Summary of passage: Genesis 39 tells how Potiphar’s Wife wanted to sleep with Joseph but he refused so she told her husband he tried to take her and he ended up in prison. Genesis 40 tells that while Joseph was in prison he began interpreting others’ dreams. Genesis 41 tells how Joseph languored in prison for 2 years until he was called upon to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Joseph credits God and seeing that God is with him Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of all of Egypt–second in command beneath him.
Questions:
9a) Jacob refused to be comforted and was disconsolate when his favorite son, his whole world, died. He refused to rejoice that Joseph was in heaven, in a better place. Instead, he only wanted to die. This was from his emphasis on Joseph as his favorite son. When Joseph died, so did Jacob.
b) Throughout all the circumstances that happened to Joseph, he rose to become the number two guy of the most powerful nation on earth. He not only saved God’s chosen people but he also saved Egypt and all the peoples around. God used Joseph to ensure all prospered. Joseph’s family was reconciled.
Just like Romans 8:28 says “In all things God works for the good of those who love him”. All things work together for my good. Even the bad works for good. We just have to remember to trust God and what He is doing for He has a purpose that we cannot see nor understand. God is in control and no matter what happens to us or around us we must not worry. For His plan will prevail.
10) Thrown down the cistern and sold by his brothers. Potiphar’s wife lied to have him thrown in prison. He explained a dream to a cellmate who forgets about him. There he sat for 2 years until he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams.
11) God protects Joseph from the death of his brothers (Genesis 37). Potiphar’s wife tempts Joseph day after day but he tell her he cannot sin against God (Genesis 39:9). Potiphar puts him in jail when he could easily have killed him and while in jail Joseph is favored by God (Genesis 39:21) and put in charge of the prisoners and God “gave him success in whatever he did” (Genesis 39:23).
While in prison, Joseph meets those who will tell Pharaoh about him, the chief cupbearer. Joseph credits his interpretations to God (Genesis 40:8; 41:16)
Conclusions: Honestly, didn’t like this lesson. Not much point to it. Why not just be assigned to read the passages and then answer questions?
9b is why the story of Joseph is so powerful and why almost everyone (even non-Christians) know his story. For despite all the terrible things that happen to Joseph, he never once gives up on God and God never forgets Joseph. I think this story particularly resonates with Americans who hold the American dream: that no matter where you come from you can rise to succeed. No matter how many hard knocks you take, you must always get up and keep fighting.
With one caveat: As long as you give God the credit.
I know, even non-Christians rise and succeed but it is all God’s plan and God’s credit even if they don’t believe nor acknowledge it.
But as Christians we must. His glory. Never ours. As Joseph so wondrously shows us how.