OUR MESS, HIS MASTERPIECE GRACE GENESIS 43-45:15 SEPTEMBER 18, 2016
GENESIS 43 45:15 SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 TEACHING PLAN PREPARATION > Spend the week reading through and studying Genesis 43 45:15. Consult the commentary provided and any additional study tools (such as a concordance or Bible dictionary) to enhance your preparation. > Determine which discussion points and questions will work best with your group. > Pray for our pastors, the upcoming group meeting, your teaching, your group members, and their receptivity to the study. HIGHLIGHTS BIBLICAL EMPHASIS: Joseph s belief in the sovereignty of God empowered him to forgive his brothers. TEACHING AIM: Reconciliation is possible when we focus on God, confess our sins, and choose to extend and receive forgiveness. 2 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
TEACHING PLAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 INTRODUCTION As your group time begins, use this section to help get the conversation going. 1 Do you think forgiveness is a feeling or a choice? Explain why you feel the way you do. 2 Do you find it more difficult to forgive close family members, friends, or acquaintances? 3 Do you think reconciliation is required to forgive someone? C.S. Lewis once said, Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive. Most people struggle to some degree with forgiveness. In our natural tendencies, we are prone to nurse a grudge. But God calls His people to forgive in the same manner we have been forgiven. Joseph had justifiable reason to be angry and even fearful of his brothers. Selling him into slavery was a despicable thing to do. But with God s help, Joseph had forgiven them. However, when his brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain during the famine, Joseph wisely chose to move slowly and test their character before he extended his trust to them. UNDERSTANDING Unpack the biblical text to discover what Scripture says or means about a particular topic. > Have a volunteer read Genesis 43:1-14. Why were Jacob and his sons in a dilemma? 3 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
TEACHING PLAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 Glance back at verse 6. What do you think the atmosphere was like at Jacob s home? How does family tension often complicate our ability to make wise decisions? As the family watched their food supply dwindle to nothing, it s likely that tension grew among them. Imagine how difficult it must have been for Benjamin. Jacob continued to protect his favored son, while allowing Simeon to remain in prison in Egypt, and the rest of the family feared starvation. Once again, Jacob s parental favoritism was impacting the entire family. When all the food was gone, Judah stepped forward to take control of the delicate situation. Judah wisely avoided arguing with his father, but reminded him they couldn t return to Egypt without Benjamin. Judah offered to take responsibility for Benjamin s safe return home. This indicates he had a change of heart since selling Joseph (37:26-27). Reluctantly, Jacob sent them off with his blessing asking God that they receive mercy and return safely with Benjamin and Simeon. > Have a volunteer read Genesis 43:15-34. What emotions do you think the brothers experienced as they traveled to Egypt for the second time? What do you think was their greatest concern? Glance back at verse 22. Do you think returning the money suggests a change in character? Why or why not? What stands out to you the most from this passage? 4 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
TEACHING PLAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 As the brothers traveled to Egypt, they were burdened with explaining why they had the money in their possession, getting Simeon released, buying grain, and bringing Benjamin home safely. Rather than being confronted with the problems they feared, they were welcomed with a hospitable greeting that included an extravagant meal. Joseph was so moved by the sight of Benjamin he had to excuse himself from the room to weep. Because of social, racial, and cultural prejudice, the meal was served at two different tables. As a gesture of respect for seniority among these non-egyptians, the brothers were seated by birth order. This must ve bewildered the brothers, since the seating arrangement would require detailed knowledge of the family. > Have a volunteer read Genesis 44:1-17. Do you think Joseph was justified in giving them one last test? What do you think he wanted to be sure of? For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is God's gift-not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8 According to verse 13, how did the brothers respond when the cup was found in Benjamin s bag? When the brothers left Egypt and headed home to Canaan, they had good reason to be relieved. They hadn t been arrested for stealing, Simeon had been released, they secured more food, and they would soon be returning Benjamin home safely. The brothers must ve been startled when Joseph s steward and guard approached them in search of the silver cup. They were so sure of their innocence, they defended themselves and recalled the fact they had just returned money and, therefore, were not thieves. However, they went too far in offering to put whomever was in possession of the cup over to a life of servitude. > Have a volunteer read Genesis 44:18-43. How did Judah demonstrate evidence of a changed heart? 5 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
TEACHING PLAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 If you d been in Joseph s place, would you have believed Judah? Judah s speech to Joseph is the longest in the Bible by any of Jacob s sons. It marks the turning point in Joseph s relationship with his brothers. In a demonstration of supreme humility, Judah took on the leadership role for his brothers and explained his family s situation. He referred to Joseph as my lord seven times and referred to his family as your servants on twelve occasions. Judah predicted that Jacob would die of a broken heart if anything happened to Benjamin. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 > Have a volunteer read Genesis 45:1-15. Glance back at verse 5. Why did Joseph tell his brothers they had no reason to be worried or angry with themselves? What does this passage teach us about the sovereignty of God over human events? What about this passage suggests that Joseph not only forgave his brothers, but also longed to be reconciled to them (vv. 10-12)? What does Joseph s example teach us about forgiveness? Verses 5-8 stand out as a pinnacle of Joseph s life. It s likely that Joseph could see his brothers fear and confusion, and he encouraged them with kind words that flowed from a loving heart that had forgiven them. Clearly, they had sinned against Joseph. Still, Joseph told them not to dwell on their sin; rather, focus on what God had accomplished for all of them. God overruled their sinful behavior and turned it for good (Gen 50:20). While it s true that Joseph s brothers caused him to suffer, God used them to accomplish His divine purposes. 6 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
TEACHING PLAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 APPLICATION Help your group identify how the truths from the Scripture passage apply directly to their lives. 1 What does it show the world about our faith when we are quick to forgive? 2 Considering how much grace God has shown us, why is forgiveness the only appropriate response to those who sin against us? 3 How can we help one another focus on God and identify ways He is working in our life? P R A Y Thank God for the grace He has shown His people. Praise Him for sending Jesus to the cross so we can experience eternal life. Ask Him to lead each group member to be quick to forgive and extend grace in the same manner they have received it. 7 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
TEACHING PLAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 FOLLOW UP Midway through this week, send a follow-up email to your group with some or all of the following information: > Questions to consider as they continue to reflect on what they learned this week: Toward whom do you need to extend grace and forgiveness? > A note of encouragement, following up on any specific prayer requests mentioned during your group gathering. > The challenge to memorize Romans 8:28. 8 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 GENESIS 43 43:1-10. Two years into the famine (cp. 45:6), Jacob s family had used up the grain purchased by the brothers in Egypt. Jacob, as clan head, ordered nine of his sons to go back to Egypt and buy more food. Judah, Jacob s fourth-born but still the most trusted of his older sons (34:30; 35:22), reminded his father that he must send Benjamin to Egypt in order for the family to buy food. In response Jacob, who was known for his deceptions (27:12-27), accused his sons ( you [v. 6] is pl.) of causing much trouble by telling the Egyptian the truth. Judah finally convinced his father to let his sons go by using two things. First, his father s own words: they must go so that we may live and not die (cp. 42:2), and second, his willingness to have Jacob hold him personally accountable for Benjamin s well-being. 43:11-14. Jacob realized he had to send Benjamin to Egypt, but to increase the likelihood that his beloved son of Rachel would return safely, he directed his sons to give the Egyptian some of the best products associated with the land of Canaan. Hoping that his sons had not actually stolen the money, Jacob had them return the original money, taking twice as much money as before. Finally, they were to travel with their brother Benjamin, accompanied by a prayer that God Almighty would secure the release of Simeon and Benjamin. 43:15-24. When the men returned to Joseph in Egypt, they were brought to Joseph s own house. They feared they were about to be arrested and made slaves as punishment for taking their original grain money back to Canaan, but Joseph s steward informed them that he had already received their money. All seemed well as Simeon was brought out of prison to them, and they were given a traditional sign of hospitality water to wash their feet (18:4; 19:2). 43:25-28. Learning that they were to eat the noon meal the first meal of the day with Joseph, the brothers prepared the food gift (v. 11) and then humbly presented it to Joseph (cp. 37:7,9). Then the powerful Egyptian asked them about their elderly father, eliciting a polite response and a second bowing to the ground. 9 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 43:29-31. Joseph confirmed the identity of his brother Benjamin, his mother s only other son and therefore his only full brother. Joseph s blessing on Benjamin in the name of God was the first time Joseph blessed one of his brothers. Though Joseph had been filled with emotion in the presence of his brothers earlier (42:24), the sight of Benjamin overwhelmed him. To retain his dignity he quickly went into an inner room to weep. The fact that as an Egyptian official he was wearing eye makeup was probably in part why he washed his face before returning to the room. 43:32-34. Because of racial and cultural prejudice, the meal was served at two different tables. Food was first brought to Joseph and the rest of the Egyptians, who ate at one table, then portions were brought to the table of the Hebrews. As an indication of respect for seniority among these non-egyptians, the brothers were seated from the firstborn to the youngest a fact that created astonishment among them since it would have required a detailed knowledge of the family. Perhaps as a further test of the brothers, Benjamin s portion was five times larger than any of the other brothers. Joseph may have made sure they got intoxicated to loosen the brothers self-restraint; if they harbored any jealousy or hatred toward Benjamin, Rachel s son, it would be more likely to show. GENESIS 44 44:2. Joseph secretly put in place the ultimate test of his older brothers, ordering the steward to put Joseph s ceremonial silver cup... at the top of Benjamin s bag. By watching the other brothers response to Benjamin s trouble, Joseph would be able to observe firsthand the other brothers true character. 44:3-13 Joseph then ordered his steward to overtake the small caravan. Armed with a scripted accusation regarding the ceremonial cup, the steward confronted the group. Joseph mentions divination as part of the ploy to make the brothers think this is a very valuable cup; there is no evidence that he actually practiced divination. At a later time, divination was officially prohibited for Israelites in the law (Lv 19:26; Dt 18:10). 10 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 The brothers responded with disbelief and disavowal to the steward s accusation. Quickly mounting a defense, they first provided evidence of their honesty: they had brought back the money found in their bags after the first journey. Next they proposed a harsh punishment for any of their number caught with the bowl he must die. Finally, they offered the remaining 10 of their group as lifelong slaves. Rejecting their excessive offer, the steward indicated that only the guilty party would become his slave. Though the steward gave the innocent brothers permission to return home, they all returned to the city in a show of solidarity with Benjamin. 44:14-17 Jacob s most trusted son, Judah, spoke for the group. Bowing to the ground before Joseph (cp. 37:7,9), Judah confessed that God had exposed the men s iniquity a reference to the sins against Joseph more than 20 years earlier (37:18-28). Second, Judah maintained the group s solidarity by indicating that all the brothers, not just Benjamin, would become my lord s slaves. Joseph s immediate rejection of the offer would have added more tension to the situation. 44:18-29 Judah s speech, the longest in the Bible by any of Jacob s sons (218 Hebrew words), marks the turning point in the relationship between Joseph and his brothers. In a display of great humility, Judah referred to Joseph on seven occasions as my lord, and on 12 occasions referred to himself and members of his clan as your servants. After a representation of three contentious conversations one that the brothers had had with Joseph (vv. 19-23; 42:13-20) and two involving Jacob (vv. 25-29; 42:38; 43:2-7) Judah said that his father would die of grief if anything happened to Benjamin. 44:30-34 Judah had once separated his father Jacob from a son of Rachel by making Joseph a slave in Egypt (37:26-27). To save the life of the clan he had voluntarily made himself accountable to his father for the well-being of Benjamin, Rachel s only other son besides Joseph (43:8-9). Now Benjamin, like his older brother Joseph, was on the verge of being made a slave in Egypt. Knowing that he would always bear the guilt for sinning against his father if Benjamin did not return home, Judah volunteered to remain in Egypt as Joseph s slave. 11 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 GENESIS 45 45:1-4. Joseph was overwhelmed by Judah s words. Not wishing to lose his dignity before his Egyptian attendants, he ordered everyone but his brothers out of the room. Joseph then released more than 20 years of pent-up emotions, weeping so loudly that the Egyptians outside the room heard it. Joseph s revelation of his true identity undoubtedly spoken in Hebrew, not Egyptian so terrified his brothers that they could not answer his question about his father s well-being. Violating protocol, Joseph ordered the brothers to come near to him so he could speak to them more intimately, this time explicitly identifying himself. 45:5-8. These verses stand as the theological high point of the account of Joseph s life (chaps. 37-50) and one of the most eloquent affirmations in the Bible regarding God s sovereignty in human events. With amazing spiritual maturity Joseph confessed that God had worked beyond the foul intentions of his older brothers to accomplish two vital things: to preserve life through Joseph s leadership leading up to and during the seven-year famine, and to establish Israel as a remnant on the earth ( within the land). The word remnant is an important term used to refer to Israel as the people group who would pass along God s blessings throughout the generations (Ezr 9:8; Isa 10:20; 28:5; Jer 23:3). Three times Joseph affirmed that it was God not his brothers who had sent him to Egypt. Therefore the brothers did not need to be worried or angry with themselves. Indeed, God had made Joseph a father a top-level adviser to Pharaoh, and a ruler over all the land of Egypt. 45:9-15. Joseph, who had once presented a plan to Pharaoh to save Egypt, now offered a plan to his brothers to save Israel s clan by moving them to Egypt to live in Goshen during the five more years of famine that were to come. Goshen was a region in the eastern portion of Egypt s Nile Delta and was also known as the land of Rameses (47:11). The brothers, who were still having trouble believing that Joseph was not only alive but a ruler in Egypt, watched as Joseph threw his arms around Benjamin and wept. To their amazement, he also kissed each of his brothers who had once plotted to kill him. 12 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 45:16-20 Affirming the commands Joseph had given, Pharaoh told him to have his brothers load their animals with food, go on back to Jacob in Canaan, and then return with their families. New to the set of instructions was Pharaoh s provision of wagons from the land of Egypt to transport the weaker members of the clan down to Egypt, the promise that Joseph s family could live in the best of the land of Egypt, and that they would be permitted to eat the richness ( the fat ) of the land. 45:21-24 Joseph supplied his brothers with generous provisions for the journey back to Canaan, as well as items for the clan s return to Egypt. The translation of Joseph s final command (Don t argue) is uncertain and may also mean Don t fear or Don t take undue risks. 45:25-28 Jacob experienced a storm of emotion when the group returned from Egypt. Initially he experienced relief, as all 11 brothers came back to him. His heart went numb (was stunned) when he was told that Joseph was still alive. Jacob agreed to go to see him before he died. God s promise of blessing to Jacob (32:29; 35:9) had proven true. 13 Our Mess, His Masterpiece Brentwood Baptist Church