is established, and God is hurrying to do it. So once again the narrative is hinting at the next development within the story. (pp. 393-394)
Hamilton adds:
Joseph, who has been in prison for two years, has interpreted two dreams for Pharaoh. In so doing, he has fulfilled the role of both oneiromancer and prophet. His own life patterns that of Egypt to some extent. He has been in his own famine for two years. Prosperity and promotion will soon replace that. (p. 498)
Do you think that Joseph communicates an urgency in instructing a preparation for the famine?
Does Pharaoh follow Joseph’s guidance/instruction? What is Pharaoh’s response?
What was a signet ring?
Who does Joseph marry, what are the names of the two sons, and what do their names mean?
Do you think Joseph honours God in the naming of his sons?
Do you think the account of Joseph has teachings for the Jewish people in life skills, values, virtues and strategy? If so, what do you see? If not, why not?
Wednesday (Day 3): Mark 10:1-52
Does God appreciate divorce? Is it his intention? If he allowed it for Moses, is it okay for us? Do you think there are particular circumstances in which it is or should be okay? How can we discern such things?
Why do you think Jesus was indignant when Jesus saw the disciples rebuking the people for bringing young children to him (cf. Mark 10:13-16)? Is there a risk in the church that we may prioritise the importance of more influential members of society (the opposite of young children in the passage)? Do you think Jesus would say an outright “no,” or “it depends, …”?
Why does Jesus make a point of it being difficult for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God? What benefits could come from poverty? Is wealth a gift from God that can be used responsibly? Does good stewardship involve discipline, discernment, priorities, and ethics? If you are not rich in wealth are there any other areas God has made you rich (e.g. talents, time, resources, etc.)? Do these other gifts that God provides us with also require good stewardship?
Is it God’s will for the wealthy to sell everything they have and give it to the poor? Is it to be good stewards? How difficult is it to be a caring and responsible steward when there are endless needs and limited resources? When God cares for all people, but you can’t support them all financially, what do you do?
Should we focus on earning as much as possible for the future life, or simply looking to serve and discern God’s will and intention for us in our life today? Do think God cares more for a grateful and loving heart, or one that is looking to gain more for themselves in the world and life that is to come?
How many times does Jesus predict his death in and resurrection in the Gospel of Mark?
What interests you about the passage of the blind man healed at Jericho? Is the fact that he is blind and calling Jesus the Son of David intriguing? Why? What was his response to being healed? Do you think this is a testimony that the disciples could or would have learned from?
Does any of Mark 8:22-27, 27-38 come to mind when reading this chapter?
Thursday (Day 4): Mark 11:1-12:44
What do you find special or interesting about the triumphant entry into Jerusalem? If you looked at any books or commentaries, is there something you learned and wanted to share?
Do you see any symbolism in the passage of the Triumphal Entry? If you want to, share some examples.
What do you think is the meant by the author in their placement of the barren fig tree that is cursed in Mark 11:12-14, 20-25? How does this symbolism fit in the context of Mark’s Gospel?
Why was Jesus angry in Mark 11:15-19? Was there anything wrong with having the markets in the temple courts? Why?
Why do you think the chief priests, scribes and elders needed to challenge the authority of Jesus? (cf. Mk 11:27-33)
In Mark 12:1-12, who do the servants sent by the owner represent, and who does the son represent. What do you think the point of this passage is?
Do you see any connections, similarities or differences between Isaiah 5:1-7 and the parable in Mark 12:1-12?
Do you find any of the questions testing Jesus particularly interesting (cf. Mk 12:13-17, 18-27, 28-34)? How so and why?
Explain the importance of Jesus’ quote of David in Psalm 110:1
What was a scribe? Do you think the message about the scribes in Mk 12:38-40 is relevant to us in the church today?
What is special for you about the poor widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44?
Friday (Day 5): Reflection Day
Psalm 10
What did you find interesting about Psalm 10?
What enlightenment did you find?
Do you find this Psalm relatable? Does it challenge your belief in God? Why or why not?
References
Bailey, R. C. (2007). Exodus. College Press Publishing Company.
Borgman, P. (2001). Genesis: The Story We Haven’t Heard. IVP Academic.
Janzen, W. (2000). Exodus. Herald Press.
Kissling, P. (2009). Genesis (Vol. 2). College Press Publishing Company.
Mackay, J. L. (2001). Exodus. Mentor.
Pink, A. W. (1962). Gleanings in Exodus. Moody Press.
Wenham, G. J. (1994). Genesis 16–50 (Vol. 2). Word, Incorporated.
1 Robert Alter, Genesis, note on 46:1.
8 Terence Fretheim advises such caution: “The language of ‘slavery’ appears insufficiently nuanced.” Fretheim goes on to explain: “The people become tenant farmers, even though it deprives them of some freedom.… [20 percent is] not excessive in that world. They are grateful to Joseph for having saved their lives, and ask for his continuing favor, even as they affirm their status as tenant farmers” (Genesis, in The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. 1, ed. Leander E. Keck et al. [Nashville: Abingdon, 1994], p. 654).
7 See: Friedman, Torah, p. 169; Durham, Exodus, pp. 3–5; Propp, Exodus 1–18, pp. 121–129, 134–135.
