After a series tensions, Joseph is overcome by emotion and reveals himself to his brothers. Joseph and his brothers experience a reconciliation of relationship with one another and their father. How might our suffering lead into life, healing and reconciliation?
Text: Genesis 45:1-46:34
Sermon Outline
He said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!” (Genesis 45:4)
The Story in Summary
- Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers (45:1-15)
- The brothers return to Jacob with good news (45:16-28)
- Jacob’s journey and a vision of God (46:1-27)
- Joseph reunited with his father, Jacob (46:28-34)
Reconciliation Begins: Joseph and His Brothers (45:1-15)
- Trust: The brother’s transformation confirmed
- Vulnerability: Joseph reveals his identity
- Proximity: Joseph draws his brothers closer
- Darkness: Joseph names the suffering he has endured
- Faith: Joseph affirms God’s sovereign ways
- Reaching out: Joseph re-opens relationship with his brothers
- Reaching back: The brothers weep and embrace one another
- Begin again: Relationship takes the first trembling steps
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you experienced a restoration of relationship with someone in your life. What helped that to happen?
- We continue our series “The Life of Joseph: God’s Sovereignty in Our Suffering” by looking at Genesis 45-46. Ask God to speak to you through His Word, and then read chapter 45:1-15 aloud.
- After Judah’s words in chapter 44, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. How would you summarize Joseph’s perspective on the wrongs he has endured in verses 4-7?
- In verses 8-15 Joseph asks his brothers to go home and return with their father, Jacob, to live in Egypt. What does this tell you about Joseph’s plans all along?
- Do you think Joseph has forgiven his brothers? Why or why not?
- Now read 45:16-28. What do Pharaoh and Joseph provide for and promise to the brothers?
- How does their father Jacob respond to the news?
- Next read chapter 45:1-27 aloud. As they are traveling from Hebron area to Egypt, Jacob has a vision of God at Beersheba. What is the message of that vision? [You may want to explore the significance of Beersheba for Abraham (Genesis 21:32-33) and Isaac (26:23-25), as well as the promises made to Jacob’s ancestors (12:1-3; 15:1-5, 12; 17:1-2; 26:24).]
- The naming of the children of Jacob/Israel has significance first of all because of the great number coming to Egypt. Second, it shows us that God is already fulfilling the promises he made to Abraham and Isaac.
- Now read 46:28-34. How would you summarize the reuniting of Joseph and Jacob in this passage?
- Jacob’s long prayers for relief from his relational grief are now answered. What prayers for relational reconciliation have you been lifting to God? How might you continue to pray with faith about these relationships?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are on your own, write it down and pray about it. If you are in a small group, take time to discuss this with one another before praying together.
DIG DEEPER
- Is there anyone you need to forgive? Take time to pray and/or journal about that relationship. Let God lead you into deeper forgiveness toward others.
- Gain broader background on the promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by viewing the video from the Bible Project on the second part of Genesis, which includes the life of Joseph.