In Genesis 41 we see the working of God’s plan on full display as he redeems Joseph’s affliction. This chapter tells the story of Joseph’s rise in status from being a prisoner in the king’s jail to becoming the chief administrator of Egypt. God's providential work in Joseph's past sufferings has prepared him for this moment. Joseph continues in faithfulness and humbly acknowledges God as the source of his deliverance and blessing.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
Summarize this lengthy chapter in a few sentences. What are the highlights?
How long is Joseph in prison until the cup bearer remembers him? Why do you think God allowed Joseph to sit in prison for so long for a crime he did not commit?
Look at verses 16, 25, 28, 38. Under whose authority are the dreams interpreted?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
How is God’s favor abundantly evident in Joseph’s life in this chapter?
Think back to Joseph’s original dreams. How does this third set of dreams in Joseph’s story help bring about the first set. How can this encourage us in our own lives?
What are the names of Joseph’s sons? What do they mean? What do they indicate about his faith?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
How does the story of Joseph (in chapter 41 especially) point us to Jesus and the gospel story? Why is this important for us to understand?
Who do you give glory to when you do something well? God? Yourself? How can you rightly give glory to God in all things?
Joseph is one of the best role models in Genesis. What characteristics of Joseph, which we also see in Christ, do you want to have true of you as well? How can we nurture this character in ourselves?