1 a study of the christ in the life of joseph lesson 8 saemmul christian church september - december...

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A Study of the Christ in the Life of Joseph

Lesson 8

Saemmul Christian Church

September - December 2010

An ICAHATTOWAK International Production

Al Bandstra bandstra@iowatelecom.net

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Genesis 43

“God Continues His Confrontation With His Covenant Family”

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Genesis 43:1 - 2

1 Now the famine was still severe in the land. 2 So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”

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Genesis 43:3 - 5

3 But Judah said to him, “The man warned us solemnly, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ 4 If you will send our brother along with us, we will go down and buy food for you. 5 But if you will not send him, we will not go down, because the man said to us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’”

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Genesis 43:6

6 Israel asked, “Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had another brother?”

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Genesis 43:7

7 They replied, “The man questioned us closely about ourselves and our family. ‘Is your father still living?’ he asked us. ‘Do you have another brother?’ We simply answered his questions. How were we to know he would say, ‘Bring your brother down here’?”

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Genesis 43:8 - 9

8 Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die. 9 I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life.

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Genesis 43:10

10 As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice.”

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Genesis 43:11

11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift - a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.

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Genesis 43:12-13

12 Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. 13 Take your brother also and go back to the man at once.

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Genesis 43:14

14 And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”

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Genesis 43:15 - 16

15 So the men took the gifts and double the amount of silver, and Benjamin also. They hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph. 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal; they are to eat with me at noon.”

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Genesis 43:17 - 18

17 The man did as Joseph told him and took the men to Joseph’s house. 18 Now the men were frightened when they were taken to his house. They thought, “We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys.”

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Genesis 43:19 - 21

19 So they went up to Joseph ﾕ s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house. 20 “We beg your pardon, our lord,” they said, “we came down here the first time to buy food. 21 But at the place where we stopped for the night we opened our sacks and each of us found his silver - the exact weight - in the mouth of his sack. So we have brought it back with us.

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Genesis 43:22 - 23

22 We have also brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our silver in our sacks.”

23 “It’s all right,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

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Genesis 43:24 - 25

24 The steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder for their donkeys. 25 They prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon, because they had heard that they were to eat there.

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Genesis 43:26 - 27

26 When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground. 27 He asked them how they were, and then he said, “How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?”

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Genesis 43:28

28 They replied, “Your servant our father is still alive and well.” And they bowed down, prostrating themselves before him.

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Genesis 43:29 - 30

29 As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” 30 Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.

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Genesis 43:31

31 After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, “Serve the food.”

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Genesis 43:32

32 They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, for that is detestable to Egyptians.

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Genesis 43:33 - 34

33 The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. 34 When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely with him.

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1. What is God’s purpose in making Jacob’s family hungry to the point of

starvation a second time? Vs. 1 – 2

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1. What is God’s purpose in making Jacob’s family hungry to the point of

starvation a second time? Vs. 1 – 2 • God is disciplining them by bringing

their lives to complete ruin. They must go back to Egypt or starve to death.

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1. What is God’s purpose in making Jacob’s family hungry to the point of

starvation a second time? Vs. 1 – 2 • God is disciplining them by bringing

their lives to complete ruin. They must go back to Egypt or starve to death.

• God is working out the fulfillment of his Word in and through them by bringing them to Egypt to submit to Joseph.

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2. In verses 3 – 5 Judah is challenging his father Jacob’s decision not to send Benjamin to Egypt. Who is Judah giving his allegiance to in this passage?

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2. In verses 3 – 5 Judah is challenging his father Jacob’s decision not to send Benjamin to Egypt. Who is Judah giving his allegiance to in this passage?

• Judah, the instigator of the plan to sell Joseph and stop the fulfillment of his dreams, is unknowingly submitting to Joseph.

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2. In verses 3 – 5 Judah is challenging his father Jacob’s decision not to send Benjamin to Egypt. Who is Judah giving his allegiance to in this passage?

• Judah, the instigator of the plan to sell Joseph and stop the fulfillment of his dreams, is unknowingly submitting to Joseph.

• He did not choose to serve Joseph, God had predestined him to submit to Joseph for his salvation and that of his family. Judah’s response to all this is obedience.

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. a.How is Benjamin a type of Christ in this

passage?

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. a.How is Benjamin a type of Christ in this

passage? • Their salvation can only come through

Benjamin. He is their only hope for life, without him they will die.

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. a.How is Benjamin a type of Christ in this

passage? • Their salvation can only come through

Benjamin. He is their only hope for life, without him they will die.

• There is no other name given among men through whom they can be saved. Acts 4:12

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. b. Why does Jacob demand expensive gifts be given to the Egyptians?

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. b. Why does Jacob demand expensive gifts be given to the Egyptians?• It was an oriental custom. These items were

not found in Egypt.

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. b. Why does Jacob demand expensive gifts be given to the Egyptians?• It was an oriental custom. These items were

not found in Egypt.• Jacob is hoping to buy peace and salvation

from this great ruler. (He had so pacified his brother Esau earlier.)

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. b. Why does Jacob demand expensive gifts be given to the Egyptians?• It was an oriental custom. These items were

not found in Egypt.• Jacob is hoping to buy peace and salvation

from this great ruler. (He had so pacified his brother Esau earlier.)

• Returning the money is a moral act of honesty to prove they are neither thieves nor spies.

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. c. What has caused Jacob to change his mind about Benjamin going to Egypt?

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. c. What has caused Jacob to change his mind about Benjamin going to Egypt?

• Like the prodigal son, it’s desperation brought on by hunger.

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3. The Bible focuses our attention on Benjamin in verses 6 – 15. c. What has caused Jacob to change his mind about Benjamin going to Egypt?

• Like the prodigal son, it’s desperation brought on by hunger.

• Desperation bears the fruits of anxiety, action, and hope. God has made Jacob desperate.

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4. How would you describe Jacob’s

worldview in verse 14?

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4. How would you describe Jacob’s

worldview in verse 14?

• Jacob has always managed to get through his difficulties by using his own intuition and resources. But now he is “up against a brick wall” and has no place to turn. He has been defeated by God.

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4. How would you describe Jacob’s

worldview in verse 14?

• Jacob has always managed to get through his difficulties by using his own intuition and resources. But now he is “up against a brick wall” and has no place to turn. He has been defeated by God.

• He casts himself into the care of God, but appears to do so fatalistically - I’ve no choice. (When all else fails, turn to God.)

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4. How would you describe Jacob’s

worldview in verse 14?

• It could be that Jacob is in a state of depression. He sees “no light at the end of the tunnel.” God seems far away from him. Believers can and do get to this point in their lives. Only by remembering the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord are they able to come through these dark days.

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5. What is the relationship between Joseph seeing Benjamin and his decision to have a banquet prepared so he can eat with his brothers? vs. 16

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5. What is the relationship between Joseph seeing Benjamin and his decision to have a banquet prepared so he can eat with his brothers? vs. 16• He realizes his first dream is about to be

fulfilled.

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5. What is the relationship between Joseph seeing Benjamin and his decision to have a banquet prepared so he can eat with his brothers? vs. 16• He realizes his first dream is about to be

fulfilled.• The Hebraic concept of eating with

others: mutual identity and oneness in heart and in purpose.

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5. What is the relationship between Joseph seeing Benjamin and his decision to have a banquet prepared so he can eat with his brothers? vs. 16• He realizes his first dream is about to be

fulfilled.• The Hebraic concept of eating with

others: mutual identity and oneness in heart and in purpose.

• Joseph’s desire to give them a taste of their future. He lavishly provides for his starving brothers; he “raises the dead.”

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6. Why are Joseph’s brothers suspicious and afraid of Joseph’s gracious invitation? Should they be? Why or why not? vs. 17

– 18

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6. Why are Joseph’s brothers suspicious and afraid of Joseph’s gracious invitation? Should they be? Why or why not? vs. 17

– 18 • Their lives are filled with deceit, trickery,

and self-seeking power. They are judging Joseph the way they judge themselves.

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6. Why are Joseph’s brothers suspicious and afraid of Joseph’s gracious invitation? Should they be? Why or why not? vs. 17

– 18 • Their lives are filled with deceit, trickery,

and self-seeking power. They are judging Joseph the way they judge themselves.

• They bear an overpowering sense of fear and guilt when they come before this powerful ruler, and are aware the evidence condemns them.

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6. Why are Joseph’s brothers suspicious and afraid of Joseph’s gracious invitation? Should they be? Why or why not? vs. 17

– 18 • They look at themselves and see their

sin and guilt rather than looking at Joseph’s provision of life being given to them freely and unconditionally.

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7. In verses 19 – 22 the brothers are broken and humbled and are speaking the truth. How do you explain this change in them? Is this how God works in the lives of sinners?

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7. In verses 19 – 22 the brothers are broken and humbled and are speaking the truth. How do you explain this change in them? Is this how God works in the lives of sinners?• We see their change of heart:

– Judah is willing to be surety for and bear the blame for young Benjamin.

– They desire to return the money.– They truthfully confess to Joseph’s

steward.

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7. In verses 19 – 22 the brothers are broken and humbled and are speaking the truth. How do you explain this change in them? Is this how God works in the lives of sinners?• We see in this whole episode how God

deals with lost sinners. He orchestrates the circumstances which bring the sinner to Himself.

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7. In verses 19 – 22 the brothers are broken and humbled and are speaking the truth. How do you explain this change in them? Is this how God works in the lives of sinners?• We see in this whole episode how God

deals with lost sinners. He orchestrates the circumstances which bring the sinner to Himself.

• The brothers are brought to the point where they realize they are lost and without hope in themselves. (Prodigal)

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7. In verses 19 – 22 the brothers are broken and humbled and are speaking the truth. How do you explain this change in them? Is this how God works in the lives of sinners?• Our salvation is neither earned nor

enhanced by offering ourselves to God, or by giving Him a gift, or by making some great sacrifice.

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7. In verses 19 – 22 the brothers are broken and humbled and are speaking the truth. How do you explain this change in them? Is this how God works in the lives of sinners?• Our salvation is neither earned nor

enhanced by offering ourselves to God, or by giving Him a gift, or by making some great sacrifice.

• The only way sinners can be set free of their past sins is by confession and repentance before God, and He declaring them forgiven and righteous.

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8. Verse 23 gives us Joseph’s steward’s explanation of why the silver was in their sacks. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

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8. Verse 23 gives us Joseph’s steward’s explanation of why the silver was in their sacks. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?• Yes, he tells them this is all God’s

doing; it is His favor resting on them.

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8. Verse 23 gives us Joseph’s steward’s explanation of why the silver was in their sacks. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?• Yes, he tells them this is all God’s

doing; it is His favor resting on them.

• He proclaims peace to them and removes all suspicion of their guilt.

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8. Verse 23 gives us Joseph’s steward’s explanation of why the silver was in their sacks. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?• Yes, he tells them this is all God’s

doing; it is His favor resting on them.

• He proclaims peace to them and removes all suspicion of their guilt.

• He does not condemn them, he declares them righteous.

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9. Do you think the gifts Joseph’s brothers brought to him had any effect on how Joseph treats them? Why or why not?

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9. Do you think the gifts Joseph’s brothers brought to him had any effect on how Joseph treats them? Why or why not?

• No, like Christ, Joseph loves them before they knew him, and has already prepared for their abundant life.

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9. Do you think the gifts Joseph’s brothers brought to him had any effect on how Joseph treats them? Why or why not?

• No, like Christ, Joseph loves them before they knew him, and has already prepared for their abundant life.

• Joseph’s heart is probably warmed by their gesture, but his love for them was already full and complete.

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10. What is the significance of the brothers bowing to Joseph in verses 26 – 28?

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10. What is the significance of the brothers bowing to Joseph in verses 26 – 28?

• They submit themselves to Joseph as the one who has all the power and authority over them. They trust him to give them life, and acknowledge him as their savior and Lord.

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11. Why is Joseph weeping in verse 30?

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11. Why is Joseph weeping in verse 30?

• He is emotionally moved by his love and compassion for Benjamin.

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11. Why is Joseph weeping in verse 30?

• He is emotionally moved by his love and compassion for Benjamin.

• He is overwhelmed with joy.

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11. Why is Joseph weeping in verse 30?

• He is emotionally moved by his love and compassion for Benjamin.

• He is overwhelmed with joy.

• He is overcome by the living and active Word of God. God’s Word is true and righteous.

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12. Why does Joseph seat his brothers in order of age?

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12. Why does Joseph seat his brothers in order of age?

• To instill in their minds even more wonder and amazement of God’s dealings with them!

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12. Why does Joseph seat his brothers in order of age?

• To instill in their minds even more wonder and amazement of God’s dealings with them!

• To increase their fear of him whom they perceive knows everything about them and yet blesses them!

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12. Why does Joseph seat his brothers in order of age?

• To instill in their minds even more wonder and amazement of God’s dealings with them!

• To increase their fear of him whom they perceive knows everything about them and yet blesses them!

• To prepare them for his revelation of himself; this act will confirm he is their brother Joseph.

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13. Why does Joseph give his brothers the opportunity to feast and drink in his

presence?

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13. Why does Joseph give his brothers the opportunity to feast and drink in his

presence? • This feast is a foretaste of what God

has prepared for them.

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13. Why does Joseph give his brothers the opportunity to feast and drink in his

presence? • This feast is a foretaste of what God

has prepared for them.

• It will confirm God has sent Joseph ahead of them to prepare a place for them.

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13. Why does Joseph give his brothers the opportunity to feast and drink in his

presence? • This feast is a foretaste of what God

has prepared for them. • It will confirm God has sent Joseph

ahead of them to prepare a place for them.

• It demonstrates he is neither angry nor revengeful towards them. He is demonstrating his gracious love and joy for them.

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13. Why does Joseph give his brothers the opportunity to feast and drink in his

presence? • He’s testing if his brothers will envy

Benjamin his larger portions, as they had envied him of his ornamented coat.

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14. How is the Christ being revealed in this passage?

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14. How is the Christ being revealed in this passage?

Benjamin is a type of Christ revealing his brothers can only come before the throne of Joseph for their salvation through Benjamin. They cannot come on their own reputation, goodness, or promises. They, by their sinful natures, have separated themselves from Joseph and have forfeited their right to receive life from him.

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14. How is the Christ being revealed in this passage?

Isaiah 55:1 [ Invitation to the Thirsty ] “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”

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14. How is the Christ being revealed in this passage?

Like Christ, Joseph knows his brothers, his sheep, and in wisdom deals with them to convict them of sin, and to repentance and confession.

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14. How is the Christ being revealed in this passage?

Like Christ, Joseph knows his brothers, his sheep, and in wisdom deals with them to convict them of sin, to repentance and confession.

Like Christ, Joseph is the giver of life freely and unconditionally.

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The End of

Lesson 8

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Time for

Questions

and Answers