Genesis 46:1-18 In our passage for this study Jacob sets out for Egypt to see his son Joseph before he dies. But before he leaves Canaan, he stops at Beersheba and offers sacrifices to God. Why does God, who named him Israel, call him Jacob? What is significant about Beersheba to Jacob? How does Beersheba compare with Bethel? Why would Jacob be apprehensive about going to Egypt? What four promises does God make to Jacob about going to Egypt? Why does this passage stress so strongly what and who Jacob took to Egypt? We encounter another of the genealogies of Genesis in this chapter. What are some things we can learn from this genealogy? (63 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Beersheba, Bethel, Egypt

Genesis 45:16-28 In this week's passage Joseph's brothers are sent back to Canaan to tell their father Jacob the news about Joseph and to bring their families back to Egypt. This story provides us with striking parallels to the Gospel itself. Why is Pharaoh so pleased to hear of Joseph's brothers? What is Pharaoh's invitation to them? What is significant about the wagons of Egypt? How is Joseph's presentation of the garments typical of Christ? What words of admonition does Joseph give his brothers? Why is Jacob's reaction to the news about Joseph what it is? What does it take to revive Jacob and convince him that his son Joseph is still alive and is ruler over all Egypt? (52 min.)

Keywords Joseph, Jacob

Genesis 45:1-15 (pt 2) This lesson continues last week's lesson about Joseph's making known his identity to his brothers. What was Joseph's perspective on the things which had happened in his life? How did the "man" at Shechem figure into God's working in Joseph's life? What makes this particular passage so powerful to us? How is Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers so different from the forgiveness we often see in our experience? How can we learn to show the same kind of forgiveness? Do we even want to? What must have been the most wonderful thing in Joseph's message to his father? How did the brothers' submission turn out to be different from what they had expected, dreaded, and resisted? (61 min.)

Keywords Joseph, Jacob, Forgiveness

Genesis 45:1-18 (pt 1) In the first of two studies on this passage, we consider the remarkable event when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. Joseph has apparently been surprised by Judah's astonishing plea, and a swell of emotions overwhelms him. His announcement of who he actually is, however, is not welcome news to his brothers. Or is it? How do his brothers respond, and why? Why does Joseph ask what he already knows? What two things does Joseph specifically mention that have heretofore not been openly spoken of. Why must he speak these things? How does Joseph's view of reality make forgiveness possible? How might this encounter be similar to when we will first see Christ? What is the significance of the mention of a remnant? How is the deliverance God accomplishes great? Where are you in your personal "story of Joseph?" (53 min)

Keywords Joseph, Judah, Reconciliation

Genesis 44:18-34 Today's lesson includes the longest speech in Genesis: Judah's passionate and eloquent plea to Joseph on his father's behalf. How are Judah's words directed by the Holy Spirit to Joseph's heart? What experiences has Judah encountered in his life that have prepared him for this important moment? Why does Judah refer to Benjamin as a "little child" and as a "lad?" What is the entirety of Judah's speech to Joseph directed at accomplishing? What remarkable character qualities do we see in this man who once sold a brother into slavery? What does this passage teach us about intercession? How is Judah a type of the true Son of Judah? (50 min.)

Keywords Judah, Joseph, Benjamin, Jacob