Below are several questions that participants in literary clubs and reading groups may want to consider. You can either click on the PDF icon in the upper right corner of this screen to download the questions, or click on the print icon and print them directly from this page.
THE TOMB BUILDER
1. Have you ever had an experience like Joseph in which you had to stand up for what you believed to be true, regardless of what others are saying? How did it make you feel?
2. Were there times where you wish you would have stood up for your beliefs and didn't? How would you do things different next time?
3. In an effort to have Joseph excommunicated, Caiaphas meets with Hillel, the leader of Joseph's synagogue. Caiaphas says that because of Joseph's position his sin of believing in Christ is more serious than if a common beggar believes in Christ. Hillel's response is that a sin is a sin, regardless of one's station in life. With whom would you agree, Caiaphas or Hillel, and why?
4. While Caiaphas and Simeon are waiting to meet with Pilate, they view a statue of a blindfolded woman holding a scale in her hand. The statue is entitled, "JUSTICE". What irony do you see that Pilate would have a statue with that name in his palace?
5. Without knowing why, Joseph is impressed that he is to have a tomb constructed. Why is it that God sometimes requires us to do things without knowing the reason? What experiences have you had in your life where God has required you to step into the darkness without seeing light at the end--to begin without knowing how something will end?
6. As the Sanhedrin is illegally debating the fate of Jesus, one person attempts to justify his actions by stating, "The welfare of the people supersedes the law." If you believe that statement to be true, provide a modern day example where that might happen. If you believe it to be false, explain why you feel that way
7. Joseph was willing to sacrifice his marriage because of his belief in Jesus. What beliefs, causes or possessions are important enough to you that you would be willing to give up relationships with those you dearly love?
8. Nicodemus was willing to "privately" believe in Christ, but unwilling to publicly declare his belief. Is it possible to truly believe in something without publicly declaring our belief? Why or why not?