Week 20: Bible Study and Preparation for Discussion
UNDERSTANDING THE ROOTS IN OUR “FAITH FAMILY TREE”
JOSEPH’S LEADERSHIP BLESSES MANY NATIONS:
JOSEPH SAVED HIS WHOLE FAMILY IN EGYPT
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CRISIS: JOSEPH’S FAMILY FACED STARVATION
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 41:53-42:2
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What was the regional crisis that threatened Joseph’s family with starvation?
2. What was the emergency relief plan developed for the Egyptians and their neighbors?
3. How did Jacob, Joseph’s aging father, plan to save his family?
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 42:3-7
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Who went to Egypt for Jacob’s family and why didn’t all Jacob’s sons go?
2. Who was in charge of the emergency relief program in Egypt?
3. How did Jacob’s sons greet the man in charge of the relief and what does that remind us about?
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 42:8-24
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Did Joseph recognize his brothers when they came for food to save their starving family?
2. What accusations, questions and challenge did Joseph give his brothers to get their attention?
3. What was the test of integrity Joseph gave his brothers and what emotions did he and they experience?
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 42:25-36
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What very special kindnesses did Joseph show his brothers who did not even recognize him yet?
2. What was the impact of Joseph’s unexpected gifts on his brother which they found in their bags of grain?
3. When Jacob learned about the strange encounter his sons had in Egypt, how did he feel and why?
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 42:37-43:10
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Who first plead with Jacob his father for him to let the brothers take Benjamin into Egypt to get more food?
2. What was Jacob’s immediate reaction to the demand that Benjamin be taken into Egypt?
3. Who finally persuaded Jacob to let Benjamin to go to Egypt and how did was he able to convince his father?
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DECISION: JOSEPH’S FAMILY HAD TO MAKE A DECISION
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 43:11-14
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How did Jacob finally make elaborate plans to send Benjamin to Egypt for food to save his family?
2. What gifts did Jacob send with his sons to the Pharaoh in Egypt?
3. What can we know about Jacob from his desperate prayer when his sons left to return to Egypt?
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BLESSING: JOSEPH’S FAMILY FOUND NEW LIFE IN THE LORD’S LEADING
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 43:15-34
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How did Joseph react with elaborate plans at this second meeting with his brothers in Egypt?
2. How did Joseph respond when the brothers told about finding the money in their bags from the first trip to
Egypt?
3. Even though Joseph did not reveal his identity to his brothers, how did he feel about being with them all
again?
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 44:1-45:8
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What was the reason for placing Joseph’s silver cup in Benjamin’s bag of brain?
2. What was the demand which Joseph gave to his brothers, when the cup was found?
3. What was the wonderful news which Joseph shared with his brothers when he identified himself to them?
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 45:9-49:33
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What was Joseph’s send-off like when he sent his brothers back home to their Father?
2. What elaborate arrangements did Joseph make to save his whole family from the famine?
3. How well cared for was Joseph’s family in Egypt?
GOD’S WORD: Genesis 50:1-26
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What fears flared up within Joseph’s brothers immediately after their father Jacob’s death?
2. What deceitful means did the brothers use to manipulate graciousness toward them from Joseph right after
Jacob’s death?
3. How did Joseph continue to encourage his brothers and extended family from his death bed?
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GREAT NEWS: WE TOO ARE IN OUR FATHER’S PLANS
GOD’S WORD: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not
to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to
me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
(Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How does the narrative of Joseph with his brothers in Egypt make this promise believable for us?
2. What kind of future and hope do I envision the Lord might have in mind for me?
3. Have I really called upon the Lord, prayed with the intent of seeking Him and His will with all my heart?
GOD’S WORD: 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my
yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Do we sometimes feel weary and burdened with life?
2. What might we learn from Jesus to make life less burdensome and more fulfilling?
3. Do I have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus where I have found him gentle and humble in heart?