INITIATION:
My personal note made from the main Sunday School Manual as extract for my offline class on the date mentioned above. Now let's go!
Romans 12:21 can be one of the most challenging verses in the Bible:
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good"
(KJV).
Normally, we focus on the first half of the verse, but the second half can be most difficult. What do we do when people do evil things to us: hate us, gossip about us, hurt our reputation, or take something from us? What happens when they get away with it and we suffer as a result?
These are not easy questions because there are a lot of seemingly legitimate reasons to repay evil with evil.
Joseph had the opportunity to do this very thing in Genesis 44 and 45. Yet he chose instead to repay evil with good thus restoring family relationships that seemed hopelessly broken.
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BIBLE TEXT:
GENESIS 44:1-34; 45:1-28
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SUBJECT:
JOSEPH REUNITED WITH HIS BROTHERS
JOSEF NA UMU NNE YA BIAKOTARA N'OTU OZO (Igbo).
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MEMORY VERSE
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you ( 2 CORINTH. 13:11 KJV).
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CENTRAL TRUTH
God desires for families, and the family of God to be unified around His Word.
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LEARNING TARGET
At the end of this lesson, every participant will be able to:
Note what the story of Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers can teach us about reconciliation with others today.
Identify ways in which Joseph's story affirms that God works out His promises even through flawed human beings.
Pray that God will bring restoration and unity to members of the body of Christ
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MAIN LESSON DISCOURSE
1. Joseph Tests His Brothers (Genesis 44:1-34)
A. The Silver Cup vv. 1-13
To understand the full impact of Genesis 44-45, it can be very helpful to read chapters 42-43. Joseph has treated his brothers first harshly, and then very kindly. In the midst of this, the brothers concluded the terrible act of selling Joseph into slavery had brought this trouble to them (see 42:21-22).
Then they had no option than to return home and take Benjamin (the only other, and younger, son from Rachel) away from Jacob. Yet upon their return, Joseph treated them with exceptional kindness, sharing a feast that brought him to tears (see 43:29-30). Amid this very tumultuous two-chapter account, the seeds of reconciliation were planted.
Genesis 44 starts from when Joseph and his brothers were concluding the great banquet he has prepared for them. While the brothers believe that they will be returning to Jacob with grain and - more importantly- his beloved son Benjamin, Joseph has another plans. Upon his instruction, his "steward" (KJV) or "palace manager" (NLT) planted Joseph's personal silver cup in Benjamin's bag of grain (verses 1-2). Immediately Joseph set the stage for the brothers to face the same dilemma they faced with him: Would they abandon Benjamin in Egypt like they did Joseph, or would they refuse to betray him?
The brothers didn't get far before Joseph's tactful idea began to unfold. The steward caught up to them and accused them of the theft (vv. 3-6). Verse 5 includes an important detail. Joseph has made it part of the tactful idea that his cup is a cup of divination.
That is, a cup that was used "to predict the future" (NLT). This was done by pouring oil or wine into the Cup then adding another liquid, such as water, then observing the surface patterns, But this was not mentioned in verse 2, since Joseph did not actually take part in divination. As a servant of the God of Jacob, he relied on the Lord alone - as has been established in previous chapters. The manager likely mentioned this to emphasize the seriousness of the theft.
The brothers were shocked. They had been entirely honest with Joseph and the other officials (vv. 7-10). Earlier, on their first trip to Egypt, the money they'd paid for grain had been placed back in their sacks, making them look like thieves (and leaving them wondering if God was judging them; Genesis 42:27-28: 43:21-22). But they had returned that money, demonstrating their honesty.
Yet now their integrity was questioned. Thus, they felt secure in and passionate about swearing an oath. They would suffer consequences if they'd stolen anything. The guilty man would be put to death.
To their surprise, the cup was found in Benjamin's sack (vv.11-13). Jacob's beloved, youngest son would, by their oath, become a slave in Egypt.
If such injustice on Benjamin, their father's heart would be broken.
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Questions For Application
Why do you think Joseph set up the situation where the brothers Would be made to look like thieves?
Have you ever been falsely accused, or set up to look guilty of something you did not do? How did it make you feel?
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B. Judah Pleads with Joseph – vv.14-34
Genesis 44:14-34 indicates that Judah has clearly emerged as the leader among the brothers, as they all are brought in to face Joseph. They quickly fall on their faces before him in an act of humiliation and recognition of his authority.
Joseph responded in an interesting way: "Don't you know that a man like me can predict the (v. 15 NLT) future?"
As noted earlier, Joseph did not take part in divination. So, this should not be taken in a literal sense any more than his feigned anger at them. Rather, Joseph was establishing that they had no way of proving their innocence. They stood before a man who held absolute power over them, and a man with a reputation for discerning the truth. They could not expect justice, but only beg for mercy.
The reality of the situation is seen in Judah's response, in verse 16. He openly admitted that this terrible predicament seemed to be divine punishment for their sins, which, as we know, were sins of injustice. And so, when he said that all of them were returning to be his slaves, he was owning up to their previous guilt. He did not admit any guilt for the cup. This situation had become a matter of what happened with Joseph years earlier (v. 16).
Joseph countered that he could never make them slaves (v. 17). It would be unjust to do so. They were innocent. Only the guilty one "Benjamin" would stay. The rest could return to their father in peace. Yet Joseph said this knowing that peace would not be possible if Benjamin stayed. Joseph was, in a sense, forcing them to relive the events of years earlier. Would they follow the same course?
Over the next seventeen verses, Judah, who had convinced his brothers to sell Joseph into slavery, proceeded to recount all that had happened, bringing them to this point. Note that his focus was on Jacob; he is referred to as father more than dozen times in this passage. To leave Benjamin would cause indescribable grief. Years earlier, with Joseph, they had no concern for their father (or for Joseph). Now Jacob was their chief concern. Truly, they had changed.
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Questions For Application
What signs do you see in Genesis 44 that the brothers had changed since they'd sold Joseph into slavery?
What are some signs that change is taking place in our lives, as we begin to let go of past resentment against others?
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2. Joseph Reveals His Identity to His Brothers (Genesis 45:1-15).
A. "It Was God Who Sent Me Here" – vv. 1-8
Genesis 45 describes the climactic moment when all the events of chapters 42--44 come together to reveal something amazing. Years of suffering grief, and injustice are resolved, and God's marvellous plan emerges.
After Judah's speech, Joseph could no longer restrain his emotions. So, he ordered everyone to go outside except his brothers, then he began to weep uncontrollably (vv. 1 - 2). "I am Joseph!" he declared to his brothers. "Is my father (v.3) still alive?"
Not surprisingly, the brothers were shocked. They were in such disbelief that they needed a chance to look closely at him before they would believe (v. 4).
Note
In verses 4 and 5, Joseph mentioned that they had sold him into slavery, but then says, "Don't be angry (v. 5) with yourselves" Any bad feelings that had come about because of what they'd done were now gone. Joseph no longer held it against them. He had forgiven them.
AMAZING JOSEPH'S FORGIVENESS
- He had been wronged in such a cruel way. Separated from his father and mother who dearly loved him. Now, after many years, he had an opportunity to exact revenge on his brothers without fear of retribution.
- Joseph was godly, a man who heard from God and trusted God.
- Might be he saw God's hand in all that had happened (vv. 5-8).
- As a result of what they did ignorantly he would be able "to preserve life" (v. 5).
- Egyptians' and other lives
- His father's and brothers' lives
- The life of the covenant family
- God used this terrible situation, and unjust actions of the brothers, to preserve the Jewish people and the worldwide promise.
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Questions For Application
Why might God sometimes use difficult circumstances to bring good results?
Describe when God has brought something good from a bad experience in your life.
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B. "You Can Live Safely in Goshen"– vv. 9-15
In verses 9-15, Joseph told his brothers to return to Canaan to gather their entire family and possessions. Then they were to return to Egypt, where Joseph could care for them throughout the five years that remained in the famine. He recognised that unless they all found safety and provision from him, they would starve.
Joseph focused especially on his father in verses 12-15. He wanted to make sure that Jacob knew what had happened to him. Benjamin would be able to vouch for the truthfulness of their words, since the rest had been in involved in Joseph's disappearance. Joseph wanted to see his father as soon as possible.
At that point, they wept together and embraced one another. The hurts of the past found healing. Unlike their previous times together, they could talk freely and warmly as brother to brother. They were, as a family, more tightly bound at this moment than ever before. Joseph who had been an object of their scorn, would now preserve the family line. He had not given in to any temptations toward revenge, but kept his heart pure and in close relationship with God. This moment, as much as any in the account of his life, allows us to see Joseph's deep desire for and devotion to God. Through it all, God's promise remained intact.
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Questions For Application
Why do you think Joseph specifically mentioned telling his father that he was alive and held a high position in Egypt?
What are your most favourite among all the promises of Scripture? Why?
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3. JACOB'S FAMILY SAVED AND RESTORED (GENESIS 45:16 - 24)
A. "The Best of Egypt is Yours–Genesis 45:16-24
Joseph's story might best be described in a single word:
PROVIDENCE
God's purposes are fulfilled through-or even in spite of human action. With every human failure or shortcoming, God makes a way for the final outcome to be good. Genesis 45:16-24 is a good example.
When Pharaoh heard that Joseph's brothers had arrived in Egypt, he made it possible for the entire family to ride out the famine in Egypt. There they could be assured of provision and protection, as Joseph himself could care for them.
In this way, God preserved His plan through the favour of a pagan Pharaoh.
NOTE:
- He went beyond even Joseph's invitation.
- Joseph called them to come to Goshen so he could be near them (v. 10).
- Pharaoh added that they should come so they could "eat the fat of the land" (v. 18).
- In the midst of a terrible famine, Joseph's family would enjoy the best food of Egypt.
- Likewise, they wouldn't need to bring possessions, such as tents or furnishings.
- The best of Egypt would be theirs (v. 20).
- They also received wagons and supplies for their journey, as well as new clothing (verses 21-22).
- It is fitting that a gift of clothing would be included.
- Just as a fine garment formed the basis of their animosity when Joseph was betrayed, now fine garments would become part of the reconciliation of the family.
- Joseph also gave extra gifts to Benjamin-gifts that represented a special status (v. 22; note also Gen. 43:34). This serves to highlight the change that has taken place in the hearts of the brothers. They were no longer put off by personal grievances. Even though Benjamin received the extra food from Pharaoh's second-in-command in 43:34, they were still willing to be enslaved for him.
As they prepared to depart, Joseph had one last word of instruction: "Don't quarrel about all this along the way" (verse 24, NLT).
Most scholars today see this as an instruction not to dispute with one another about the past, specifically to make accusations over what they did to Joseph. Their brother had forgiven them, and now they needed to forgive one another.
Joseph's words are valuable for families today. Forgiveness plays a huge role in maintaining the unity and affection that holds families together.
This is not to say that it is easy to put past hurts behind us. Rather, it is important to see the value of making the effort- and trusting in God's help-to do so (see Ephesians 4:32).
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Questions For Application
In what ways do you see God's providence in the story of Joseph?
What are some valuable pieces of advice that would help us forgive, or accept forgiveness, even after many years? Cite Scriptures that occur to you.
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B. Joseph Is Alive!"–vv. 25-28
The return to Jacob in Genesis 45:25 stands in stark contrast from the last two times Scripture recorded them returning to him (see 37:33-35; 42:36-38).
In the past these were Scenes of sorrow, grief, and fear for Jacob. But now he can exclaim, "Joseph is yet alive: I will go and see him before die!" (verse 28, KJV).
Not only was he alive, but he had prospered beyond all imagination, Jacob could scarcely believe it and was only convinced when he saw the wagons.
Yet what is shocking to man is commonplace to God. This was God's family of promise. He had preserved them by His hand, despite so many challenges. Nothing could- and nothing can- thwart God's plan
to bless the nations.
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Questions For Application
What are some thoughts that may have gone through Jacob's mind upon hearing that Joseph was alive?
How would you describe, in your own words, God's plan to bless the nations?
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Call to Discipleship
Nothing can stand in the way of God's plan to bring salvation to the nations. This is great encouragement t to us when we feel that we have fallen short of God's plan for us. Remember-He is still working in us, and in the world.
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Ministry in Action
Seek out someone you have wronged and, inasmuch as you are able, reconcile with them.
Make an effort to tell the significant people in your life, be they family or friends, why they are important to you.
Pray for unity in the family of God, that we may demonstrate to the world that we are one in Christ.
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DISCLAIMER:
The original production and publication of this extract belong to Sunday School Department of Assemblies of God Nigeria, as shown on the front page. We teach in the church and social media available.