><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 43 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Why did Jacob yield to Judah's appeal when he had refused the earlier appeal of Reuben in 42:37, 38? 2) Why do you think Joseph gave to Benjamin a portion five times as large as to the others? Was it a affection for Benjamin or a further test for his brothers? See 37:4. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 43 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Jacob was probably unwilling to give up the only other son born to him by his beloved wife Rebeccah. Remember that Benjamin (Ben-Oni) was born and then Rebeccah died. It was like her parting gift to Jacob. Joseph seemed to be showing favoritism because Benjamin was his blood brother of his same mother, same womb. I think so because at this point the brothers were in no position to be jealous of Benjamin. Rather, they were amazed that an Egyptain ruler would even invite them in for dinner. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 43 Went To Egypt The Second Time After two years, the food they brought up from Egypt was consumed and reached a time of decision of going down to Egypt again for food. Incidentally, from Canaan to Egypt is a trip about seven days in their time. However, it took Israelites 40 years to get out of Egypt as it recorded in Exodus. How hard it is for a man to be totally separated from this world?! The only way to reach God's promise is to die off of our old self. In last few chapters, it demonstrated that Judah was the leader among the eleven. This is also what the old Jacob blessed Judah with, Gen. 49:9-10. There is one thing identified very clear that leadership means sacrifice. "---- if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:" 43:9b. When Reuben was giving the promise to his father, he did not offer himself; rather he gave his two sons as hostage, 42:37. When Joseph was giving his brother of the same mother, Benjamin, five times more food at the feast table, he knew very well that would irritate his other brothers just as they were about his "multi-color coat". He was really testing them again how they would response this time. They did very well this time. It takes us, sometimes, lifetime lesson to do right. However, may the Lord bless us not to make too many mistakes as such. To correct one mistake by one lesson is not a very good way to live. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Jacob finally yielded to Judah's appeal. They were down to their last straw, at the end of their rope. They had nowhere else to turn. This is when we do drastic things that we would usually not do. How unfortunate that we are so stubborn not to let things go and let God, instead attempting to handle things on our own and control things in our own manner. 2) Joseph's extra blessing to Benjamin appears to be another test for the brothers as to their reaction to a younger brother beloved of their father getting the extra portion. This was the test to see if they had learned anything from their past mistakes. MAny times it takes us so many times to finally understand what is right and to do it. May God grant us mercy and strengthen us to that which is right in His sight. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 44 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) How do the actions of Joseph's brothers in this chapter show a change in them? Contrast their behaviour towards their father and another beloved son in 27:18-31 2) Observe how in this second visit to Egypt Judah takes the lead; see 43:3,8;44:14,16,18. What qualities are revealed in his speech in vs 18-34? How does this teach us that we should not despair of anyone? See 37:26,27; 38:I; Ps. 119:59. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 44 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Their attitude was completely different now that Joseph was a ruler in Egypt. However, that may have been the reason for the difference. It is funny how people treat a person differently after they find out that they have high status. May we not show favoritism to people of high status or wealth, as it exhorts us in James. Judah showed humility, leadership and eloquence in his speech. This persuasive appeal showed his maturity and responsibility as well. He seems to have changed a lot in the years that Joseph was gone. It is true that we must always try to teach with gentleness and respect, for we might be able to impact the thinking of many we consider "hopeless" ones. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 44 Joseph Tests His Brothers Joseph put his silver cup in Benjamin's sack to test his brothers for their consciences that how would they behavior this time of their jealousy and selfishness. If a man does the same evil deed twice, that man is hopeless. Joseph did this trick on them is also an indication that he really would like to keep the brother of the same mother with him, 44:17. This chapter is an appeal case that Judah presented to Joseph. Judah told Joseph why and how did they convince their father to take Ben together with them for this trip. If Ben could not go back to his father, the father would go down to Sheol in sorrow. Judah kept his the promise that he made to his father. He would trade himself to be a slave in place for Ben to save his father's life. In fact, Judah would even die in place of Ben, 44:32. Romans 5:7-8 "Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joseph's brothers'actions were changed in this chapter. Instead of despising Benjamin, Judah and the brothers attempt to protect their younger 'beloved' brother. The one thing they did which was VERY rash is to say that they did not steal the items and that the one who did should be put to death. This is an example of where pride and over self-confidence in one's own abilities and character can cause one to fall. If they had not reacted so rashly to Joseph's acusations, then maybe they wouldn't have had to deal with the issue at all. May each of us guard our actions and wisely and carefully choose our stands against those who accuse us and may we let wisdom rule our actions, and not pride. 2) Judah pleads for himself to be allowed to be the replacement sacrifice. He has learned much since the days when he and his brothers conspired against Joseph. He has matured into a responsible leader and brother. We should never discount anyone because of past actions, yet we also cannot be naive when it comes dealings with those who have wronged us previously. As Joseph did, we must be cunning to test the heart of those who have wronged us, and to make sure they have learned and changed. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 45 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What were the reasons for Josephs' intesity of feeling in verses 1-15? What was his attitude to the sufferings that preceeded the reconciliation? What can we learn from this of God's longing to reconcile His sinful creatures,at whatever cost? 2) What blessings did the restoration of family harmony bring with it? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 45 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- It is true that God gives us hardships and difficulties, but most of all we MUST remember Phillipans 4:13, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." That is CHRIST. If Joseph had a "defeatist" attitude, he would have failed. The total difference was his mindset - that God gave him those hardships, and would carry Him through also. If we learn to really, truly let go and let God, we will have better spiritual and physical health. God does not want us to stress out, but to trust in Him and be anxious about nothing. Prayer, trust, thanksgiving, rejoicing are things that the Christian who has a new life in Christ should exhibit/do. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 45 The Conclusion - Forgiveness The message of Genesis is that God forgives our sins as Joseph forgave his brothers. So often, we see the God's plan only from the surface as this story and do not realize and can not understand the real purpose. 45:5 made clear to us: "And now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life." "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive" Genesis 50:20 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joseph was overcome with emotion. He was overjoyed at being reunited with his own flesh and blood, his own people. He had been in Egypt all his life, probably isolated from much Hebrew contact, as a sole believer among the wordly Egyptians. It must have been very difficult for Joseph. He felt that the suffering he had been through was ALL God's will for the preservation of the saints. What a great example of Joy through Suffering. Joseph endured so much for the sake of the kingdom of God and it's preservation and furtherance. 2) The restoration of family harmony brought with it peace. Joseph was at peace in his soul because he had an extremely heavy emotional burden lifted from his chest. May each of us attempt to create harmony in our family lives that we may experience God's Peace. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 46:1-47:12 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In what way would the fulfillment of the promise in 46:3 be easier in Egypt than in the nomadic conditions of Canaan? What may we learn from this of God's providence? 2 What trait in Joseph is revealed by his management of Jacob's arrival? Cf Is. 11:2. 3 How does this passage illustrate, typically or otherwise, (a) Jn.14:6; (b) 2Cor.4:17,18? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 46:1-47:12 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- God will make things happen, despite the greatest odds, if it is His will. He provides everything we need for the journey - we must provide the faith in Him. Joseph was obviously a wise and capable leader, shown by his instruction to his brothers and father. Truly, wisdom and ability are FROM GOD. It says in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt...) It must have been such a sweet rejoicing feeling to have this reunion, and for Joseph to be rewarded for all his previous struggles. It must have even been worth the hardship to gain the sweet reward and blessing from the Lord. May we truly fix our eyes on Heaven! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 46:1-47:12 I WILL SURELY BRING YOU UP AGAIN - " I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will close your eyes. (but you shall die in Egypt with Joseph at your side.) Life Application Bible)" Gen. 46:4 In my mind, I always think that Jacob did not have the faith to keep himself and his family to survive in Canaan and did not pray hard enough to ask for God's provision to go through the famine in the promised land. So his earthly mind caused him to go down to "the world" for help. However, 46:3-4 indicates that it is the Lord purpose for them to go down to Egypt. FEW AND UNPLEASANT HAVE BEEN THE YEARS OF MY LIFE - It is a sad statement. However, it is a true statement of Jacob's life stated in Verse 47:9. However, look at the positive site that it was his SOJOURNING life which the Lord tested this man through this world. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17:15-16. Gen. 47:9 was translated by KJV as "few and evil have the days of the years of my life been." Salem Kirban Refernce Bible gives us a time saving research of Jacob's difficult life (NIV). Jacob's account of his life to Pharaoh is very touching. It was a pilgrimage from birth to death, from earth to heaven: The Burdens of Sin - Jacob recounts (1) his unbrotherly conduct towards Esau; (2) his deception of his father; (3) his sharp conduct toward Laban, his father in law; (4) his neglect of the training of his older sons, and (5) his partiality toward Joseph. Burdensof His Sorrows - He relates (1) how he was driven from his home; (2) the anger of Esau; (3) the ill-treatment by Labah; (4) the lameness caused by his wrestling with God's messenger; (5) the loss of Joseph; (6) the bad conduct of his sons; (7) the death of Rachel; (8) the famine; (9) the danger of his sons in Egypt; (10) the infirmities of old age, and (11) the remorse for his past sins. The Bounty of His Blessings - Jacob's blessings included (1) a good home; (2) a father's blessing; (3) the vision at Bethel; (4) worldly prosperity; (5) Rachel and a long life; (6) a large family; and (7) the promises of God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God's promise to make a great nation was probably only possible through sending the family of Jacob into Egypt. Egypt was a much more fertile land and in order to 'make' a nation the less nomadic conditions were needed. The move to Egypt always seems strange, since most of us know what happened as a result - slavery and oppression, then wandering in the wilderness after deliverance. This chapter makes it clear though that God works His will to better His people, and to draw them closer to Him. 2) Joseph's wisdom is shown in this chapter in his management of the arrival of his father, the way in which he had the plan to integrate his family into the nation of Egypt. 3) This passage shows us that God leads us, and shows us His paths for us to follow. We may not fully understand what it is the end outcome will be, but we need to press onward - boldly in faith that He will lead us and act as a light to our path. Even if we have suffering, we need to trust in the One who is able to keep us until that day and focus on the things that are unseen and eternal! 2Cor.4:17,18? For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 47:13-48:22 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 By their own confession what did Joseph do for the people of Egypt? How did he remain true to his father's God amid all the pressures of his office? 2 What different points of view produced the two retrospects of Jacob in 47:9 and 48: 15,16? Which is more worthy of our imitation? 3 Note Jacob's confident faith and prayer for his two grandsons. Cf Heb. 11:21; Gn. IS: 18, 19 Dt. 6: 4-7; Ps. 78: 5-7. What can we learn from this concerning the privilege and responsibility of Christian parenthood? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 47:13-48:22 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Joseph did not let his people die of famine. He sold them food. However, this did lead to the servitude which Moses later had to fight against. The Famine makes me think of spiritual famine. When believers who have no Word of God in their lives starve for lack of spiritual food. And it is by personal choice. How sad, when Jesus should be the Bread of Life for us, Jn 6:48, Jesus said, "I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE.....I AM THE LIVING BREAD THAT CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN. IF ANYONE EATS OF THIS BREAD, HE WILL LIVE FOREVER. THIS BREAD IS MY FLESH, WHICH I WILL GIVE FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD." May we accept and be dependent upon the Lord Jesus Christ, our living bread, which supplies us with true life. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 47:13-31 Result of the Famine 47:13-14 "now there was no food in all the land, because the famine was very severe. And Joseph gathered all the MONEY that was found in the land ----." 47:16 "--- give up your LIVESTOCK, and I will give you food -----." 47:19 "---Buy us and our LAND for food ----" 47:25 " --- we will be Pharaoh's SLAVES." All the Egyptians and others were slaves because their physical needs. Most of us do not realize how starving could change a man's life. The biblical application is "--- man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4. Chapter 48 Israel's last days When Israel placed his right hand on Ephraim's head instead of Manasseh's (48:20), it indicates that blessing is a grace of God. It does not follow human tradition/order/right. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joseph literally 'saved' the people from physical death and starvation. In all the pressures of the office he had been apointed to, Joseph remained true to God. He made sure his footsteps were lead by God. 2) We should be thankful in retrospect for all that God has done in our lives. We need to not take for granted the things God is working in our lives and how He has guided us through this life. 3) We see here another younger sibling receiving the greater birthright blessing. It is interesting to note this and that God's plan is the greater focus, not what we think should be 'proper' or right. May we focus on His plan not our own and yield to the path He has chosen for us. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 49 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Consider how diverse and unpromising were the human materials which God chose for the fulfilment of His purposes. Cf Dt.7:7-8;9:4,5. One secret of how God could do this is described in vs 24,25a. Is this a secret of victory which you have learnt for yourself? Cf Phil 4:13;2 Cor 12:9. 2) Consider especially Reuben, Judah, and Joseph. In whom was the promise of Verse 10 fulfilled? See RSV for sense;Exk 21:27) Cf also 1 Chr. 5:1,2. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 49 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Verse 10's promise was initially carried out by David, and finally in Christ (NIV Study Bible). Yes, God chooses different ones to have different blessings. That is the absolute beauty of living in the Body of Christ, the different parts that combine to make a working unit. May we be steadfast in our duties, and also in encouraging others. Let us consider how we can stimulate others to good works, and remain actively in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. As the hymn says, "They'll know we are Christians by our love." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 49 The Sons of Israel Among the twelve tribes, Israel prophesied about the Northern (Israel) and the Southern (Judah) kingdoms. The important message is 49:10, "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh (Christ) comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." The national prestige on Joseph's son Ephraim are stated in 49:22-26 which reiterates the previous statements in Verses 48:19-22. Famous Descendants of Various Tribes LEVI - Aaron, Moses, Eli, Ezra, John the Baptist; JUDAH - Caleb, David, Solomon, Jesus; DAN - Samson; Naphtali - Barak; Asher - Anna; \Joseph - Joshua, Gideon, Samuel; Benjamin - King Saul, Esther, Paul. Characteristic Prophecy of Israel's Sons in Animalistic Representations Judah as Lion and donkey ~ power/authority and submission; Dan as serpent ~ craftiness; Naphtali as doe ~ swiftness with skill; Benjamin as wolf ~ tenacity. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The love of God causes Him to have mercy on us, undeserving creatures as we are, ungrateful receptacles of mercy. 2 Cor 12:9-10 9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong May we be weak and let Him be our strength. 2) The promise of verse 10 is fulfilled through Jesus Christ. He is the Shiloh, the true ruler of all. May we worship Him and give him all honor and glory and praise forever and ever, Amen. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 50 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Comparing 50:1-13 with 28:13-15, reflect how faithful God had been in the fulfillment of His promise in even Jacob's own life - Cf Ps 146: 5,6. 2 Why were the brothers slow to believe that Joseph had forgiven them? What was Joseph's reaction? Do we ever similarly grieve God? 3 How long a time elapsed between Jacob's coming to Egypt and Joseph's death? What took place during those years? See verses 22,23; Ex 1:7. How does this make Joseph's faith (see vs 24,25) the more conspicuous? Cf Heb. 11:22. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 50 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The power of Joseph's forgiveness, in the light of what God's will for his life, is amazing. Despite the terrible things they did to their own brother, he said, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives..." Truly, Joseph was selfless and insightful. he could see what God wanted to do through him. He truly did not show self-respect and indignation, but surrendered his life to God. May we follow this godly example, but even more so, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, a humble servant. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 50 God Meant It for Good 50:20 "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result to preserve many people alive." In the beginning God created man. Sin and disobedience separated the communion between man and God. Since then, man lives a worldly life without peace and has no hope in life. Then they suffer famine and death. God sent a man of God (Joseph) to save their lives in the world (Egypt). This "man of God" served them in the world until death. Genesis is a "reader's digest" of God salvation plan. In essence it is a record of the progressive revelation of God, offering, seeking, obtaining a relationship with mankind. It is God's revelation of Himself, and plan for mankind. Genesis has been called the "Seed book of the Bible" and from it the truth will develop, mature, blossom and demand a response. "yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him." I Corinthians 8:6. Amen and amen. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God was faithful to start the nation that He promised Jacob even in His lifetime. He had 12 sons and those sons had already given him many grandchildren by his death. 2) The brothers were slow to believe that Joseph had forgiven them because they still felt guilt, remorse. They realized just how great a sin they had committed against THEIR OWN BROTHER and were in disbelief that God could save them. Joseph extended them unconditional love just as God extends each of us, no matter what the sin, unconditional love and total forgiveness. He washed us whiter than snow. 3) There were 110 years between when Jacob came to Egypt and Joseph's death. During those years, the nation of Israel grew, two more generations were born unto the house of Joseph. He would later predict the Exodus back to Egypt and ask that his bones be brought back to be buried with his father's. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER Review 37-50 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Why did Joseph remain so free from bitterness in the face of undeserved suffering, and so unspoilt by sudden great responsibility? See Gen 39:9c;50:20;Acts 7:9,10. 2 Consider Joseph as a type of Christ. How many parallels can you find? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter Review 37-50 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Joseph like Christ (my own perspective) Joseph Christ shepherd The Good Shepherd stripped, sold by brothers stripped, soldiers cast lots for garments, for 20 shekels of silver was bought for 30 silver coins from Judas supplier of food The Bread of Life a great ruler King of Kings called "a fruitful vine The true vine, John 15:1 near a spring" Gen 49:22 -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis Review Chapters 37-50 (1) Joseph demonstrated through his life that he would not do anything to offend God. Thus, God was with him and rescued him from all his afflictions because his fearfulness toward the Creator. This fear and trust rooted in Stephen's mind and made him full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Stephen testified boldly that Jesus is Christ before the powerful social and religion leaders, the Sanhedrin. "And all those sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw his face as the face of an angel." Acts 6:15. (2) Among all the amazing similarities between Joseph and Jesus to symbolize that Joseph foreshadowed the Savior, Willington's Guide to the Bible depicted the concept that they both took non-Jewish brides with scriptures quotations: Genesis 41:45 - "----- and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as his wife.----." Eph. 3:1-12 - "---- [10] in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. ---." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Even though he could have had a feeling of bitterness towards his brothers, a feeling of why me, and a sense of pride due to great responsibility, Joseph did not. He remained humble and faithful to the Lord in all that he went through. He had an understanding that God was working things out for His long term good, not necessarily Joseph's short term good. 2) Parallels: - Joseph was taken out of his home to go into Egypt, Christ separated from God by coming to Earth. - Joseph suffered in Egypt, Christ suffered on earth. - Both were tempted and came away unblemished. - Joseph provided a way of physical salvation and an answer to physical hunger-bread. Christ provides a way of spiritual salvation and source of spiritual food - Bread of Life. There are many more parallels we have seen in these chapters and made mention of. Praise God for giving us examples and mini-glimpses of His great master plan for salvation throughout the Bible.