God-sized problems require God-sized hands. (Genesis 43:15-44:13)
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
SERMON NOTES:
God-sized Problems
Genesis 43:15-44:13
God-sized problems require God-sized hands.
The men try to fix the God-sized problem their own way. (15-25)
Joseph makes them believe they fixed their problem. (26-43)
Joseph shows them it required God-sized hands all along. (44-44:13)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson - Genesis 43:15-44:13
1. Read 43:15-25. This is the brothers’ second journey to Egypt. Why does the narrator call them “the men” and not Joseph’s brothers? What might “the men” have been thinking when they were invited to a royal lunch instead of being accused of spies like last time (v. 18)? Notice the Steward’s response in verse 23. What major themes of this story does this verse touch on (Providence, God’s provision)? What steps have the men taken to try and minimize their risk so far? Have you ever struggled to trust someone in authority over you?
2. Read 43:26-44:2. Notice each time the men “bow” to Joseph. Why is this significant? Why does the narrator change the description of “the men” to “his brother…” and “his mother’s son” in verse 29? Note Joseph’s blessing to only Benjamin. Also note Benjamin’s portion of food. What does this remind you of at the beginning of the story of Joseph? What do you think Joseph is trying to investigate with all these mind games and bizarre actions? How can Christians play unloving mind games with those who have sinned against us? How are we as Christians supposed to engage with those who have sinned against us (Matt. 18:15-35)?
3. Read 44:3-13. This has been Joseph’s plan all along. He has been trying to orchestrate a situation in which the brothers have another opportunity to betray and abandon a favored brother. The steward overtakes them and searches their bag in dramatic fashion. How is this search similar and different to Laban’s search for Rachel’s stolen object (Gen. 31:25-35)? The men tore their clothes just like Israel did when he found out Joseph was dead. They also all voluntarily travel back to Egypt with Benjamin. What does this tell us about the brothers? Have you ever been falsely accused of something? What does it look like to walk by faith during a time like that (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-25)?