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1. What do you think Joseph has learned about his brothers so far?
We read in verse 1 that Joseph is not through testing them. For what else do you think he is looking?
What do you think the brothers were thinking and feeling after being treated to a feast by this high-ranking official?
2. What instructions does Joseph give to his steward in verse 1?
What is a steward?
What qualities would you look for in a steward?
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What does it mean to you that we are God’s stewards?
3. Why do you think Joseph tells his steward to put his brothers’ money back in their sacks?
Then Joseph has special instructions concerning Benjamin. What are they?
Do you have a favorite cup or possession? If you do, could you easily identify it?
Why do you think Joseph singled out Benjamin?
4. The brothers leave early the next morning. All the brothers are together. They have food. How would you describe their mood upon leaving?
Why do you think Joseph worked so hard to create this festive mood among his brothers?
Shortly after the brothers leave, what instructions does Joseph give to his steward?
What else does Joseph say about his cup in verse 5?
What can you learn about using a cup for divination?
What does God say about divination?
Do you think Joseph really practiced divination? Please explain.
Why do you think Joseph added this?
5. What do you think was the brothers’ reaction when they saw Joseph’s steward approaching?
What do the brothers say when the steward accuses them of repaying good with evil?
How might you react if you were unjustly accused?
Joseph has planned this very well. What do the brothers say in response in verse 7?
What evidence do they give to prove their innocence in verse 8?
Now comes the climax. Knowing they are innocent, what statement do they make to the steward in verse 9?
Are the brothers serious? Please explain.
However, what does the steward say he is willing to do if he finds the cup?
6. What do the brothers do to aid the steward in his search (verse 11)?
Why do you think the brothers did this?
Whose sack does the steward search first? Why?
How does the steward know who is the oldest?
7. The steward knows he will find the cup in Benjamin’s sack. What can we learn about him in that he plays his part so well?
What did the brothers do when the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack?
What is the significance of tearing their clothes?
It appears that Israel is going to lose another son. What did Israel do when the brothers gave him Joseph’s bloody coat of many colors?
What does it say about the brothers that they are now the ones who are mourning?
8. What do the brothers do when they are brought before Joseph?
According to Joseph, how did he know they had “stolen” his cup?
What would you say if you were innocent but all the evidence pointed to your guilt?
Have you ever jumped to conclusions only to learn that you were wrong? Please share if you will.
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Do you think the church abides by this verse? Please explain.
9. What does it mean to you to intercede for someone?
In what way does Judah intercede for Benjamin?
What do you think Benjamin is feeling as he stands guilty before Joseph?
According to Judah, who uncovered their guilt?
Why do you think Judah does not try to defend himself and his brothers?
What does Judah think is going to happen to them?
10. Do you think Judah believes Benjamin is guilty? Please explain,
What does it tell us about Judah and the others that they never blame Benjamin or try to separate themselves from him?
11. What does Joseph say to Judah in verse 17?
Again, we do not hear from Benjamin at all. Why?
Why does Joseph tell the other brothers that they can go home in peace?
12. Now comes the moment of truth. Judah is faced with a decision. What does he ask permission to do?
Briefly summarized what Judah says to Joseph in verses 18-29?
Does Judah tell the truth? Please explain.
Beginning in verse 30, Judah gets to the heart of the situation. What does he say will happen if they do not return with “the boy”?
What does Judah tell Joseph in verse 32?
13. Therefore, what does Judah ask of Joseph?
Does Judah ever believe he will be set free? Please explain.
Why is Judah willing to exchange places with Benjamin? How do his concerns for his father contrast with his concerns for his father following Joseph’s disappearance?
How do you think Joseph is feeling as he listens to his brother express his concern about his father?
14. What does it meant to you for someone to repent?
Do you believe the brothers have truly repented of their actions against Joseph? Please explain.
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What do you believe is fruit in keeping with repentance?
Have the brothers produced fruit in keeping with repentance? Please explain.
If you were Joseph, would you be convinced of your brothers’ sincerity? Please explain.
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