After Jacob blesses his sons and ensures they know where he wants to be buried, Jacob dies. There is great fanfare to celebrate his life and he is ultimately buried in Canaan. Since their father is dead, Joseph’s brothers are worried that Joseph may finally take revenge. But as we have seen throughout Genesis, the Lord is with Joseph and he recognizes what his brothers meant for evil God meant for good, keeping people alive.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
Where does Jacob request to be buried? Why is this significant? Who else is buried there?
What do the brothers do when their father dies?
Where does Joseph request to be buried? Why is this significant?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Where do we see evidence of God’s sovereignty in this passage?
What are the ways that we see Joseph’s story foreshadow Christ’s story and his ultimate sacrifice?
How have Jacob and Joseph’s stories helped you more fully understand forgiveness and reconciliation? Think about this horizontally (between others) and vertically (between you and God).
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Read 50:19, can you think of a situation where you have placed yourself in God’s place? How can we follow Joseph’s example and recognize God’s sovereignty and justice in difficult situations?
Both Jacob and Joseph were looking ahead to the Promised Land and fully trusted in God’s promises. How does this mindset encourage and convict you? Are you looking ahead to the Promised Land?