Read Genesis 50. What does this text say about the nature of God? What does it say about the character of God? What does it say about the love of God?
As you read the text, where do you find yourself today? With what verse, scene or section do you most resonate? What’s confusing and what questions arise as you read the text?
At the beginning of the study, we learned God would use one family as partners in His redemption plan. Through this one family, the Messiah would ultimately come. How do you see God at work in the family of Abraham, Issac, Jacob and now Joseph?
In the New Testament, the plan of redemption includes the local church, His Faith Family. How are you seeing God work in and through our Faith Family? How are you hearing the redemption song being sung in and through your family?
Reread Genesis 50.15. What two things do Joseph’s brothers fear?
In your own words, define a “guilty conscience.”
How has your life been impacted by the guilty conscience of another?
Read Psalm 38.4. How do you resonate with this verse?
What does God see in you? What does God believe about you? How do you resonate with the truth that “God is glad to see you”? What, if anything, could you do to make God see you any differently?
Joseph’s brothers carried the weight of guilt for 40 years. Though they had the opportunity to receive forgiveness, they choose to remain in their guilt and shame. What kind of impact does that have on a life? What kind of impact does that kind of weight have on a family? How might God be inviting you even now to release your own pain of guilt or the pain and suffering that comes from the hands and hearts of another?
The text notes Joseph “weeping” seven times. What is it that causes this kind of emotional expression? When was the last time you wept over the brokenness of another? How did you sense God meeting you in that space?
Read Genesis 45.1-8 and answer the following questions. Why does Joseph remove everyone from his presence except his brothers? What causes Joseph to express this kind of sorrow? What does Joseph say to his brothers about their sin against him?
Reread Genesis 50.19-21. Note the similarity in Joseph’s response in chapter 45 and in 50. How does Joseph view what has happened to him in his past?
Consider the truth of Genesis 50.20. Where are you currently experiencing God’s Sovereignty prevailing in your life? Where are you waiting deeper still for God’s Sovereignty to prevail? Who waits with you?
Reread the final section of Genesis 50. What do you hear from Joseph? What are his last recorded words? What truth does he communicate to his family?
How does the ending of Joseph’s story encourage you to trust God with this current chapter of your story? How might others join you in this chapter, or in previous chapters of your story?
Spend some moments praying and praising God for His prevailing love.
