Joseph: An Example of Faith and Forgiveness (Genesis 37–50)

Joseph: An Example of Faith and Forgiveness

(Genesis 37–50)

Introduction

Joseph’s rags-to-riches story teaches that the key to a successful life is to trust God. By allowing God to use him wherever He pleases and whenever He chooses, God is able to use Joseph to the fullest. Through the ups and downs of his life, Joseph knew God was with him—even when circumstances did not make sense.

Objectives

Recognize that obstacles in life can be used by God to train and mold us for greater effectiveness.
Affirm that God’s plan is the most optimal and His timing is always the best.
Understand the proper perspective on forgiveness.

Joseph Being Sold into Slavery (Genesis 37)

Questions

How is Joseph’s relationship with his brothers? What caused the resentment?
Why are Joseph’s brothers angry when he shares his dreams?
What should be the right response for Joseph in the face of hatred and persecution?

Observations

Joseph’s brothers hate him (37:4, 37:8) and are jealous of him (37:11).
Reasons for jealousy:
- He is Jacob’s favorite (37:4).
- Two strange dreams—agricultural and celestial.
Joseph is young and unwise in telling the dreams to his father and brothers, but he harbors no antagonism or pride.
Joseph has been obedient to God and his parents. This may be one reason he was hated. His brothers thought of him as a “goody-two-shoes.”
The brothers plot to kill him when they think they have an opportunity, showing disregard for God in order to fulfill their own desires.
Joseph’s life stands in contrast with those of his more worldly brothers. He is persecuted for his righteousness.
God’s sovereign choice can stir hatred and jealousy in people. Instead of submitting to God’s will, they take matters into their own hands.

Talionic (retaliatory) justice (examples)

Jacob deceived Isaac because Isaac was blind (27) — Laban deceived Jacob in the darkness of night (29).
Jacob deceived Isaac by covering his hands and neck with goatskin (27) — Joseph’s brothers deceived Jacob by slaughtering a goat and dipping Joseph’s robe in its blood (37).
Isaac was deprived of Jacob’s presence for 20 years because of Jacob’s deception (27) — Jacob was deprived of Joseph’s presence for 20 years because of the brothers’ wickedness (37).

Mosaic Law (Exodus 22:22–24):

“Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.”

God can use talionic justice to train and discipline His people by exposing wickedness.
It is painful and personal, but effective—bringing His children toward sanctification and moral purity.
Reflection: Is it fair for Joseph to be separated from his family for 20 years because of his brothers’ sin?

Joseph’s Encounter with the Cupbearer and Baker (Genesis 40)

Using Joseph’s interaction with the cupbearer and baker, we gain insight into his character and heart. What can we learn about his approach to life?

He cares about others even in an unpleasant place where he does not deserve to be.
He acknowledges that interpretation belongs to God. He is an instrument and does not steal God’s glory when interpreting the cupbearer, baker, and Pharaoh’s dreams.
He delivers God’s message faithfully and honestly regardless of popularity.
He wisely appeals to the cupbearer’s official position to seek release.
He harbors no bitterness toward the cupbearer who forgot him, recognizing God’s sovereign control and timing.

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams (Genesis 41)

7 sleek and fat cows = 7 heads of healthy and good grain = 7 years of abundance.
7 ugly and gaunt cows = 7 heads of thin and scorched grain = 7 years of famine.
Joseph speaks the truth plainly and trusts God to reveal what is needed.
Joseph’s faith in God and humble attitude help win Pharaoh’s trust.

Famine in Canaan (Genesis 42–45)

Key events

Jacob sends sons (all except Benjamin) to Egypt to buy grain because of the severe famine (42).
Joseph recognizes the ten brothers immediately, but they do not recognize him.
Joseph speaks harshly and accuses them of being spies.
The brothers connect their present trouble with their past sin against Joseph.
The table turns: the brothers are now in a position of weakness (42:21–22).
Joseph sees their repentance and weeps.
Their bags are filled with grain and also the silver they brought; they return to Canaan.
The brothers are terrified when they find the silver; Jacob senses trouble ahead.
Jacob later sends all remaining sons, including Benjamin, for a second trip—after Judah guarantees Benjamin’s safe return.
Judah emerges as a leader among the brothers.
Joseph instructs his steward to care for the brothers and prepare a meal.
Joseph weeps at the sight of Benjamin, revealing his tenderness.
The brothers are astonished at the seating order; Benjamin receives five times the portion.
They are sent back with grain and their silver, but Joseph’s silver cup is planted in Benjamin’s sack (44).
The brothers are stopped, searched, and returned to Egypt.
The brothers say, “What is this that God has done to us?” Reflection: Do we only think about God and our transgressions when we encounter difficulties and need help?
Judah pleads with Joseph, appealing to Jacob’s grief, offering himself instead of Benjamin.
Joseph reveals himself (45): “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!” He explains God’s purpose in sending him ahead to save lives.
Joseph sends the brothers back to bring Jacob and the whole family.
Pharaoh grants Jacob’s family the best of the land.

Joseph’s response to evil

Joseph had many opportunities to harm his brothers and take revenge. Genesis 50:19–21 summarizes his heart:

“Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”

Joseph comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Conclusion

Joseph as a picture of Jesus

Sent to his brethren
Loved by his father
Hated and rejected by his brothers
Prophesied his coming glory
Endured unjust punishments
Sold for pieces of silver
Handed over to Gentiles
Went to Egypt
Made a servant
Tempted but did not sin
Falsely accused
Made no defense
Associated with two criminals
Showed compassion to others
Shown divine wisdom
Glorified after humility
Blessed the world with bread
Only source of bread
People saved when obedient to him
Found favor in the sight of God and man

Reflections

Joseph was a leader in his generation, proving faithfulness, integrity, and moral superiority over his brothers.
“Joseph is truly a remarkable man; He was loved and hated, favored and abused, tempted and trusted, exalted and abased. Yet at no point in the 110-year life of Joseph did he ever seem to get his eyes off God or cease to trust Him. Adversity did not harden his character. Prosperity did not ruin him. He was the same in private as in public. He was a truly great man.”

— James M. Boice
A faithful servant of God is like a clean and unblemished mirror—able and willing to reflect God’s glory.
God often entrusts greater responsibilities after we learn obedience in small steps (see Lesson 17).
Behind the events of Joseph’s life, God orchestrates His story—no event is an accident.

God’s providence in Joseph’s story (examples)

Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers.
The Midianites passed through at the right time and place near Dothan.
The Midianites took Joseph to Egypt and sold him there.
Potiphar, Pharaoh’s official, bought Joseph.
Potiphar’s wife pursued Joseph and later contributed to his imprisonment.
Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker offended Pharaoh and ended up in prison.
Both officials had striking dreams.
Pharaoh had two unusual dreams.
The cupbearer forgot Joseph for two years, then remembered him at the right moment.
Seven years of abundance and seven years of famine began just as God revealed.

The “groove of grace” (Proverbs 3:4–10)

Ingredient 1: Trust in the LORD with all your heart
Ingredient 2: Fear the LORD and turn away from evil
Ingredient 3: Honor the LORD from your wealth

Assignment

1) Sharpened for service

How has God been sharpening you for His service? Describe an experience in the past when God’s purpose of training became clear when He called you to do something that required the prior training.

2) Forgiveness and reconciliation

Why is it difficult for us to forgive those who have wronged us? Describe how you reconciled with someone you found hard to forgive. Which principle demonstrated in Joseph’s life can help you if you encounter a similar situation in the future?

3) Share one takeaway

Think of one lesson you learned from the Genesis series so far that you could share with others.