Genesis 42-45

 

Big Idea Of The Series

Because God is at work in every detail of your life, you can trust Him through every season—confident that He’s unfolding His bigger purpose in your life.

 

Five powerful lessons from Joseph's family reunion: 

  1. God raises us up to bless others (42:1-6). … Joseph had been set in charge of Egypt, answering only to Pharaoh. He was placed in this position by God and used it to bless others in distributing food during a famine, including his own family. His brothers came, not knowing it was Joseph who they came to. He tested them and they passed all the tests, so he eventually revealed himself. 
  2. God can restore even the most broken relationships (45:1-4). … When Joseph reveals himself, his brothers grow terrified. They remembered what they had done to him and now they feared what Joseph would do to them. But Joseph simply declares himself as their brother. He sets aside his title of second in charge of Egypt and invites his brothers to be reconciled with him and to restore their relationship. Reconciliation is always possible, but someone has to take the first step. Joseph could have easily dismissed them or worse, but he took the first step to restoring the family. 
  3. Forgiveness is an intentional choice (45:5). … Joseph chose to forgive his brothers. It would be difficult to blame him if he had instead decided to send them away or imprison them. When they sold him into slavery, it started a long string of events that put Joseph in tough situations. He could have grown bitter about it over the years, and who could blame him? But he didn't. He chose to forgive. 
  4. God provides in unexpected ways (45:6-8). … Joseph recognizes that God used his brothers to start the chain that led to this moment. His brothers meant harm, but Joseph saw how God used their actions to place him in a position to help and bless others. This is likely how he avoided becoming bitter. Knowing that God had used them to further His own purpose kept Joseph content. 
  5. Some news is too good not to share (45:9-13,28). … The reunion is about to grow larger. Joseph sent his brothers to fetch their father and bring him to Egypt, telling him that Joseph lives. The whole family comes, including their father. Imagine being one of the brothers and figuring how to tell their father what really happened. But their father would be overjoyed by the news of hearing his son lived. 

 

Five ways Joseph's family reunion points to Jesus: 

  1. Like Joseph, Jesus was raised up to bless others. … Only this time it was first on a cross and then to the right hand of the Father. Through Jesus being raised up, we can be saved. 
  2. Like Joseph, Jesus brings reconciliation. … Jesus came so that could be reconciled to God. 
  3. Like Joseph, Jesus chooses to forgive. … Even while on the cross, Jesus forgave us and those who placed him there. 
  4. Like Joseph, Jesus provides in unexpected ways. … The cross was unexpected and is the only way we could be saved. 
  5. Like Joseph, Jesus tells us to spread the news. … The message we have from Jesus is “Jesus is alive!” He died on the cross, but He rose from the grave and lives today. 

 

For Further Study/Resources Used to Prepare This Message

  • Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness by Charles Swindoll
  • Genesis: Beginning and Blessing by R. Kent Hughes
  • NIV Application Commentary by John Walton
  • The Story of God Bible Commentary by Tremper Longman III
  • Walking with God in Pain & Suffering by Tim Keller
  • Trusting God by Jerry Bridges