God Is - We Are

Genesis 50:15-24

Connecting Questions

When you have an extended family get together--like Thanksgiving or Christmas--what are the things you enjoy about it? What are the family dynamics that might make you nervous?
Has anyone ever done something to you that you felt was unforgivable?

Context

This week concludes our series God Is, We Are by looking at the final scene in Joseph’s story. Last week we learned that Joseph, the dreamer, was sold into slavery by his brothers, and falsely accused and put in prison by his slave master. His father, Jacob, thought Joseph was dead. Since last week, Joseph correctly interpreted the Pharaoh’s dreams. Joseph told Pharoah that there would be seven years of prosperity followed by seven years of famine. Joseph offered a plan to save Egypt from the famine. Pharoah exalted Joseph to second in command so that Joseph could implement his plan.

Joseph’s brothers were forced to go to Egypt to ask for food because of the severe famine. At first they didn’t recognize Joseph when they bowed down and asked him for help. They didn’t realize that Joseph’s initial dreams back in Canaan were being fulfilled in that moment. Joseph had every opportunity to use his power to seek vengeance on his brothers and punish them. Notice what he does instead.

Look at the Book

The text for this week is Genesis 50:15-24. Note: If you have time, read (or at least skim) chapters 40-50. You’ll notice that Joseph, his brothers, and his father have a lot of interactions in those ten chapters.
What are Joseph’s brothers worried about (verse 15)? Why?
What tactic do the brothers use to assuage Joseph’s anger?
How does Joseph react in verse 17? What do you think Joseph might have been feeling in this moment?
Note: In verse 18 the brothers say “we are here as your slaves.” Given the fact that Joseph had enslaved the entire country during the famine, this might be literally true (see Genesis 47:19).
What do you think Joseph meant when he said, “Am I in the place of God?” in verse 19?
The brothers demand that Joseph forgive them. Read the passage carefully. Did Joseph forgive his brothers, or not?
Read verse 20 out loud. How might you restate that verse in your own words?

Taking it Home

This is a powerful story of family, betrayal, suffering, endurance, faithfulness, trust, and perspective. What part of this story speaks most loudly or clearly for you right now?
What relationships are broken in your life right now that God is nudging you to tend?
In light of this story, fill in the blanks: God is _______, We are _________.

Grow Guide | November 21