What we learn about Joseph is that he is one of the most complete picture or shadow of Christ in the Bible. Here are a few examples:
- Both were beloved by their fathers – Genesis 37:3; Matthew 3:17
- Both were shepherds – Genesis 37:2; John 10:11-14
- Both were severely tempted – Genesis 39:7; Matthew 4:1
- Both were taken to Egypt – Genesis 37:26; Matthew 2:14-15
- Both were sold for the price of a slave – Genesis 27:28; Matthew 26:15
- Both were highly exalted after suffering – Genesis 41:41; Philippians 2:9-10
As we continue in the life of Joseph we begin with the prisoners dreams that Joseph interprets in Chapter 40. What were the meanings of the two dreams? What happened to the two prisoners who had the dreams?
In Chapter 41 we find out two full years have now gone by and Joseph is still in the prison. Pharaoh now has two dreams. What were the meaning of those dreams? What was Pharaohs response to the dreams?
What is happening in 41:9-13? Tell this quickly in your own words.
Write out Genesis 41:14. What is happening here?
We continue in this chapter seeing Joseph and Pharaohs interactions. What do you personally notice here? How have things changed for Joseph by the end of Chapter 41?
Now we find Josephs family needing help, which leads them to Egypt in Chapter 42. Describe what is happening in verses 1-9. How do you think Joseph was feeling at this point? How do you think the brother’s are feeling from Joseph’s treatment of them in verses 10-24?
In Chapter 42:25-38 what do you notice taking place? What stands out to you here?
Did you learn anything new about God, how He treats us as His people, or about yourself or how others can/will respond to God? What takeaways do you have from today’s readings? Share an insight you gained through this reading.
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This is a story I often read and am fascinated with. Joseph’s life, all the ups and downs, and yet he stays faithful to God. He is put in a high place of honor and authority amidst all the wrongs against him. And in the end, the way he is treating his brothers – giving them their money back, taking care of their needs for their journey – is astonishing.
Here is a man who could hold great unforgiveness towards his brothers. He has been taken away from his family, sold into slavery, put in prison for no reason, but because of his faith in God (which would have come from the upbringing from his own father) he is exalted over and over.
That faith in God, seeing how God is working in the midst of all these horrific things he has gone through, has had an impact on how Joseph responds to others sins against him. Joseph’s example of forgiveness in this chapter and the ones to come has been one of the greatest examples to me as I have dealt with big struggles in my own life.
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Genesis 40: 23 “Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.”
Genesis 41:1 “Two full years later, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing on the bank of the Nile River.”
Imagine how excited Joseph was thinking the cup-bearer is telling the Pharaoh and everyone about Joseph’s dream interpretation and outcome. The Bible doesn’t let us in on Joseph’s thoughts as each day went by for two FULL years.
We know God could have reminded the cup-bearer. God could have given Pharaoh the dream that very night. What was God doing in Joseph’s life, mind and heart during these two full years wait? What was God doing behind the scenes setting the stage for his good plan in and through Joseph?
There was a time I would not have handled this in a God honoring way. But by God’s grace, I am practicing trusting who he says he is, his promises, and learning to see things God’s way, which includes waiting on his best timing. I love pleasing God with my trust in him.
Love and prayers, Lisa K
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