GOD WALKS WITH US THROUGH THE HARDEST THINGS IN LIFE. (Genesis 42:1-28)
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SERMON NOTES:
Faithful Savior
Genesis 42:1-28
God walks with us through the hardest things of life.
Jacob struggled with fear and grief. (1-4)
Joseph wrestled with anger, mistrust and then… compassion. (5-20)
The brothers are overwhelmed with regret and fear. (21-28)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson – Genesis 42:1-28
1. Read verses 1-5. What was happening in Canaan, and what did Jacob want his sons to do? What was going on with Joseph back in Egypt, and how old was Joseph at this point (Genesis 37:2; 41:46, 53-57)? How many years had it been since Jacob and his sons had seen Joseph?
2. Read verses 6-17. How did Joseph treat his brothers when they came before him in Egypt? Why do you think Joseph demanded they bring Benjamin to Egypt and then throw them in jail for three days? What were the dreams talked about in verse 9 (see Genesis 37:5-11), and how were these dreams coming true? What do you think was going through Joseph’s mind as he remembered theses dreams?
3. Read verses 18-26. What do you think Joseph meant when he said, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God.”? What does this show us about Joseph’s character and faith? Why do you think the brothers were wrestling with guilt so many years after selling their brother into slavery? Why did Joseph weep? Would you have wept or been emotional? Why or why not?
4. Read verses 27-28. What did the brothers discover on the way home? How did they respond, and why did they respond this way? Do you believe this was something God had done to them? Why or why not?
5. So what. What emotions do you believe Joseph was wrestling with as he came face-to-face with his brothers after so many years? What does God call us to do with people who have wronged us (see Romans 12:19-21)? Why is this so hard to do, and how can we pull this off? What emotions were the brothers experiencing as they came before Joseph? As Christians, what can we do with similar feelings (see Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9)? It is important that we deal with sin that is committed against us and sin we have committed. Are there any wrongs committed against you that you need to deal with according to Romans 12:19-21? Do you have any regrets that you need to bring under the reality of Romans 8:1 and 1 John 1:9?