Genesis Chapter 45
The brothers had passed the test. They showed genuine concern for the life of their half- brother Benjamin. They cared deeply for what it would do to their father Jacob (Israel) if Benjamin did not return home. In fact, one of the brothers, Judah, offered to take the place of Benjamin and accept whatever punishment that the governor of Egypt would have given to Benjamin for stealing his cup. This was all that Joseph had hoped for, he saw a change in his brothers, and it filled his heart with great emotion. The Bible says that Joseph cried. He was with family.
Let's Reflect
1. As Joseph thought about the fact that he was with his family and all that had transpired leading up to them coming to Egypt, he wept. Joseph had endured a lot in his life because of that horrible day when his brothers sold him into slavery, but he could now see the whole picture. God had allowed all of this to happen for His purpose. What did Joseph command the Egyptian staff that were in the room to do?
2. Can you imagine what the brothers were thinking as they saw this very powerful Egyptian weeping loudly before them. They must have been so confused. And then he announced something to them that really upended their world. What did he tell them?
3. They probably did not even realize that this man was speaking to them in their own language as he told his brothers to come closer to him. Of course the brothers were dismayed! He said one sentence that told them he was exactly who he said he was. What was that sentence?
4. He told his brothers that God had orchestrated it all. He told them God had sent him to Egypt ahead of his family for what purpose?
This truth will be repeated by Joseph in Genesis 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
5. What did Joseph tell his brothers about the famine? Notice they never questioned him about his revelation.
6. How did the Pharoah of Egypt respond when he heard that Joseph’s brothers had come to visit?
7. What were the brothers given to help them facilitate the move?
8. He also gave them many gifts to take back home to their father. Why do you suppose he gave Benjamin more gifts than the rest?
9. When the sons of Jacob returned home and told their father that Joseph was alive in Egypt, what was his first response?
10. What did Jacob declare after thinking about the gifts that Joseph had sent?
