Mothers of the Messiah
A NextLevel Series on the Women in Jesus’ Genealogy
Session 2: TAMAR. Where some see revenge, God sees righteousness.
With Beth DeFazio
STUDY…
⮚ While the story of Joseph fills fourteen chapters in Genesis, it’s his brother, ________, who is in the line of Christ.
⮚ Genesis 38 reveals that Judah left his family’s ________ and their ____________.
⮚ Judah acquires our first “Mother,” ________, as a wife for his son(s).
o Er…
o Onan…
o Shelah…
⮚ Judah, condemns Tamar to a life of _______________, so Tamar takes on the role of a ____________ to deceive Judah.
o She takes his ________ and ________ as currency…
o When Tamar reveals her pregnancy, first Judah calls for her ________, but then he calls
her _______________.
DISCUSS…
Read Genesis 50.18-21. Recall at least three moments in Joseph’s story where we see his brothers’ intentions redeemed by God’s plan.
Do you have a “God intended it for good,” moment in your own story? If you feel comfortable, please share.
Discuss the difference between vengeance and vindication first in general terms, then specifically as these motives may apply to Tamar.
Name a few steps you can take to ensure that you do not fall over the line into the camp of vengeance when wronged by others.
Spend some time praying together. Pray for the ability to forgive your wrongdoers, heal from any hurt that has been caused by those who should have loved and led well, and to seek forgiveness from any whom you may have caused harm.
