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1. How do you feel about people showing emotions in church? Please explain.
Can you think of a time when you could not contain your emotions? What did you do?
After countless months, Joseph finds himself in such a situation. We read that he could no longer control himself before all his attendants. What does this mean to you?
Is this a sign of weakness on Joseph’s part? Please explain.
In our society, how do we view the outward display of emotion by men? Why do you think this is so?
Men, how easy is it for you to show emotion before all your “attendants”?
2. What does Joseph have everyone do?
Why do you think Joseph did this?
Lest there be any doubt that Joseph loved his brothers, what does verse 2 tell us?
Why do you think the Egyptians told Pharaoh about Joseph’s crying?
3. What does Joseph say to his brothers?
How did the brothers react when they learned this was their brother?
Why do you think they were terrified?
Why do you think Joseph told his brothers to come close to him?
4. How long has the famine lasted?
How many more years will it last?
What does Joseph tell his brothers in verse 5?
How easy would it be for you to forgive a family member who had betrayed you? Please explain.
According to verse 5, who does Joseph say is responsible for his being sold into slavery?
If you were one of the brothers, what would you be thinking at this time?
5. Verse 7 is a key verse. What does Joseph say was God’s reason for all that had happened to him?
How easy or hard is it to see God’s hand when we are in the middle of a difficult situation?
After a difficult situation, can you remember looking back and seeing God’s hand and purpose? Please explain.
Why do you believe God often keeps the purpose hidden until the end?
6. Read verse 8. How would you describe Joseph’s attitude toward God? Toward his brothers?
How do you account for his attitude?
Joseph is very clear. God sent him to Egypt, not the brothers. What else does Joseph say God did?
7. What does Joseph want his brothers to do?
Why does Joseph not want his father to delay in coming to Egypt?
What provisions will Joseph make for his family (see vv. 10-11)?
What does Joseph say will happen to his family if they do not come?
How can Joseph be so positive that these arrangements will approved by Pharaoh?
Why do you think Joseph never considered going home to his father?
Read
How difficult would it be for you to leave the place God had commanded you to inherit?
8. What does Joseph say to his brothers in verse 12?
How could the brothers see for themselves that this man, who they thought was an Egyptian, was really their brother?
What does Joseph do in verse 14?
Why do you think he embraced Benjamin first? What does it mean to you that he also embraced and kissed all of his brothers?
About what do you think the brothers spoke?
9. Beginning Abraham, deceit and/or deception has been a part of this family. Can you give an example from Abraham’s life?
From Isaac’s life?
From Jacob’s life?
From his sons lives?
Now, after all these years, deception seems to have been replaced by honesty and trust. How would you explain this change?
What part has forgiveness played in the healing of this family?
10. How do you think the news reached Pharaoh’s house?
How did Pharaoh react to the news of the arrival of Joseph’s brothers?
What does it tell us about the relationship between Joseph and Pharaoh that Pharaoh not only cared about Joseph’s family reunion but also was also pleased? Read
How do they apply to Joseph and his situation?
If we applied these verses to the workplace, as employees, would we fit this description? Please explain.
11. What does it mean to you to have favor?
Pharaoh, touched by Joseph’s situation, decides to take matters into his own hands. What does he tell Joseph to tell the brothers? (See vv 17-20.)
What is Pharaoh willing to give them?
Why do you think Pharaoh did not tell the brothers himself?
Why would Pharaoh be so gracious to these Hebrews whom he has never seen?
What does verse 20 mean to you?
12. Following Pharaoh’s instructions, what does Joseph give each brother?
What does he give Benjamin?
Does Benjamin’s special treatment seem to bother the other brothers? Please explain.
Does Joseph love Benjamin more that his other brothers? Please explain.
What does Joseph send to his father, Israel?
13. Verse 24 is very interesting. Joseph sends his brothers away. What advice does he give them?
Why would Joseph say this to his brothers? Why might they quarrel? (What happened the time they sold Joseph into slavery?)
Have you ever given this advice to your children: Don’t quarrel with your brothers or sisters? Why is this advice so important?
How easy is it to slip back into old patterns of behavior?
14. Now comes the fateful moment. The brothers return home. What was Jacob’s reaction when they told him Joseph was alive and the ruler of all Egypt?
What does it mean to you that Jacob was stunned?
Why would he have trouble believing them?
Read
How do the brothers convince Jacob that Joseph is really alive?
15. Finally, after all these years, Jacob’s family is going to be reunited. What is the major difference in this family?
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