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

Genesis 43:26-34 As Joseph arrives home for the noon feast planned for his brothers, they bring to him the present they have prepared. What is it about this present? Why is it mentioned repeatedly, only to fade into obscurity in the narrative? What is the significance of the brothers bowing before Joseph? How is it that something that was once so abhorrent to them they now do with such apparent ease? The brothers report that their father is well. Is he, really? Once Joseph overcomes his overwhelming emotions, the feasting begins. Why did Joseph seat the men according to their birth order? What must have been going through Joseph's mind as he feasted and drank with his brothers? (55 min.)

Keywords Joseph, Benjamin

Genesis 42:29-38 Joseph's brothers return home with the dreaded task of reporting to their father, Jacob, the ugly turn of events in Egypt. How will they attempt to soften the blow to the aged and frail man? Jacob's response to the news, and to the discovery that someone in Egypt is out to get them, triggers a despairing reaction from Jacob. Why does he blame his sons? What is our reaction when tragic events and bad news would overwhelm us? What is the answer to despair? Why does Reuben react as he does with his proposal? How do we respond when we get desperate? What is the answer to desperation? (53 min)

Keywords Jacob, Joseph, Benjamin, Reuben

Genesis 42:10-20 Having been accused of spying by Joseph in the passage we looked at last Sunday, his brothers rise to their own defense. Their defense consists of three assertions. Why do they expect these claims will sway the great Zaphenaph Peneah (Joseph)? Are the brothers truly honest men as they claim? How does their claim to integrity reflect our human natures? How does Joseph appear to his brothers? What plan does Joseph make to test his brothers? How and why does he alter his plan? What scenario is Joseph creating for his brothers, and what can we learn about our own testings from this? (62 min.)

Keywords Joseph, Benjamin, Dreams, Testing

Genesis 42:1-9 Resuming our study of the life of Joseph, we learn about the first encounter between Joseph and his ten estranged brothers. What is the contrast we see between the story of Joseph so far, and how we find the family of Jacob back in Canaan? What lesson has Jacob seemingly failed to learn? How is the journey of the brothers to Egypt a metaphor of Israel and the Messiah? How has Joseph changed since his brothers last saw him? How did he "disguise" himself? What was Joseph's motive in charging his brothers with spying? What is the significance of Joseph remembering his dreams? What does this tell us about his motives? (50 min.)

Keywords Joseph, Dreams, Benjamin, Brothers

Genesis 35:16-29 Jacob continues his journey back home to his father's house. While encamped near Migdal Eder (the Tower of the Flock) Reuben, his first born son, commits an atrocious act. What was the significance of Reuben's deed? Finally reunited with his father, Jacob is there when Isaac dies, and Jacob joins Esau, his once estranged brother, in burying him. On the journey to Migdal Eder, Rachel dies in giving birth to Jacob's twelfth son, Benjamin. What is the profound significance of this story about Rachel's travail and Benjamin's birth? How can we draw encouragement from it? (56 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Rachel, Bethlehem, Benjamin, Migdal Eder