Lesson 28 – Genesis 42–45

Joseph and his brothers The famine forces Jacob to send his other sons to get food from Egypt. How long has gone by? – Gen 41:46 – Joseph was 30 (13 years) – Gen 45:11 – 5 more years of famine (9 years) – 22 years, Joseph was 49 How old then were his brothers? – In their 50s – They probably had children of their own

Joseph and his brothers How had both sides changed? – Joseph came from slavery to be second in command of all Egypt – Brothers were older, had families of their own, probably more mature/reflective How did his brothers feel about what they did to Joseph? Joseph uses this as a teaching moment (again) He takes them through the repentance process.

Step 1 Joseph recognizes them, they don’t recognize him. Joseph accuses them of being spies Gen 42:21 Recognize How did they feel? Did it matter that it was 22 years later?

Elder M Russell Ballard “Sin will always, always, result in suffering. It may come sooner, or it may come later, but it will come” – M. Russell Ballard

Step 2 Joseph filled their sacks with food, gave them back money They have to bring Benjamin back to prove they are not spies Leave Simeon Finally, Jacob is convinced to let Benjamin go Joseph leaves his cup in Benjamin’s sack, to accuse him of stealing, take him back. Gen 44:13 – They rent their clothes

Step 2 Gen 44:16 Confess/Ask for Forgiveness Did Joseph intend to keep Benjamin as a servant? Judah is starting to play a larger role, showing faith and righteousness

Step 3 Gen 44:33 Rectify Judah is willing to sacrifice himself instead of his brother, Benjamin Double symbolism! – Joseph as Christ (asking for repentance) – Judah as Christ (willing to sacrifice in Benjamin’s place)

Step 4 Gen 45:1-8 Receive Forgiveness “Joseph could not refrain himself” – He saw the change in his brethren, filled him with joy How does Christ feel when we repent, show that we have changed? v7-8 – “it was not you that sent me hither, but God” Not only could they feel the joy of repentance, they found out the Lord was truly in charge

Chapter 45 Chapter of joy, forgiveness, reconciliation, love, reuniting, gratitude, celebration, humility, rejoicing These are the feelings of repentance Put yourself in the shoes of Joseph’s brethren What joy can forgiveness bring?

Notebook Ideas Think about a time you repented. What were your feelings when you received forgiveness? Why is it worth the suffering to go through the experience of repentance?