Joseph’s story ends in Genesis 47-50 with his family together, his relationships restored, and the hope of a future for himself and God’s people. Our stories are stories of blessing for us and for others, but find their deepest meaning in the story of God’s blessing intended for all the peoples of earth.
Sermon Outline
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Joseph’s words to his brothers, Genesis 50:20)
Joseph Rescues His Family and Settles them in Goshen (Genesis 47:1-12)
- Meeting #1 – Pharaoh and his 11 brothers
- Meeting #2 – Pharaoh and his father Jacob
- FINISHING WELL MEANS BLESSING THOSE WHO ARE POWERFUL OVER YOU
Joseph Rescues the Egyptian People from Starvation (Genesis 47:13-26)
- FINISHING WELL MEANS BLESSING THOSE WHO ARE POWERLESS UNDER YOU
Jacob Blesses his Family and Points them to God’s Rescue (Genesis 47:27-49:33)
- Blesses his grandsons
- Prophesies over all 12 sons
- Gives burial instructions
- FINISHING WELL MEANS EMPOWERING THOSE WHO COME AFTER YOU
- FINISHING WELL MEANS TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Joseph Blesses his Family and Points them to God’s Rescue (Genesis 50:1-26)
- Reconciles decisively with his brothers
- Charges his family to bury his bones in Canaan
- FINISHING WELL MEANS RECONCILING WHEN POSSIBLE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- God first started revealing his blessing and rescue plan for humanity to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Read John 3:16 and discuss how this familiar verse demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s blessing and rescue plan.
- Jacob gave an extra stretch of land to Joseph in 48:22. Was this more evidence of favoritism? What other reason might Jacob have had to give Joseph extra property in Canaan?
- In chapter 49, which two of Jacob’s sons had the longest blessings (or oracles) said for them?
- Joseph was Jacob’s favorite, but Judah was God’s choice as the father of the tribe from which our Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come. What animal does Jacob say Judah and his descendants are like?
- In 50:10-11, three people groups honor Jacob at once. Who are they and how might this foreshadow Revelation 7:9-11?
- Thinking of “finishing well”, how does Judah’s speech in 44:18-34 show his maturity and repentance from sin? See also 37:26-38:30.
- Do you have any charges you need to give to relatives or close friends?
- We heard about 5 ways to finish well today. Which of these do you think would be the most difficult for you to do?
- How is Joseph’s reaction to his brothers in 50:19-21 a foreshadowing of Jesus’ heart toward repentant sinners? Give an example from one of the gospels or even from your own life.
DIG DEEPER
- Subscribe to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes free daily online devotional called FCA Daily Impact Play at fca@fcaenews.ccsend.com. It is filled with helpful Scriptural insights into running the race for Jesus Christ and finishing well derived from the world of athletics.
- Read J.I. Packer’s brief but powerful book Finishing Our Course With Joy: Guidance from God for Engaging with Our Aging, which he wrote in 2014 at the age of 87.