Moved by Judah’s speech, Joseph is unable to restrain his emotions. To the consternation of his shocked brothers, he reveals that he is Joseph. In a long speech he attempts to dissipate their sense of guilt by stressing God’s role in sending him to Egypt in order to preserve the lives of his family. With the famine set to continue, Joseph sends his brothers back to Canaan in order to bring the rest of his family to Egypt (From the ESV Study Bible).
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
How does Joseph respond to Judah offering his life for Benjamin’s?
Read verses 4-8. How does Joseph explain his presence in Egypt?
What is Jacob’s response to his sons when they return and tell them what happened?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Reread verse 5, how do we see the foreshadowing of Christ again in Joseph’s story?
Think back through Joseph’s story, where have we seen God’s sovereignty? Where do we see it, especially in chapter 45?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Joseph forgives his brothers after many years of suffering. Is there a situation in your life where you are slow to forgive? How can you grow in this or change your perspective and forgive?
Joseph also reflects on how God used his suffering for ultimate good. Is there a situation in your life that you may need to change your attitude towards? How can you grow and acknowledge God’s sovereignty and goodness?