Leader BIBLE STUDY - Amazon S3 · Job’s friends did not comfort Job. They said, “Job, you must obey God. If you do what is right and stop sinning, God will give you back everything

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UNIT 12Session 2

Leader BIBLE STUDY

The story of Job helps believers see God alone is all-powerful, sovereign, and good. Job’s story is one all people can relate to, as everyone will suffer in his or her lifetime. God’s dialogue with Job reveals His characteristics clearly.

Have you ever in your life commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place? (Job 38:12) God is all-powerful! Does the eagle soar at your command and make its nest on high? (Job 39:27) God is sovereign. Who provides the raven’s food when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food? (Job 38:41) God is good.

Throughout all of Job’s suffering, Job never turned away

Unit 12 • Session 2

Use Week of:

Job

BIBLE PASSAGE: Job 1–42MAIN POINT: Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good.KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? Everything God does is

for His glory and our good.

SMALL GROUP OPENING (10–15 MINUTES)

PAGE 190

LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY (25–30 MINUTES)

PAGE 192

SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES (25–30 MINUTES)

PAGE 198

186 Older Kids Leader GuideUnit 12 • Session 2

005508641_OlderKidsLeaderGuide_SUM16.indb 186 12/1/15 9:10 AM

© 2016 LifeWay

2

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

from God. Listen to Job’s response to God’s questions: “I am so insignificant. How can I answer You?” (Job 40:4). Job didn’t understand his suffering, but he understood who God is.

While the Book of Job speaks volumes to the problem of human suffering, it is also an important picture of how a suffering person should relate to God. Though Job sometimes doubted God, he never turned away. Job’s suffering actually brought him closer to God.

Pray that you will help the kids you teach understand the story of Job and its implications. Point them to the true suffering servant, Jesus, who was truly innocent yet suffered greatly so that we could be brought closer to God in both our suffering and our joy.

Job reminds us that following Jesus will be worth it. God is good, present, and in control. We can trust Him when we don’t understand the pain we have to endure. At the cross, God used the ultimate pain to bring about the ultimate good: our future and final salvation from sin.

187Wisdom Literature


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JobJob 1–42

Job (JOHB) was a wealthy man who loved God and wanted to follow God’s plan.

One day, Satan came before God. God asked Satan if he had noticed Job. “No one else on earth is like him,” God said. Job was an honest man. He feared God and turned away from evil.

“Job only follows You because You protect him and bless him,” Satan said. “If You take away everything Job has, he will not follow You anymore.”

So God gave Satan permission to take away everything Job had, but Satan was not allowed to hurt Job. Satan sent men to steal Job’s animals. He caused Job’s children to die. In one day, Job lost all of his wealth and his children. But Job continued to follow God.

Satan came to God again. He said, “If Job gets sick, he will not praise You anymore.” So God gave Satan permission to make Job sick, but God did not let Satan kill Job. Job became ill with sores all over his skin.

“Do you still have faith in God?” Job’s wife asked. “Curse God and die!”

But Job said, “That’s foolish. How can we accept good things from God and not trouble?”

Three of Job’s friends came to visit Job. Their names were Eliphaz (EL ih faz), Bildad, and Zophar (ZOH fahr). Job’s friends did not comfort Job. They said, “Job, you must obey God. If you do what is right and stop sinning, God will give you back everything you lost.”

“I haven’t done anything wrong,” Job said. Job wished he had someone to talk to God for him. He wanted answers

The BIBLE STORY



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because he did not understand why he was suffering.Finally, a man named Elihu (ih LIGH hyoo) came

to speak to Job. “God is greater than man,” Elihu explained. “He is not silent. God always does what is right.”

Then God spoke to Job through a whirlwind. God asked Job, “Were you there when I made the earth? Are you the one who told the sea where to stop? Did you decide when the sun would rise or when snow would fall? Did you put the stars in the sky? Can you tell the eagles when to fly in the sky?”

God helped Job understand that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good. Job could not completely understand God’s plans, but he could trust God. God is in control. Job was sorry for doubting God.

God gave back to Job everything he had lost—and much more! Job had 10 more children, and he lived 140 more years. Job got to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up before he died.

Christ Connection: Job suffered and wanted a mediator—someone to bring him to God. This reminds us of Jesus, who suffered even though He had never sinned. Jesus is our Mediator. He suffered to pay the price for our sins and put an end to suffering on earth. Jesus brings us to God when we trust in Him.

WANT TO DISCOVER

GOD’S WORD? GET

BIBLE EXPRESS!

Invite kids to check out this week’s devotionals to

discover that Job was a man who loved

God despite hardship. The Bible says the man who fears the Lord is blessed, and

he delights in His Word. (Ps. 1:2) Order

in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase

individually. For more information,

check out www.lifeway.com/

devotionals.



© 2016 LifeWay

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Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: JobBIBLE PASSAGE: Job 1–42MAIN POINT: Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good.KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? Everything God does is


Welcome timeGreet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. As kids arrive, invite them to talk about why they think bad things happen.SAY • Why do you think bad things happen to seemingly

good people? Who do you think is in control? [Allow kids to respond.] Interesting thoughts!

Activity page (5 minutes)

Invite kids to complete “The Story of Job” word search on the activity page. Ask kids to point out any words they may not understand, and then explain them. Make sure kids understand the following words:

• curse—the opposite of a blessing, a cause of great harm or evil

• doubt—uncertainty; lacking trust or confidence• Elihu—a man who spoke to Job• Satan—another name for the Devil• sovereign—in a position of high authority and power• suffering—enduring pain, loss, or damage• whirlwind—a small windstorm of rapidly rotating air

• “The Story of Job” activity page, 1 per kid

• pencils or markers



© 2016 LifeWay

SAY • All of these words are in our Bible story today. This story is about a man named Job (JOHB). He suffered in his life, but he learned a lot about God because of his suffering.

Session starter (10 minutes)

OPTION 1: Bad days, good daysGuide kids to stand in a circle. Explain that they will take turns telling a story. Begin by holding a ball and saying something bad that happened like, “One day, my dog chewed up my favorite shoes.” Then count to three. Kids should respond, “Trust in God!”

Toss the ball to a kid. She should add a good experience, such as, “My mom bought me new shoes!” and count to three. Kids will shout, “Trust in God!” Then she will toss the ball to another player. Alternate sharing good and bad experiences.SAY • Trusting God seems easy when things are going well.

Today’s Bible story is about a man who trusted God even when he didn’t understand his suffering.

OPTION 2: Special powersGive kids paper and colored pencils. Invite them to draw a picture of a superhero. Ask them to consider which power would be most valuable: being able to do anything, being in charge of everything, or being able to always do the right thing. Allow kids to share their drawings with the group.SAY • Today’s Bible story is about a man who learned that

God is all three of those things! No one is like Him!

Transition to large group

• ball

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• paper• colored pencils



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CountdownShow the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (3 minutes)

[Large Group Leader enters pushing a large stack of books on a cart. Leader is thumbing through a book and then slams it shut, shouting, “Ah ha!”]LEADER • I knew it. I knew it! Another day, another

question answered. Another theory confirmed. Another mystery solved. Boy, is it satisfying to uncover the truth!

Hi, everyone! Great to see you again. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Professor [your name]. I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, and that led to a lot of questions.

So let me ask you this: If God is good, why do bad things happen? [Allow kids to respond.] Those are some good thoughts. Today we are going to see what the Bible has to say about God and suffering. Let’s get started.

• countdown video

• leader attire• cart• stack of books

Large Group LEADER





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Giant timeline (1 minute)

LEADER • You might remember that even though the Bible contains a lot of short stories, all the stories work together to tell one big story—the story of how God rescued people from sin through His Son, Jesus! [Point to “Job” on the timeline.]

Now, Job probably lived in the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—sometime between the time of Noah and the flood and the time of Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt.

We are studying the Book of Job now because of the kind of book it is. Job is part of the Bible’s wisdom literature, or writing that teaches the right way to think about life. Last week, we learned about another book of wisdom literature: Ecclesiastes.

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes)

Open your Bible to the Book of Job. Tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided, or show the Bible story video “Job.”LEADER • Let’s see how well you listened. Raise your hand if

you can answer these questions.Ask the following review questions. Call on kids to answer. If a kid answers incorrectly, gently correct him or call on another kid to answer.

1. Before Job suffered, was Job a rich man or a poor man? (a rich man, Job 1:3)

2. Who caused bad things to happen to Job? (Satan took away everything Job had, Job 1:12-19)

3. Who told Job to curse God and die? (his wife, Job 2:9)

4. Who came to visit Job? (three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad,

• Giant Timeline

• Bibles• “Job” video• Big Picture Question

Poster• Bible Story Picture

Poster



© 2016 LifeWay




and Zophar; Job 2:11)5. What did Job’s friends tell Job to do? (to obey God

and stop sinning, Job. 4:7-8; 8:5-6; 11:14-15)6. How did God speak to Job? (through a whirlwind,

Job 38:1)7. What did Job learn about God? (Job learned

that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good; Job 38:12,41; 39:27)

8. Why can we trust God? Everything God does is for His glory and our good.

LEADER • Job suffered. He did not understand why he was suffering, but he trusted God. Even though Job questioned God, he never turned away. Job’s suffering brought him closer to God. Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good.

Job’s story reminds us of Jesus, who suffered even though He never sinned. Jesus died on the cross to free us from sin and bring us close to God. One day, Jesus will put an end to suffering on earth. Those who trust in Jesus will be with Him forever.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional)

Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions.

Encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Tip: Provide I’m a Christian Now for new Christians to take home and complete with their families.



© 2016 LifeWay

Key passage (5 minutes)

Show the slide or poster of the key passage, Psalm 100:5. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse. Review the meaning of some of the key words:

• Yahweh—the Hebrew name for the LORD

• eternal—does not change, without beginning or end• faithfulness—loyalty, trustworthiness• endures—lasts• generations—the time between when a man is born and his child is born and his grandchildren are born

LEADER • In our Bible story today, Job learned to trust God. Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good. We can thank God because He is good. His love lasts forever, and we can trust Him forever and ever.

Guide kids to read the key passage again. Then sing together “Yahweh Is Good.”

Big picture question (1 minute)

LEADER • Our key passage teaches us that God is good, loving, and faithful. That reminds me of why we can trust Him. Do you remember our big picture question and answer? Let’s say it together.

Why can we trust God? Everything God does is for his glory and our good.

Discussion starter video (4 minutes)

LEADER • Job did not understand why he was suffering. He did not know that Satan had talked to God. He did not know that God had allowed Satan to take away Job’s things. Job did not know that through his suffering, God had a plan to teach Job about

• Key Passage Poster• “Yahweh Is Good” song

Note: You may choose to adjust the key words based on your preferred Bible translation.

• “Unit 12, Session 2” discussion starter video



© 2016 LifeWay




Himself. Job did not see the big picture of what was happening. Think about that as you watch this.

Show the “Unit 12, Session 2” discussion starter video. Lead kids to talk about why wearing the binoculars affected the kid’s vision. The kid was only able to see things up close; he could not see the “big picture” of what was going on.LEADER • Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign,

and good. Remember that God is in control. We can trust Him, even when we do not understand our suffering. Why can we trust God? Everything God does is for His glory and our good.

Sing (4 minutes)

LEADER • Even when life is hard, we know that following God will be worth any trouble we face in this life. Jesus endured the greatest pain at the cross to bring about our greatest good: salvation from sin. Let’s sing together now.

Sing the unit theme song “Firm Foundation.”

Pray (2 minutes)

Invite kids to pray before dismissing to small groups.LEADER • Father God, You are all-powerful, sovereign, and

good. Help us understand what that means and help us believe it. Give us strength to turn to You when we are suffering. We know You are in control, and You love us. Amen.

Dismiss to small groups

• “Firm Foundation” song



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The Gospel: God’s Plan for MeAsk kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids.

God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean.

We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23)

God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9.

Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18.

We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus.

Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.



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Small Group LEADER



Key passage activity (5 minutes)

Write the words of the Psalm 100:5 on separate index cards. Mix up the cards and challenge kids to rearrange them in the correct order.

Show the key passage poster for kids to check their work. Guide kids to read the key passage together. Take away one card and challenge them to say the verse, supplying the missing word. Continue removing cards, one at a time, allowing kids to recite the verse from memory.SAY • This verse comes from Psalm 100, which is a psalm

of thanksgiving. Do you think Job always felt like thanking God? Some bad things happened to Job, and he did not understand why. Even when we do not understand why certain things happen, we can trust God. Why can we trust God? God works all things for good.

Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes)

Write the following references on separate index cards and distribute them to kids. Encourage kids to find the verses in their Bibles. Assist as needed. When kids find the verses, call on them to read the verses aloud, one at a time.

• Key Passage Poster• index cards• marker

Tip: Reuse the key passage cards prepared in session 1.

• Bibles, 1 per kid• Main Point Poster



© 2016 LifeWay

Kids should decide together whether the verse describes God as all-powerful, sovereign, or good. Remind kids that sovereign means “in a position of high authority and power” or “in control.”

All-Powerful• Job 38:12• Jeremiah 10:12• Luke 1:37• 1 Corinthians 6:14• Ephesians 1:19

Sovereign• 2 Chronicles 29:11• Job 42:2• Psalm 103:19• Psalm 115:3

Good• Job 38:4• Psalm 25:7• Psalm 34:8• Psalm 100:5• Romans 8:28

SAY • Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good. Even in his suffering, Job praised God. He trusted that God was in control of everything.

We can trust God too. Why can we trust God? Everything God does is for His glory and our good.

Activity choice (10 minutes)

OPTION 1: Words with friendsArrange chairs in a circle. Give each kid a pencil or marker and several sticky notes. Instruct kids to write their names on one sticky note and attach it to their chairs. Kids should

Option: Retell or review the Bible story using the bolded text of the Bible story script.

• pencils or markers• sticky notes• “Yahweh Is Good” song

(optional)

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© 2016 LifeWay




stand in a circle behind the chairs.SAY • When Job was suffering, three of his friends came to

visit him. Job’s friends were not very helpful. They blamed Job for his own suffering. They did not comfort Job. Kind words can really help a friend.

Give the following instructions for kids to play an encouragement game:

1. Tell the kids to start walking around the chairs in a circle. You may choose to play the song “Yahweh Is Good” at this time.

2. Stop the music or say “Stop!” Kids should each stand next to a chair. They should write on a sticky note a few words of encouragement for the person whose name is on the chair.

3. After a minute or two, kids may begin moving around the circle again. Guide them to stop several times to write encouraging notes to their friends.

SAY • I hope you are all encouraged this morning. In his suffering, Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good.

God had a plan to bring about our ultimate good. By sending His Son, Jesus, to suffer and die on the cross for our sin, God made the way for us to have eternal life.

OPTION 2: Whirlwind in a bottleSAY • How did God speak to Job in our Bible story

today? (through a whirlwind) A whirlwind is a small windstorm of rapidly rotating air.

Invite kids to help you make a whirlwind in a bottle. If your group is large, you may choose to provide additional supplies to build multiple whirlwinds.

Option: Review the gospel with boys and girls. Explain that kids are welcome to speak with you or another teacher if they have questions.

• 2 empty two-liter plastic bottles

• water• duct tape• dish soap (optional)• food color (optional)



© 2016 LifeWay

1. Fill one bottle 3⁄4 full of water. If desired, add three drops of dish soap and a couple drops of food color to make the whirlwind more visible.

2. Line up the spouts of both bottles and tape them together securely.

3. Turn over the bottles so the one with water is on top. Swirl the bottles quickly in a circular motion.

Allow kids to take turns swirling the bottle. Kids may need to make a few attempts to get the motion right.SAY • When God spoke to Job, Job learned that God is

all-powerful, sovereign, and good. Even though he didn’t completely understand his suffering, he knew he could trust God.

Journal and prayer (5 minutes)

Distribute pencils and journal pages. Encourage kids to write a letter to themselves that they can read when they are suffering. Kids should write things they know to be true about God. Then lead kids in prayer. Pray that kids will trust that God is who He says He is. Ask the Lord for power to believe the truth no matter what.

If time remains, allow kids to complete “God Is … ” on the activity page. Challenge kids to unscramble the key words from the Bible story main point and then match each word with its definition.

• all-powerful—having complete, unlimited power or authority. God can do all things.

• sovereign—having the highest power or authority. God is above all things and in control of all things.

• good—right, kind, loyal; the opposite of bad. God always does what is right, for His glory.

• pencils• Journal Page• “God Is … ” activity

page, 1 per kid

Tip: Give parents this week’s Big Picture Cards for Families to allow families to interact with the biblical content at home.



© 2016 LifeWay

© 2016 LifeWay • OK to Print Unit 12 • Kids Journal Page

Wisdom LiteratureKey Passage: Psalm 100:5

Big Picture Question: Why can we trust God? Everything God does is for His glory and our good.

Session 1: Solomon Thought About Life Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Life has purpose only with God.

Session 2: Job Job 1–42 Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good.

Session 3: Praises of God’s People Psalms 1; 100; 110 People wrote songs to praise God because of who He is.

Key Passage (HCSB®) • Kids • Unit 12 • © 2016 LifeWay OK to Print

Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures

through all generations.Psalm 100:5

Key Passage (KJV) • Kids • Unit 12 • © 2016 LifeWay OK to Print

The LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;

and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:5

Key Passage (ESV) • Kids • Unit 12 • © 2016 LifeWay OK to Print

The LORD is good; his steadfast love

endures forever, and his faithfulness to all

generations.Psalm 100:5

Key Passage (NIV) • Kids • Unit 12 • © 2016 LifeWay OK to Print

The LORD is good and his love endures

forever; his faithfulness continues through all

generations.Psalm 100:5

Main Point • Kids • Unit 12, Session 2 • © 2016 LifeWay OK to Print

Job learned that God is

all-powerful, sovereign, and

good.

Job (Job 1–42) • Unit 12, Session 2 • © 2016 LifeWay OK to Print

FO

LD

JobJob 1–42

MAIN POINT: JOB LEARNED THAT GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL,SOVEREIGN, AND GOOD.

Job was a wealthy man who loved God and wanted to follow God’s plan. One day, Satan came before God.

“Job only follows You because You protect him and bless him,” Satan said. “If You take away everything Job has, he will not follow You anymore.”

So God gave Satan permission to take away everything Job had, but Satan was not allowed to hurt Job. Satan sent men to steal Job’s animals. He caused Job’s children to die. In one day, Job lost all of his wealth and his children. But Job continued to follow God.

Satan came to God again. He said, “If Job gets sick, he will not praise You anymore.” So God gave Satan permission to make Job sick, but God did not let Satan kill Job. Job became ill with sores all over his skin.

Three of Job’s friends came to visit Job. Job’s friends did not comfort Job. They said, “Job, you must obey God. If you do what is right and stop sinning, God will give you back everything you lost.”

“I haven’t done anything wrong,” Job said.Finally, a man named Elihu came to speak to Job. “God is greater than man,”

Elihu explained. “God always does what is right.”Then God spoke to Job through a whirlwind. God helped Job understand that

God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good. Job could not completely understand God’s plans, but he could trust God. God is in control. Job was sorry for doubting God.

God gave back to Job everything he had lost—and much more!

Christ Connection: Job suffered and wanted a mediator—someone to bring him to God. This reminds us of Jesus, who suffered even though He had never sinned. Jesus is our Mediator. He suffered to pay the price for our sins and put an end to suffering on earth. Jesus brings us to God when we trust in Him.

Write a letter to yourself that you can read when you are suffering. Write things you know to be true about God.

FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS

• Who is always in control, even in hard times?

• How can we know that God is good?

• How do you think Job felt after God spoke with him?

23© 2016 LifeWay

U S E A L Y S H E G

Z A G T U K U T D O

B T F S F S F R A O

B A W U R G F A E D

O N H R E W E E L E

J H I T W L R E I C

L T R K O O I A H H

X L L H P R N G U I

O A W T S T G L B L

G E I I N N M E C D

S W N A J O W S K R

R H D F Y C T C K E

A S O V E R E I G N

T C U R S E F T X R

S C D O U B T U Q I

God Is ...Unscramble the key words from the Bible story main point.Then match each word with its definition.

The Story of JobFind and circle the following words.

having complete, unlimited power or authority. God can do all things.

having the highest power or authority. God is above all things and

in control of all things.

right, kind, loyal; the opposite of bad. God always does what is right, for

His glory.

24© 2016 LifeWay

Big Picture Question and Answer • Kids • Unit 12 • © 2016 LifeWay OK to Print

Why can we trust God?

Big Picture Question and Answer • Kids • Unit 12 • © 2016 LifeWay OK to Print

Why can we trust God?

Everything God does is for His glory and our

good.

Documents

Leader BIBLE STUDY - Amazon S3 · Job’s friends did not comfort Job. They said, “Job, you must obey God. If you do what is right and stop sinning, God will give you back everything