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Lesson 44

A Welfare State, Really?

Genesis 47:13-27

In my opinion the election of 2012 was not between Democrats and Republicans.  It was not even between Liberals and Conservatives.  The election was won by what many call the takers of society.  When we come down to what truly defines the secular world there are basically two groups of people.  They are those who produce or make and the other group are those who take.  When I refer to the makers it is not just the rich but everyone who works hard and pays their way in this world.  There are those who want to take from the makers without having to work for what they get.  One form of this taking is expecting the so called rich to pay more in taxes so that the takers can continue to receive from all the entitlement programs available through the government.  For the life of me I do not know what happened to the work ethic that built this country into what it has been in the past. 

If we are not careful we can develop this same kind of consumer attitude in the church.  When we hear statistics that say that eighty percent of the serving is done by twenty percent of the people this is bordering on the maker taker mentality.  This mindset is one of the primary reasons that there is no commitment to a particular body of Christ.  People are always looking for the best deal in town, the church that has the best programs to meet my own personal needs.  The lesson today says that way of thinking is just not acceptable.  We are called to serve and spend our lives for Christ not always being the one standing there with our hands out.

Genesis 47:13-14

As Joseph prophesied the famine continued to be very severe in the all the land.  Outside of what he had collected there was no food available anywhere. There could have been a number of reasons for the famine to go on.  One might have been to make sure that the family of Jacob remained in Egypt.  If the famine had ended quickly they may have wanted to return back to Canaan.  God was going to grow His people into a great nation and it was going to happen in Egypt. 

One might say that under those circumstances it was the government’s responsibility to provide for the people after all had not what was in the storehouses been exacted from them.  The Scripture paints a completely different picture.  The people were required to pay for the grain they needed to live. They did this until all of the money was gone.  By selling it, Joseph could make sure there was enough to last for the duration of the famine.  Since funds were limited he could be assured that the people would buy what they needed and no more. 

1. Why did the famine continue?
2. Since Jacob’s family was now safe under the protection of Joseph why did God not just end the famine?
3. Why did Joseph sell the grain and not just give it to them?
4. How does this episode speak to the way our government handles things today?
5. What would our nation look like if we followed Joseph’s example?

Genesis 47:15-17

The money was gone and the famine continued.  All the people came to Joseph looking for assistance.  His answer to them was you still have the means to purchase grain.  They were to use the livestock as payment for food.  Without grain the animals would have been of no benefit to them anyway.  When they brought their horses, flocks, livestock and even the donkeys they were provided food for that year.

1. Why did Joseph continue to require the people to pay for the food they received?
2. What good were the animals to them at that point?
3. Why did they agree so quickly?
4. In what ways does this compare to what God requires of us to receive the “Bread of Life?”

Genesis 47:18-19

By the end of the year the Egyptians had exhausted all of their material resources.  All of the animals now belonged to the king.  The famine still persisted and the people still needed to eat.  The only possessions they had left was the land and their own bodies.  Rather than expecting to receive the grain for free the Egyptians approached Joseph with a proposal.  They were willing to sell the land to him and to become slaves to Pharaoh in order to get seed to plant and make the land productive again.

1. What did the Egyptians have left with which they could bargain for food?
2. Why did they not expect to receive the grain for free?
3. What does their request show us about their work ethic?
4. What can we learn from the approach they took?

Genesis 47:20-21

Joseph listened to the people and bought their land.  All of the land then belonged to Pharaoh.  He did one other thing.  He relocated the people from the far corners of Egypt into the cities.  This was a good decision that would make the food distribution more centralized and easier to manage.  By this time some of the outlying areas may also have begun to run out of food supplies.

1. What was Joseph’s decision concerning the land?
2. Why did he do it?
3. Why did he relocate the people from the outlying areas into the cities?
4. Why was it a good decision to do so?

Genesis 47:22

There was one group that did not have to sell the land.  The priests were under the protection of Pharaoh who provided them with an allotment.  They were able to live off of the allotment. 

1. Why would the Pharaoh provide for the priests?
2. What were they allowed to do when others sold their property?
3. What do you think of that situation?
4. In what ways do churches benefit in our society that is akin to what took place?
5. Why did this country put in the first amendment to the Constitution?

Genesis 47:23-24

In exchange for the land Joseph gave the people seed to plant.  There would however be a twenty percent tax on the harvest that would be given to Pharaoh.  The people did not see the tax as a burden.  Instead they understood that Joseph by his actions had saved their lives. To be alive and able to produce their own food was a privilege they did not take for granted.  They were more than willing at that point to be slaves under Pharaoh. With a man of Joseph’s character as a leader in Egypt they could expect to be treated fairly by the government. The tax was put in as a law in the land which was still in effect when Moses wrote the book of Genesis over four hundred years later.  As part of the statute the priest continued to be exempt from the tax.

1. What does the fact that Joseph gave the people seed tell us about the famine?
2. Why did they not see the twenty percent tax as burdensome?
3. How did they view Joseph?
4. Why were they willing to become slaves of the Pharaoh?
5. Why did Joseph make a statute concerning the tax?

 

• Pray for the Lord will give you a clean slate to begin the new year.
• Search your heart to see if you have been a taker or a maker this past year.
• Begin to look for ways that you may serve Jesus Christ in and outside His church.
• Find out how God has equipped you for service and begin using the gift.
• Be doers and not just hearers during the coming year.

If you need help in discovering where you may serve let the elders know and you will be put in contact with leaders of a particular ministry.  Let this be the year when the eighty twenty rule is changed.

We have an opportunity today to change the climate of the church.  For too long we have been like the society around us and been takers or consumers of church programs. This trend needs to stop if there is to be a future for the church.  The taker says give me programs and meet all of my needs. The makers say let me know how I can minister to others and share Christ wherever I find myself.  The lesson today showed us that Joseph would not permit a welfare state to exist under his watch.  Under our watch we should want to do even more because we serve a risen Lord.  He set the example for all us when he said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.” The question that we need to answer is, are we to do less.  This new year can provide the answer to that question for each of us.  It will take a cooperative effort to make it happen, but that is why Jesus established His church.

Additional notes:

If God had not intervened Jacob on his own would have never decided to relocate his family to Egypt even during a time of famine in the land.  He knew what a catastrophe the journeys of Abraham and Isaac into Egypt had been and was not about to make the same mistake.  God had promised the land to Abraham and there Jacob planned to stay. (Gen 47-49)

BL-In chapter 47, vv.1-7, Joseph chooses five of his brothers to appear before Pharoah with his father.  Pharoah graciously receives Jacob’s family and gives them the rich land of Goshen, a large, fertile valley east of the Nile, to use while they sojourn in his land.  Then Pharoah gets a surprise–instead of him, the rich and powerful ruler, blessing Jacob, he receives Jacob’s blessing!  As Pharoah’s elder, a messenger from the one true God, and the patriarch of his OWN nation, Jacob is entitled to pass a blessing down to Pharoah!  We, too, are royalty–Romans 8:17 calls us “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ”–and we are to be a blessing to the unsaved around us.  Have you and I been conducting ourselves as children of the King this week?  How can we spread the “fragrance of the knowledge of Him” to the world today (see 2 Cor. 2:14)?

UE-Coming face to face with the most powerful man of his day did not keep Jacob from blessing the Pharaoh. (Gen. 47:7, 10)

GC-We are admonished to give thanks in all things. (1 Thess. 5:18)  Because of his relationship with his Father Jacob was able to accept everything that had happened in his life.  He had experienced many times of mental anguish and disappointment.  His had not been an easy life, therefore when he came before the Pharaoh he confessed that his 130 years had been difficult.  When we consider the final 17 years that God gave him things changed, because he now had his entire family around him including Joseph, who provided for his father’s every need. (Gen. 47:9)

UE-Jacob confessed to Pharaoh, a pagan king, the life that he had led for most of his 130 years had for the most part had been unhappy. (Gen. 47:9)

WM-For all of his striving after success, Jacob had experienced the peace and joy that comes from a close relationship with God.  Jacob started out looking at life in such a positive only to have his experiences to turn him into a pessimist late in life.

(Gen. 47:9) RT-There was a distinct difference between Jacob and the Egyptians.  He had all the wealth he would ever need and had lost nothing materially during the famine, yet he was an unhappy man. In comparison the Egyptians had lost everything and were thankful to be alive and once again productive. (Gen. 47:9, 25)

C-The people spent all of their money for food.  They then turned over the livestock to Joseph to purchase food.  Finally they sold all of their land in order to survive.  At that point many of the people were moved into the cities. (Gen. 47:14-21)

C-Even the people became the property of Pharaoh. (Gen. 47:23)

C-Joseph set up a tax system whereby the people give 20% of the annual harvest to Pharaoh. (Gen. 47:24, 26)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 43

Jacob in Egypt

Genesis 46 – 47:1-12

Of all the trips I have ever made, the three to Russia stand out as some of the most memorable. There was a great deal of prayer and preparation that went into the trip. Because the opportunity had come for me to travel I believed Kazan was where God wanted me to interact with the Russian people. There was a sense it was the place I was supposed to be at that particular time.  I have been told that anytime that one travels overseas there are times when one’s emotions take them into a valley.  For some reason I only felt that the time I had to spend was too short. If I had had my wife with me, whom I missed so much, I could have happily stayed for a longer period of time. There was so much to do and so little time.  All I had to do was look around and see godlessness and sadness in the lives of the people.  I wanted everyone I met to know Jesus.  One of the things that hindered any type of overt sharing of the gospel was being in a part of Russia that was predominately Muslim. Also, the Russian Orthodox Church did not like other denominations encroaching on its domain.

There is truly a journey for the church.  The way taken leads us to helping people to come to know Jesus.   The path of life continues on as we are then to help others grow in knowledge, wisdom and practice of the gospel.  All too often we refuse to follow God’s direction.  This happens when we begin with our own agenda for making the church successful.  God in Proverbs tells us that without a clear vision the people are left with no sense of direction.  For years now the emphasis has been on getting people in the door and providing programs to hopefully keep them coming.  The problem is programs do not help people grow.  Church leaders are now realizing that a new direction that has been there all the time needs to be taken.  It is the journey of the gospel.  Only the gospel can change lives.

Genesis 46:1-4

Although called Israel by Moses, it was Jacob who started off without seeking God’s blessings on his journey.  Only after arriving at Beersheba did he offer sacrifices to God.  It was at that point that God one again spoke to him in a vision.  He called him Jacob, not Israel.  Notice He  used the name Jacob twice, which would emphasize that he had drifted away from the relationship following his time at Bethel.

When Jacob responded indicating he was ready to hear what God had to said, then God spoke. After identifying Himself he told Jacob five specific things.  They were;

• He need not be afraid to go to Egypt.
• His family would become a great nation there.
• He would be with him the whole way.
• His family would surely return to the Promised Land.
• Joseph would also be with him until he died.

Each of these would require God’s working in the life of Jacob’s descendents. None of these could be done by man alone.  Unlike Abraham and Isaac who went to Egypt in disobedience to God with disastrous consequences, God was giving Jacob permission to go and would bless the time of his families sojourn there.

1. Why did Moses use the term Israel in speaking of Jacob?
2. How did his actions show that he was the same old Jacob?
3. Why did he not offer prayer and sacrifices before starting out to Egypt?
4. Why did God call him Jacob?
5. Why were the promises so important to Jacob?
6. What did they indicate about what God planned for His people?

Genesis 46:5-7

Upon receiving the blessing of God, Jacob left Beersheba and proceeded on his way to his new home in Egypt.  The Scripture spells out what he carried with him.  It indicates that he left no one and nothing behind.  The wagons provided by Pharaoh were used to transport his family.  His whole family was brought with him into Egypt.

1. Why did Jacob wait before proceeding down into Egypt?
2. From the description of Jacob’s preparation what does it indicate about his intentions?
3. What did the trip mean for Jacob?

Genesis 46:8-27

Moses goes on to list the names of the eleven sons and their children. Remember the twelve sons would become the patriarchs of the nation of Israel.  They were the foundation upon which a great nation would be built.

He went into a little more detail with Judah not only naming Shelah, Perez, Zerah but also the sons Er and Onan who had died because of their wickedness.  Moses even goes so far as to give the names of Perez’s sons, Hezron and Hamul. There are only woman named among those who traveled to Egypt. It was Dinah, Leah’s daughter. The other was Joseph’s wife Asenath. Out of all the sons, Benjamin had the most children numbering ten.

Excluding the wives of the brothers sixty-six family members arrived in Egypt.  Of course Joseph and his family were already in the land. The total number of people descended from Jacob who would be living in a foreign land was seventy.  Upon returning to the promise land the brothers would be the founding father of each tribe and the multiple families within them that would inhabit the new land.

1. Why was it important to name all of the sons of Jacob and their sons?
2.  Why did Moses go into more detail in regards to Judah, naming not only his sons including Er and Onan, but also his grandsons, Hezron and Hamul?
3. Why was Dinah the only woman named?

Genesis 46:28

It was Judah that Jacob chose to lead the way to Joseph. He also pointed out Goshen to his father. The family did not go directly to Joseph but went into the land of Goshen. It was the Egyptian territory closes to Canaan and was ideal for the plan God had for His children four hundred thirty years later.

1. Why did Jacob choose Judah to lead the family into Egypt?
2. Why did they stop in Goshen?
3. Why did they not continue on to the place where Joseph was?
4. Why was Goshen so strategic in God’s plan for Jacob’s family?

Genesis 46:29-30

Hearing that his family had arrived in Goshen, he went out to meet his father.  Immediately upon coming to him, Joseph embraced Jacob and wept “for a long time.”  Israel responded that he could die in peace having seen his son alive and well.

1. What was Joseph’s reaction upon seeing his father?
2. What event in your life may have brought such overwhelming joy?
3. What do you think of Jacob’s response?
4. Why would he be content to die at that point?
5. How do you think you may have reacted differently?

Genesis 46:31-32

Joseph planned to go into Pharaoh to let him know that the family had arrived.  He told them that he was going to explain that they were and had always been shepherds and keepers of livestock. Pharaoh was also going to be told that they had brought all of the animals with them.  They were then given instructions of what they were to say to Pharaoh when he began to question the brothers about their occupation.  Joseph told them to repeat what he himself had said to the king.  This was to be done so Pharaoh would allow them to live in the land of Goshen. Joseph then shared that it would work to their advantage to live away from the other Egyptians because they loathed shepherds.

1. Why did Joseph see the need to go into Pharaoh and tell him that the family had arrived?
2. Why did he tell his brothers ahead of time what he planned to do?
3. What were the important specifics that they were to remember?
4. Why was it important that they live in Goshen?
5. What was Joseph trying to do by emphasizing the fact of their occupation?
6. What kind of people do we exclude from our own lives?
7. How did Joseph use the prejudices of the Egyptians?

Genesis 47:1-4

Joseph went into Pharaoh and repeated the things that he had told his father and brothers.  He shared that they were in the land of Goshen.  Initially he did say anything about where they might live. He wanted the Pharaoh’s permission before settling them into that land.  He took with him five of his brothers to introduce them to the king.  As Joseph had said the first question Pharaoh asked them had to do with their occupation.  The brothers responded as they had been instructed by Joseph. They went on to explain that they were there because the famine had destroyed the vegetation in the land that they depended on as food for the animals. Although Joseph had not told them to do so, they asked to live in Goshen.

1. Why did he take his brothers with him to see Pharaoh?
2. In what way did their conversation resemble the way we greet people today?
3. What reason did they give for being in Egypt?
4. Why was it important for them to emphasize their profession?

Genesis 47:5-6

Pharaoh seemed to restate a fact that was obvious.  His father and brothers had come to Egypt.  Possibly he said it as a lead in to his next words.  Once again he offered the best of the land to them.  He then gave them the possibility for gainful employment.  Since they were experts in the field of animal husbandry, he wanted some of them to take care of his livestock.

1. Why did Pharaoh state the obvious?
2. What were the two things he offered them?
3. Why was it important for the men to be given the opportunity to care for Pharaoh’s livestock?

Genesis 47:7

The second person to have an audience with Pharaoh was Jacob.  Before any conversation began, Jacob blessed the king.  This was would have been quite unusual for a common man to bless one of higher station. The book of Hebrews says, “But without dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.” (Hebrews 7:7)  Pharaoh had power, position and prestige but did not have the one thing of any value.  It was the relationship that Jacob had because of the covenant given to Abraham.

1. Why did Joseph wait before presenting his father to Pharaoh?
2. Why would Jacob be the one to bless Pharaoh?
3. What did Pharaoh have to offer him?
4. How do we interpret the narrative in Hebrews 7:7 in light of this event?  
5. What might have been Pharaoh’s reaction to this incident?
6. In what ways are we a position to bless others?

Genesis 47:8-9

It would have been redundant to ask Jacob about his occupation. As was obvious to all, Jacob was an old man.  Pharaoh thus asked him his age.  Men of many years were respected and venerated by those younger than them.  Jacob responded by giving not only his age of one hundred thirty, but also what kind of life he had lived.  To him life had been short and difficult.  He had not found happiness in life, primarily because of the decisions he had made and the treatment at the hands of others.  Jacob missed an opportunity to witness to a pagan what God had done in his life.  Rather than glorifying God he acted like Jacob and wallowed in self-pity.

1. Why did the Pharaoh refrain from asking about Jacob’s occupation?
2. Why was the question of his age more appropriate?
3. How was old age regarded in those days?
4. What opportunity did Jacob miss?
5. Why would he recount the misery of his life before a stranger?
6. What could be gained by his remarks?

Genesis 47:10

For a second time Jacob blessed the Pharaoh.  After his remarks it would almost seem hollow.  The only thing he could have done was indicate he hoped that Pharaoh continued success. 

1. Why did Jacob bless again?
2. What meaning could such words possibly hold after his remarks about his own life?
3. What might the blessing entail?
4. In what way might it have been self-serving?

Genesis 47:11-12

True to his word and the promise of Pharaoh, Joseph settled them in the best of the land.  They were to live in Rameses.  At the beginning of their stay he provided for his whole family because the famine was still going on.

1. How did Joseph follow through on his promise?
2. Where did the family settle?
3. What was the second part of Joseph’s promise?
4. How did he provide for his family?

 

• Prepare for the New Year by praying that God will continue with you on the new journey.
• Pray that God will help you get rid of any baggage that is weighing you down. (See Hebrews 12:1-2)
• Plan to spend more time in God’s word and meditation as you move into a new year.
• Seek out ways that you can effectively serve Him.

Each year provides us with new opportunities to serve. While we can truly thankful for all He has done in the past year we cannot remain there.  He is calling us to continue to reach out into a world that is dark and foreboding that needs the light of Jesus to shine brightly.  The events of the last year show us the importance of our witness in the world.  Let our conduct be such that our blessings will have meaning and our words will carry the power of the good news to everyone come in our sphere of influence.  It is a new day.  Father help each of us to make the most of each and every one.

Additional Notes:

BL-In chapter 46, a stunned Jacob heads to Egypt to meet the son he thought was dead.  On the way, he offers sacrifices to God and receives confirmation that this is indeed God’s plan for him. The Lord tells him in vv. 3-4, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.  I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.” (Jacob never saw Canaan again; but God was with him and his descendants in Egypt, and when Jacob died, Joseph took his body back to Canaan for burial in Genesis 50:5-13).  Verses 26-27 tell us that sixty-six of Jacob’s direct descendants, not counting Canaanite wives, went to Egypt with him, making the total living in Egypt 70 people (including Jacob, Joseph, and Joseph’s two sons).  Contrast this to the number of Jacob’s descendants tallied at Sinai one year after the Exodus from Egypt (Numbers 1:46)–a count of just the Israelite men came to 603, 550!  God really DID keep His promise to make Jacob into a great nation!  In verse 28, Jacob sends Judah ahead to get directions (here’s Biblical proof–some men DO ask for directions!), demonstrating Judah’s newfound position of leadership in the family; and in vv.29-30, we see the touching reunion of Joseph and Jacob after 22 years apart from each other.

 WM-As Jacob was beginning his journey to see Joseph, God spoke to him.  If silence of the Scriptures means anything, God had not spoken to Jacob for a long time.  We have to take notice that God used the name Jacob when calling to him. By reverting back to his old name when He called to Jacob would seem to indicate that he had not lived up to the name of one who had striven with “God and men and had prevailed.”  The many circumstances he had face in the ensuing years had sapped his resolve and energy.      (Gen. 46:2)

WM-Jacob did not inquire of God if he should proceed to go into Egypt.  He allowed the desire to see his son determine his actions.  God called out to him to let him know that it was in His plans for him to go into Egypt which of course had been in the works since the time of Abraham. (Gen. 46:1-3)

C-Jacob moves to Egypt with the full assurance that God is with him. (Gen. 46:1-7)

RT-Jacob’s move to Egypt was truly an act of faith.  Beyond seeing Joseph he did not know what lay ahead for him and his family.  He was leaving Canaan where up to now he had been able to be sustained by the land. Left behind would be all with which he was familiar and going into a land that was still ravished by the famine.  He was going based on the words of his sons that Joseph was alive.  God did speak to him as he prepared to go and gave approval for the trip. (Gen. 46:1-4)

E-God appeared to Jacob and assured him that he would become a great nation down in Egypt.  He also told Jacob that He would go with him into Egypt.  After spending time in Egypt His descendents would return to Canaan and possess the land. (Gen. 46:2-4)

C-Jacob had never expected to see Joseph again.  Now 22 years later he had his son back again.  Joseph was a man of power and authority and not the teenager who once was the messenger for his father.  He was just a boy when he disappeared out Jacob’s life.  For the first time Jacob also saw his grandson who had been born to Joseph in Egypt.        (Gen. 46:29-30)

RT- How was God going to get Israel from point A to point B.  We might even say, there are a number of sub-points or ancillary a’s and b’s to arrive at the place God had in mind for Israel.  Each was important in the sequence of events that would result in the culmination of events it took for Israel to return to possess the Promise Land.  An even greater plan was simultaneously be worked out ultimately would bring salvation to the world through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ.

If God had not intervened Jacob on his own would have never decided to relocate his family to Egypt even during a time of famine in the land.  He knew what a catastrophe the journeys of Abraham and Isaac into Egypt had been and was not about to make the same mistake.  God had promised the land to Abraham and there Jacob planned to stay. (Gen 47-49)

BL-In chapter 47, vv.1-7, Joseph chooses five of his brothers to appear before Pharoah with his father.  Pharoah graciously receives Jacob’s family and gives them the rich land of Goshen, a large, fertile valley east of the Nile, to use while they sojourn in his land.  Then Pharoah gets a surprise–instead of him, the rich and powerful ruler, blessing Jacob, he receives Jacob’s blessing!  As Pharoah’s elder, a messenger from the one true God, and the patriarch of his OWN nation, Jacob is entitled to pass a blessing down to Pharoah!  We, too, are royalty–Romans 8:17 calls us “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ”–and we are to be a blessing to the unsaved around us.  Have you and I been conducting ourselves as children of the King this week?  How can we spread the “fragrance of the knowledge of Him” to the world today (see 2 Cor. 2:14)?

UE-Coming face to face with the most powerful man of his day did not keep Jacob from blessing the Pharaoh. (Gen. 47:7, 10)

GC-We are admonished to give thanks in all things. (1 Thess. 5:18)  Because of his relationship with his Father Jacob was able to accept everything that had happened in his life.  He had experienced many times of mental anguish and disappointment.  His had not been an easy life, therefore when he came before the Pharaoh he confessed that his 130 years had been difficult.  When we consider the final 17 years that God gave him things changed, because he now had his entire family around him including Joseph, who provided for his father’s every need. (Gen. 47:9)

UE-Jacob confessed to Pharaoh, a pagan king, the life that he had led for most of his 130 years had for the most part had been unhappy. (Gen. 47:9)

WM-For all of his striving after success, Jacob had experienced the peace and joy that comes from a close relationship with God.  Jacob started out looking at life in such a positive only to have his experiences to turn him into a pessimist late in life.

(Gen. 47:9) RT-There was a distinct difference between Jacob and the Egyptians.  He had all the wealth he would ever need and had lost nothing materially during the famine, yet he was an unhappy man. In comparison the Egyptians had lost everything and were thankful to be alive and once again productive. (Gen. 47:9, 25)

 

 

Lesson 42

Reconciliation in a Foreign Land

Genesis 45

One of the things I enjoy doing is working puzzles.  To see all the different shaped pieces or words come together gives me a satisfaction of having completed them.  This holds true whether it happens to be a jigsaw or crossword puzzle.  One of the frustrating parts of working puzzles is having piece missing.  Of course I never realize this until the very end.  Either I find that I cannot figure out the connecting words or one of the pieces has been lost, usually in the chair or on the floor.  It goes without saying to have one piece missing spoils the whole picture.

What I have discovered is my life is somewhat like those puzzles.  God is fitting the pieces of my gifts, talents, abilities, personality and experiences into a completed picture of what He would have me to be.  Of course this can only occur if I obey Him and live the lifestyle that He has set out for me.  Quite often I am like the puzzle that is missing the right letter or the last piece because I choose to try and do things on my own.  It never works. The work that God is trying to accomplish in me is spoiled. It is only through the reconciliation that I have through Jesus that I able obey Him and truly fulfill the purpose he has for me.

What is true with each individual is also of the church.  The body is comprised of people who are different in many ways.  All too often the church does not present a complete picture of Christ at work in its midst because, we as people have our own ideas of what it should look like. We forget that we are the body and Christ is the head of the church.  Somehow we get the idea that we can function without the head.  God has called us to unity.  The one unifying person who can take all of the diverse people and make them one is His Son.  The Bible tells us that we are to be reconciled in Christ Jesus.  We are also called to be reconciled to each other.  Only when both of those things happen can we truly operate as one body, under one head. 

In God’s economy the years of heartache were about to come to an end for Jacob and Joseph.  There were details in the lives of the brothers that needed to be worked out before that could occur. God was about to do something dramatic.

Genesis 45:1-3

Upon hearing the words of his brother Judah, Joseph could no longer hold back the tears that came.  Because of Judah’s words he knew that Benjamin was loved and safe.

To be sure the emotions that brought about the weeping were a culmination of all that had happened in his life.  For years he had been the one who seemingly was in control.  There is no mention of him, other than crying when he saw Benjamin for the first time, displaying the emotions that now burst forth.  His weeping was so loud that it was heard by all of the Egyptians and as far as Pharaoh’s house. 

This was a precious time for him and at that moment he wanted to be alone with his brothers.  He ordered all of the Egyptians in the house to leave. It was to be a private time together with them when he broke the news that they were talking with the brother they thought was dead. 

Finally the time came to reveal himself to his brothers.  As has been mentioned before, he had put them through some pretty difficult times of testing.  It all culminated with the words of Judah.  The very next thing he wanted to know was Jacob was still alive. His question was one of hope that he might see his father again. Why were Judah’s words so important to Joseph?

One can only imagine the shock Joseph’s statement was to his brothers.  They could not even answer his question about his father because of their dismay. 

1. Why did the words of Judah cause such a rush of emotion from him?
2. What did he finally know about his brothers?
3. Why do we not have a record of such a display before this point?
4. Why did Joseph finally see this as the moment he could reveal himself to them?
5. In what ways might you respond to an unexpected statement like the one made by Joseph?       
6. Why did he ask again about his father?

Genesis 45:4

When he saw that they stood there before him in total disbelief, he brought them close enough so they could tell who he was.  At close range they were able to recognize him. To help them he told them something that only they would know.  He recounted the fact that they had sold him to those going down to Egypt.  It is not difficult to understand why the brothers had trouble recognizing him. Aside from the twenty some years since they had seen him, they had assumed that he was probably dead, based on their previous conversations.

To accept the fact that he was actually alive would make them face the reality of what they had done to him.  They at that point did not know what Joseph might do to them.  He had the power to mete out a severe punishment in revenge.

Remember, how the disciples had trouble recognizing Jesus after His resurrection. He had only been away from them three days. Mary, the men on the Road to Emmaus and the disciples on the first night were not sure to whom they were talking.

1. Why it hard for the brothers to believe that the man standing before them was actually Joseph?
2. What had they assumed had happened to them?
3.  Why do we have a difficult time recognizing people in different circumstances?
4. Why did the brothers possibly not want to believe that it was actually Joseph?
5. What could Joseph had done to them at that moment?
6. What previous actions by him would indicate that he was not going to take revenge on them?

Genesis 45:5-8

Then came the moment Joseph had desired from the very beginning. His words were those of forgiveness and reconciliation. He first tried to alleviate any fears they had about what might happen to them.  Indeed they had sold him into Egypt.  Joseph, however, saw the hand of God in everything that happened.  He believed that God was the One who actually had sent him to Egypt to preserve the lives of not only the Egyptians but his own family.  Of course until that moment even Joseph could not have known the plans God had for him and his family.

He explained that the famine was not going to end immediately, but would be lasting another five years.  To reinforce what he had just told them he again said to them, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.”

What a beautiful picture of grace is found in this one verse.  Colossians 1:21-22 says, “And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshy body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach.”  In Romans Paul said, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) They had done nothing to deserve the kindness of their brother, but he freely gave them what they could not do for themselves.  They had the opportunity to be free from guilt and a new life under his protection and care.

Joseph’s brothers were in a position where they could not help themselves.  Because of the famine they did not even have the ability to provide for their own families.  They had to put all of their trust in the hands of Joseph.  The one so despised was now the only one who could save them.  Again in Romans are found these words, “While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”  (Romans 5:6)

God had allowed all of the events to take place. Through Joseph He was going to preserve His people.  Much more has been given to man through the work of His Son.

1. What was the greatest gift Joseph could give his brothers?
2. Why was he able to forgive them?
3. For what purpose had God sent him into a hostile and alien world?
4. Why did God send His son into a world alienated from Him?
5. What two things could Joseph do for them that they could not do for themselves?
6. What did Jesus do for us that we cannot do?

 

Genesis 45:9-11

Joseph did not waste any time in giving his brothers a new command. They were to leave immediately return to Jacob with the news that he was master in Egypt. The second part of the command of the command was to bring his father down to him. He even told them that they would live in the land of Goshen, once all of them came down from Canaan. This was to be a strategic move in the plan of God.  By living in Goshen they would be insulated from the influences of the Egyptian culture.  They would be able to maintain their identity as God’s chosen people. Also, when the famine ended it would be a good land for maintaining their flocks.

To Joseph the most important factor was that he would have his family close by and he would be able to provide for all of their needs.  If they had any idea that they would be able to sustain themselves at home, he again told them that the famine would continue for another five years.

1. Why was Joseph so anxious for his brothers to return to Canaan?
2. What did he tell them they were to do?
3. What was the significance of the land of Goshen?
4. How can Goshen be an example for God’s people today?
5. What did it mean for Joseph to have his family close by him?
6. How important was it for Joseph to be in the position he was in Egypt? Why?

Genesis 45:12

Again Joseph emphasized to them that he truly was their brother.  From his words it is clear that after recovering from the shock that he was still alive and in a powerful position, they finally recognized him. More important to him was the fact that Benjamin now knew that his brother was standing right in front of him.

1. Why did Joseph once again have to explain to his brothers that it was he who was speaking to them?
2. Why does it sometimes take us a long time to accept the reality of things that are right before us?
3. Why was it important to him that Benjamin recognize him?

Genesis 45:13

Joseph knew that his father would not leave Canaan just to obtain food.  He therefore told his brothers they were to share the position Joseph held and how Jacob would live in comfort with him in Egypt.  They would be eyewitnesses to all he had told them. Once again he commanded them to bring his father down to him.  He once again spoke of the urgency of the mission.

1. What would it take to get Jacob to leave Canaan?
2. Why did Joseph speak of the splendor as a personal matter?
3. Why was the task he gave his brothers so urgent?

Genesis 45:14-15

Again Joseph was overcome the by emotion of having his brothers with him.  His tears may have also come because of their reticence to believe that he was actually their brother and that he did not hold what they had done against them.  He first wept on Benjamin’s neck.  Then he kissed his brothers and embraced them as he wept.  This was the sign that the brothers needed to know that all had been forgiven.  They were then able to fellowship with him.  It was a freedom that they had not experienced in a long time.

1. Why was Joseph again overcome by emotion?
2. Why would they brothers still been cautious?
3. Why did he first weep on the neck of Benjamin?
4. At what point did the brothers have a sense of relief?
5. What does freedom allow us to do and be a relationship?
6. In what way does this incident once again show the grace of God?
7. Why are we sometimes so cautious about being free in our relationship with Him?

Genesis 45:16-20

Pharaoh heard about the arrival of Joseph’s brothers. Because of the relationship he had with Joseph, he and his whole household were pleased that the family was back together and Joseph was no longer alone in Egypt.  The Pharaoh then gave provisions for the trip.  He also instructed Joseph that his family would be able to live on the best land of Egypt. This opened the door for the fulfillment of Joseph’s promise that they would live in Goshen. The brothers would not have to walk or ride on donkeys for the journey to and from Canaan. Pharaoh provided wagons to transport all of Jacob’s family to Egypt.

1. Why did it please Pharaoh when he heard that Joseph’s brothers had arrived?
2. What does this say about his relationship with Joseph?
3. How did he make the trip easier?
4. What important promise did he make to Joseph?
5. Why was such a promise so important?
6. What was the trip down to Egypt to mean for Jacob’s family?
7. In what way does this symbolize what God is trying to do for us?

Genesis 45:21-23

Besides the wagons that Pharaoh had provided, Joseph made his own contribution for the trip.  He gave them changes of garments.  To Benjamin he gave him a gift of three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothes. 

For his father he sent:

• Ten donkey with all the best that Egypt had to offer
• Ten female donkeys loaded with grain
• Bread and sustenance for the trip down to Egypt.

His parting words to his brothers as they left were for them not to quarrel on the trip.  He had seen evidence in the past and wanted to hurry and not be caught up in any quibbling about what needed to occur.

1. Why did he give more to Benjamin?
2. What does God provide for us to carry out His purpose in this world?
3. Why did he warn them not to quarrel along the way?
4. What could the subject of any arguments?
5. What did he want to happen?
6. In what ways does conflict slow down what God wants to accomplish through the church?

Genesis 45:25-28

When the brothers returned to Canaan they brought the news to Jacob that Joseph was alive.  He went on to say that he was ruler over all of Egypt.  As would be expected he was shocked at the words of his sons.  At first he did not believe.  He was finally convinced by the words of that Joseph had shared with his brothers. The other evidence that could not be denied was all of the provisions that had been sent to him.  The Bible tells us that his spirit revived. This could be mean two things:

• That he recovered from the shock of hearing Joseph was alive.
• For the first time in years happiness and joy returned to his life and he once again felt alive.

Moses then called him Israel.  It was to be the one who had been given the covenant of God who would be the one to go down to Egypt.  Jacob would be left behind in Canaan.  God was about to begin a new chapter in the history of His people.  They were about to begin the journey that would fulfill the prophecy given back in Genesis 15:13-14.  Israel immediately planned to go down to see the son he thought was dead but now alive.

1. Why would it be a natural thing for Jacob to be stunned by the words of his sons?
2. Why did he not believe them?
3. What did it take for him to accept their words?
4. What does the Scripture means when it speaks of Jacob’s spirit was revived?
5. Why did Moses change from using the name Jacob to once again calling him Israel?
6. How was what about to occur, a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Abraham?
7. What evidence do we need that will enable us to strike out on the journey God has planned for each of us?

What a beautiful picture has been given through this passage in Genesis about forgiveness and reconciliation.  It has been part of God’s plan ever since the garden to bring mankind back into an intimate relationship with Him.  What does this narrative say to you about how we view others and God?

• Always be willing to take the initiative to forgive.
• Salvation in your life is God reconciling you to Himself.
• Read 2 Cor. 5:17-21 and Col. 1:20-22 to get a clear picture of what God wants to do in your life.
• Remember that ultimate forgiveness comes from God
• Renew your relationship with the Father who loves you enough to send His Son as you celebrate this Christmas.
• Read Roman 8:28-29
• Realize that what we may consider a difficulty may be part of God’s plan for your life.
• Remember God is continually providing you with the strength received through the Holy Spirit for the challenges facing you.

When we read an account of people’s lives like the one we have just finished, it should give us a sense that God truly had done a marvelous work.  To think that it took twenty some years and a famine to bring the family back to together, is amazing.

Stories like this are happening all around us.  Every time someone comes to Christ it is as a lost member of the God’s family has come home.  We all too often take the salvation of an individual for granted.  To God and it should be to us an event of epic proportion.  The battle for men’s souls is never going to be easy, because the world and all it offers is so attractive.  As we read in Colossians each of us at some point lived apart from God and hostile to him.  While in that condition we were engaged in activities contrary to God’s will for us. 

Our business is an important aspect of what God is trying to do in this perverse and crooked world.  We are to be those who live out the good news and sharers of the gospel to those who desperately need it.  Only then will the reconciliation promised in the Bible take place.  Let us have the heart of Joseph and do everything possible to see people saved.

Additional notes:

BL- In chapter 45, vv. 4-11, Joseph fulfills that purpose for which he was ultimately intended.  He graciously (with emphasis on the word “grace”!) forgives his brothers for all they have done to him, freeing them from the prison of guilt and fear they have lived in for 22 years.  Rather than punishing them, which is what they expect (and deserve!), Joseph tells them in vv. 5-7, “. . .do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. .  .to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”  Joseph has saved his family from starvation; but by bringing them to Egypt, he is also protecting them from succumbing to the influence of the pagan peoples of Canaan. Several of his brothers have already married Canaanite women, thereby endangering the inheritance that God has in store for Jacob’s tribe.  In Egypt, Joseph knows they will be safe–he tells them his brothers in 46:34 that the Egyptians despise shepherds, so the Israelites are certain to be left by themselves.  Thus, as Pharoah’s top administrator, Joseph is able both to preserve his family and to ensure their future success as a nation set apart for God.

Buddy stopped here to point out some ways in which Joseph parallels our Lord Jesus Christ.  Like Joseph, Christ provides forgiveness from sin and salvation from death; but we must come to Him to receive it, just as Joseph’s brothers had to leave Canaan and come to Joseph to find grain.  Like Joseph, Christ does not punish us as we so justly deserve;  but when we come to Him in true repentance, He graciously forgives us and restores us to fellowship with Him.  And like Joseph, our Lord provides for the needs of His children and continues to bless us with innumerable blessings.

RT-Life is too short not to be reconciled with those we perceive as having done wrong to us.  God calls us to forgive them.  The attitude of Joseph should be held up as an example for us.  Out of life’s circumstance we should be able to see the hand of God moving in our lives for our good and the benefit of others.  Joseph certainly did not view all that happened in his life with a selfish victim mentality.  He was able to see the bigger picture.  His hope from the beginning, knowing that his father was still alive, may have been to have the opportunity to preserve his family.  Long gone were the thoughts of the dreams he had dreamed those 32 years earlier, even if they were now coming to fruition.  They were replaced by the joy of seeing his family once again. (Gen. 45:2-8)

 C-The brothers displayed a change of attitude towards Joseph. (Gen. 45:3-15)

RT- Joseph’s brothers tried to rid themselves of what they construed to be their problem only to find salvation in Egypt where Joseph had been sent by God. (Gen. 45:5, 7)

UE-After all he had experienced since his brothers had sold him, he would say, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Gen. 45:5, 7-8, 20)

TM-Joseph’s statement about the preservation of his family is a lesson for each of us.  We are each here at this particular time and place for a purpose given to us from God.  Paul called it a “holy calling not according to our works, but according to God’s purpose.” (2 Tim. 1:9) We must not be so blind and have closed minds to miss what God has for us to do or be.  He saw events like this one from God’s perspective.               (Gen. 45:5-8)

TM-Joseph’s reaction is also an important lesson for us about forgiveness. (Gen. 45:5)

GC-When Joseph stated to his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve life,” we can clearly see that each person has a purpose in life.  If we are willing to acknowledge that fact, we will be able to accomplish that purpose. (Gen. 45:5; 50:19)

M-The one thing that kept Joseph going all those years was the realization that it was God who sent him to Egypt.  Now, with the arrival of his brothers, he realized the purpose for which he had borne all the trials, disappointments and imprisonment.  He had been sent “to preserve for you (Jacob’s family) a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. (Gen. 45:7)

GC-Why did Joseph expect God to act?  He had seen God at work in every situation in which he found himself.  Because he saw his life in relation to that strong conviction, when he had an opportunity to take revenge on his brothers, he neither wanted to nor felt the necessity to do so.  How many different opportunities did he have to punish his brothers?  Why did he not do it?  After his father had died, why were the brothers so concerned? (Gen. 45:7; 50:15-20)

C-Once Joseph could not save him from the schemes of his brothers.  He now was able to save them and his father from sure death if they had remained in Canaan. (Gen. 45:7-8;

GC-Why did Joseph expect God to act?  He had seen God at work in every situation in which he found himself.  Because he saw his life in relation to that strong conviction, when he had an opportunity to take revenge on his brothers, he neither wanted to nor felt the necessity to do so.  How many different opportunities did he have to punish his brothers?  Why did he not do it?  After his father had died, why were the brothers so concerned? (Gen. 45:7; 50:15-20)

RT- No one would logically think that a teenage dreamer in Jacob’s home would one day become a ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh in power and authority.                                 (Gen 45:8-26; 47:4, 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 41

Judah, the Leader Emerges

Genesis 44

The whole idea of leadership has fascinated me for a long time.  I have enjoyed reading of the lives of men who have risen above others in history who have set the course for the nation.  Some of my favorites have been people like Martin Luther, D.L Moody and Charles Spurgeon who faced difficulties early in life but overcame them.  Many years ago I happened to find a biography of Alexander Whyte among some books that the library at the IMB was selling.  He was a Scottish pastor, who rose from a background as an illegitimate child to be one of the foremost leaders of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland.  He overcame the lack of education and became a very prolific writer.  I have one of his books on the apostle Paul which I have found very insightful. 

What I have learned from the lives of these me is there is no difficulty in life that cannot not be overcome.  As these men faithfully followed God He used them in ways that are still impacting the world today.  D.L Moody has not only a church named after him by an university. Moody Bible Institute was started by him in the city of Chicago in the 1800’s and still produces some of the finest church leaders in our country today.

If we are willing to open our eyes we might discover men who can be the leaders of today and the future. One reason that we are not producing strong Christian leaders in our church today is that we do not have in place the means to train them.  Our view of leadership has not been to raise up spiritual leaders, but to look to those who can maintain the status quo of administration, committees and the same programs that have been in place for years. Men like Billy Graham have been men willing to be innovative and willing to risk everything for Jesus Christ.  Complacency has become the name of the game for the vast majority of us who sit in the pew each and every Sunday. 

The brothers faced a new challenge as they left Egypt for the second time.  Who would step up and save them from the predicament in which they found themselves?  Was there one among them of such a character that he was willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the others?  We shall discover if such a man was to be found from the eleven brothers.

Genesis 44:1-2

Joseph prepared for the last test of his brothers.  For reasons known only to him, he chose not to reveal himself to his brothers.  Possibly, he wanted to make sure that Benjamin would be safe as he travelled back with his brothers.  Would they actually protect him or cause him harm.  Joseph had to be sure before he would allow them to leave. 

He had his steward load up the donkeys with grain.  In addition to the food stuff, he also returned the money to them once again.  Into Benjamin’s sack he put his silver cup.  The servant obeyed his command and did as he was told.

1. Why did Joseph continue to test his brothers?
2. Why did Joseph put the cup specifically in the Benjamin’s bag?
3. What did he think would be accomplished by his actions?
4. What was he trying to discover about his brothers?
5. How many of you would you have continued the testing? Why?
6. How many of you would have revealed yourself at the lunch or at least before they left on their journey?

Genesis 44:3-5

The men were sent off with what they thought had been purchased in Egypt.  Since the man had let them go their worries were behind them.  That was not to be the case.  Almost as soon as they had left and hardly gotten out of the city that Joseph ordered his servant to go after them.  Once again they were going to be accused of wrong doing.  The servant was to inquire of them. “Why have you repaid evil for good?”  They were charged with having stolen the cup used personally by Joseph.  The mention of divination does not mean that he would have participated in such pagan rituals, but the practice was very common in that part of the world.

1. Why would the men conclude that everything was alright?
2. After their last experience what might they have done to eliminate any suspicion?
3. Why was the servant to make the statement about the cup?
4. Why would Joseph state that the cup was used for divination when he probably did not participate in such rituals?

Genesis 44:6-13

When the servant caught up to the men and spoke the words of Joseph to them, they were astonished at what was being said.  They proclaimed their innocence even repeating the same defense that they used before Joseph previously.  Surely if they had that brought back the money they had found in their bags of grain from their first trip, they would not have stolen the silver cup.  They were so sure that they were telling the truth they were willing for the culprit to become the slave of Joseph. The servant agreed to their offer.

At that point every man put his sack on the ground and opened them.  The servant then searched each one beginning with Reuben and working his way down to Benjamin. He knew what he would find.  The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.  The brothers then tore their clothes in grief because they knew what was about to happen.  It meant that they would have to return to their father without the youngest brother. They then loaded the donkeys and went back into the city.

1. Why did Joseph have his servant pursue the brothers?
2. What was the response of the men?
3. Why were they certain the charge of the servant could not be true?
4. Why did the servant search from the oldest to the youngest when he already knew the location of the cup?
5. What do you think of Joseph’s actions?

Genesis 44:14-16

The brothers were brought back to Joseph’s home.  Knowing that they would be back he had not left, but was waiting for them. He questioned about their actions.  Still playing the role of ruler he emphasized the importance of the cup in being able to practice divination.

Judah then said four things of Joseph.

• How could they say anything to him?
• What could they do to justify themselves before him?
• Confessed what they had done to Joseph, without actually saying it.  It is obvious he was not talking about the latest incident which had come on them because of what they had done in the past.
• He included all of the brothers in conceding that they were all to become slaves not just Benjamin.  In the mind of Judah, he was finally beginning to see that they all were a family not just the ten older brothers.

Since Judah spoke there is no evidence that the other brothers responded in any way.  By letting him speak, Joseph had no way of knowing what was in the minds of the brothers.  Judah had promised to bring Benjamin back.  Is it possible that they were willing let him be the fall guy for the rest of them?  They may have been surprised when he offered that all of them become slaves.

1. Why did Joseph continue with playing the role of ruler?
2. Why did he still delay in revealing who he was?
3. What do the statements by Judah show what happened in his life?
4. How does the last statement show about how he felt about Benjamin?

Genesis 44:17

Joseph did not appear to accept Judah’s plea.  He stuck with his original plan of making the thief his slave and letting the others go. He evidently was still not satisfied with a lack of action and words from any of his brothers, except Judah.  There would be no benefit for all of the brothers to remain.  It would have meant the death of their entire family if they did not return with grain. 

Joseph was adamant.  It was to be Benjamin who must remain. By keeping him in Egypt he could assure his safety.  At that moment that was all he cared about.

1. Why did Joseph refuse to accept Judah’s proposal?
2. What could have been taking place in the minds of the other brothers who had not responded as did Judah?
3. What would have been lost if he detained all of the brothers?
4. What was his true purpose in insisting that Benjamin stay with him?
5. What could the brothers had done that would have convinced him that his brother would indeed be safe with them?

Genesis 44:18-29

Judah was not going to give up that easily. He had made a promise to his father and he meant to keep it if at all possible.  Once again he asked to speak with Joseph more privately.  He hoped he could speak without making the ruler angry.  He recounted to Joseph all of the events that had brought them to the place they were that day.  Included in his story were Joseph’s own words asking about the brother’s family.  They had responded not knowing that he would demand that Benjamin come with them if they expected to buy more grain. In answering him they tried to explain what would happen to their father if harm came to the land.  Judah shared that Joseph had still insisted that the brother return with them or no grain would be available to them.

He continued by telling Joseph about the things that took place when they had gone back to Canaan.  When they ran low on grain Jacob instructed them to go buy more grain.  They refused unless Benjamin would go with them. Jacob’s reaction was to recount the story of the two sons of Rachel. One was gone and probably dead and he could not bear to think that he might lose the other one.  He truly believed that to lose Benjamin would grieve the rest of his life.

1. Why did Judah approach Joseph one more time?
2. Why do you think it was necessary for him to recount everything that had happened to them beginning with their first trip?
3. Why did he let Joseph know why it was so important that they return with Benjamin?
4. What could Joseph see about Judah in that confession?
5. What else did Joseph need to hear?

Genesis 44:30-31

Then came the climax of the story.  It was the reason that Judah was willing to risk to speaking to one who was so powerful in Egypt. If Benjamin was not returned to Jacob, Judah was afraid that the news would bring death to his father.  In his heart the responsibility for his father’s death would not fall on Joseph, but squarely on their shoulders. He knew that Jacob would die of a broken heart.

1. Why was Judah willing to risk speaking to Joseph after he had dismissed Judah’s plead?
2. What did he want to emphasize to the ruler?
3. What was the change that we can see in the life of Judah?
4. Why would he not blame Joseph for what would happen to Jacob?
5. In what way may this have been a subconscious admission of what had happened in the family when Joseph was living with them?

Genesis 44:32-34

Everything that had occurred came down to this one moment. All the give and take, the role playing, the struggles of Jacob and his sons over the issue of Benjamin was only preparation for this crucial point in time.  The man facing Joseph was the key to the future of Israel. He reached a turning point in his life as he spoke with him. He had promised that he would bring Benjamin back or bear full responsibility if anything happened to him. To speak such words when it is only theoretical, is one thing, but to be faced with the reality of it is actually coming to fruition is totally different.  The question he had to answer was would he be true to his word or continue to live only for himself?  It was the critical moment that each faces in one way or another. He could leave Benjamin in Egypt and walk away from his responsibility or prove himself to be the man of integrity that he had claimed to be to Joseph.  The decision made by Judah showed the transformation that had taken place in his life since the day he was part of selling Joseph into slavery.

Judah was now willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his father and his brother.  He was going to offer himself up to take his Benjamin’s place as a slave of Joseph.  To do so meant he would no longer have the freedom to roam throughout the land as a shepherd.  It would almost guarantee that he would never see his father, brothers or his own children ever again. He was willing to lay down his life for the preservation of his brother. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  This was the man that Judah had become.  Notice that Joseph did not utter a single word during this entire discourse. Judah could now only wait to hear the decision of the ruler who held his and his brother’s destiny in his hands. Why was time before Joseph a turning point in Judah’s life?

1.  What were Judah’s options as he stood before Joseph?
2. What did his words tell us about him at that moment?
3. How much is this like what Jesus did for each of us?
4. What did it mean for Judah personally to come to the conclusion he did?
5. If you were standing in his place what would you have done?
6. In what ways does your life show the willingness to sacrifice all for Christ?

Each of you have come or will arrive at that one critical moment that will decide your eternal future.  It is a reality, not theory that all must face because each of you will spend eternity someplace. What we have read in this account is in essence the gospel, the good news of what Christ has done for the salvation of mankind.

• Know for a fact that difficult decisions are going to be a part of each of your lives.
• Prepare beforehand through continual prayer knowing that God will provide the  strength to face the challenges in your life.
• Honestly ask yourself, have you willingly given your life over to Christ to do with it as He pleases.
• Consider Judah’s decision and see if you are willing to sacrifice everything you hold dear for others.
• Be sure of your stand with Christ.  Without Him you can truly do nothing.

We live in a world that would look at the decisions made by a man like Judah as sheer foolishness.  Why would anyone give up everything to help someone else out of a jam?  The church is to be a place which exemplifies the heart and mind of that one man. He can be seen as a type of Christ in his willingness to sacrifice everything he held dear to save his brother.  Christ has called us to be that kind of person.  We are here not to glorify or protect ourselves but to give our all to God for His glory.  Paul expressed very well in Romans when he wrote, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

To fall short of this kind of stance is to leave the Benjamin’s of this world wondering what the future holds for them.  Let us be willing to step up and care enough that they no longer have to wonder but have the full assurance of salvation, because we care enough to make a difference in their lives.

Additional notes:

WM-The sons of Jacob found themselves in a situation which they did not understand or over which they had no control.  Their destiny seemed to be in the hands of this strange leader in Egypt.  The more they dealt with him the worse things became. (Gen. 44:7-15)

C-Upon their return to Egypt Judah became the spokesman for the brothers in place of Reuben. (Gen. 44:16-33)

RT-When Joseph made the accusation against the brothers what would be the achieved by enslaving all of them?  Would not action eliminate any opportunity for him to see his father, Jacob? (Gen. 44:16-17)

C-Men who had on occasion shown no mercy now themselves begged for it before the man who made strange requests of them. (Gen. 44:16, 32-34)

M-Judah lived up to the commitment which he had made to his father.  He interceded for and was for Benjamin and was will to take his place knowing it meant lifelong slavery for himself. (Gen. 44:18-34)