Ancestry.GOD Questions Week 19 Logo
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Ancestry.GOD Created to Flourish! Questions Week Nineteen — Genesis 42 - 44 DAY ONE Genesis 42:1 - 2, Psalm 105:4 - 5, Jeremiah 6:16 Note Jacob’s frustration with the brothers’ reaction to the famine. When you find yourself in a place of need, where do you tend to look for an answer? Genesis 42:1 - 7, 37:5 - 11 Imagine this scene from Joseph’s perspective as he recognizes his brothers and watches them bow before him, exactly as he had dreamed. What emotions do you think entered his mind? Genesis 42:7 - 13, 41:51, Proverbs 18:15 Why do you think Joseph chose not to reveal himself at this point, but instead spoke harshly to them and accused them of being spies? How do you think he felt as they referred to him as the “one who is no more”? DAY TWO Genesis 42:14 - 23, Matthew 12:40, Ephesians 5:15 - 17 Do you think Joseph was acting out of revenge, or testing their honesty? What do you think transpired during the brothers’ three days in the dungeon that caused them to correlate their present circumstances with their terrible treatment of Joseph many years ago? Do you see the three days as significant or symbolic? Explain. Genesis 42:24, Romans 5:3 - 5, Hebrews 12:15 What did Joseph hear that would have caused his tears? How have you felt upon hearing someone acknowledge their hurtful treatment toward you? Why do you think Joseph chose Simeon as his hostage? Genesis 42:25 - 28, Romans 12:19 - 21 Why do you think the brothers asked, “What is this that God has done to us?” What would cause them to attribute the money in their sacks to an act of God? Why would an act of generosity, or grace, have caused conviction, as opposed to gratitude? Genesis 42:21 - 28, Psalm 32:3 - 4, 38:18 How can unconfessed sin affect a person both emotionally and physically? Can you recall a time when you experienced a sense of guilt or remorse? How did it affect you? DAY THREE Genesis 42:29 - 38, Ecclesiastes 5:2 What does Jacob’s response to the brothers’ report about their trip to Egypt convey about his level of faith in God and his ability to see God’s hand moving in their lives? Can you recall a time when you made a snap decision based on emotions? Genesis 42:36 - 43:6, Isaiah 64:4, Romans 8:7, 26 - 28 Who was the object of Jacob’s focus following their report? How had negativity and self pity blinded him to the sovereign and powerful hand of God on his life? What situation, or trial, have you begun to view from a limited perspective? How could you reframe your vision to see glimpses of God moving and acting on your behalf? Genesis 43:7 - 14, Philippians 2:12 - 14 Compare the words of Judah and Jacob as they prepare to return to Egypt. How does each man’s response reveal their state of mind? How have you seen God patiently, and repetitively, orchestrate situations to allow you to grow or learn an important lesson? Give an example. DAY FOUR Genesis 43:15 - 23, Colossians 3:17, 1 Peter 3:15 What spiritual influence can you infer Joseph had on his steward, based on the steward’s response to the brothers? Are you actively aware of the impact your words and actions have on those who observe you on a daily basis? How does this encourage you regarding the potential effect you could have on someone who doesn’t know the Lord? Genesis 43:24 - 33, Psalm 119:18, Isaiah 43:18 - 19 What do you think the brothers thought about Joseph’s gracious reception toward them? Do you think they were cognizant that this was not an ordinary state of affairs? What clues has God given you that He is at work in your present condition? Genesis 43:34 - 44:2 What was Joseph’s purpose in allocating five times the amount of food to Benjamin, and then putting the silver cup in Benjamin’s sack? What would you surmise he was hoping to accomplish? DAY FIVE Genesis 44:3 - 17, Proverbs 28:13, James 5:16 Why do you think Judah, in speaking for all of the brothers, did not profess their innocence? What did his response clearly reveal to Joseph? Genesis 44:18 - 34, 2 Corinthians 7:9 - 10 Take a few minutes to take in Judah’s powerful confession and repentant speech. Do you think his admission was strictly about the silver cup, or an acknowledgment of their sins against Joseph? Explain. Genesis 44:33 - 34 Note Judah’s offer to substitute his freedom for Benjamin’s. Do you think God chose Judah to become the ancestor of Christ, following this selfless sacrifice, or do you think Judah was acting out of the character God had already planned for him? Give verses to support your answer. DAY SIX Genesis 44:33 - 34, 1 Kings 12:16 - 24 As you look at how history unfolded from this point in scripture, what important alliance was formed following one brother’s unification with another? What does this illustrate about the multifaceted ingenious quality of God’s Word? What have you learned from the way Joseph’s conducted himself with his brothers? How does his story personally convict or encourage you? © @HOME BIBLE STUDY We would love for you to share our studies, but please do not change the content without written permission..