5.3. FIRST IN LIKENESS TO CHRIST - JOSEPH (Genesis 37:2 - 50:26)

The providence of God is seen more distinctly in providing for His people through Joseph. His being sold, his wrongful imprisonment, his final position of power, all in God's hands brings the preservation of Israel. How amazing! Things we would wish out of our lives, God works for good (Genesis 50:20. Acts 2:23-24 ). Like no one else in Genesis, Joseph's life points to Christ. His story is so familiar we will only make a survey of his likeness to Christ, and point to some practical lessons. Our Goal Should Be to Be Like Jesus!

	Joseph was loved by his father, as Jesus was. (Genesis 37:28. Matthew 3:17 ).
	Joseph was sold, like Jesus. (Genesis 37:28. Matthew 27:3 ). He for 20 pieces of silver, Jesus for 30 pieces.
	Joseph became a servant, like Jesus. (Genesis 39:1. Philippians 2:7 ).
	Joseph victoriously resisted temptation, like Jesus. (Genesis 39:8. Matthew 4:1-11 ).
	Joseph was a blessing to others, like Jesus. (Genesis 39:5. Ephesians 1:3 ).
	Joseph was condemned and bound, like Jesus. (Genesis 39:20. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ).
	Joseph was exalted as a prince and saviour, like Jesus. (Genesis 41:41. Ephesians 1:22. Revelation 1:5 ).
	Joseph was a provider of bread, like Jesus. (Genesis 41:48. John 6:48 ).
	Joseph was revealed to his brethren, like Jesus. (Genesis 45:1-3. Acts 1:3 ).
	Joseph was closest to Pharaoh, like Jesus to His Father. (Genesis 41:41. John 14:9. Matthew 28:18 ).

	Joseph not only dreamed, he lived so that the Lord who gave him the dream was able to fulfill the dream (Genesis 37:5-9; 41:42-44; Philippians 2:14,15 ).
	Joseph was true to the Lord even in adversity and seemingly hopeless conditions. He knew how to abound and how to be in want (Genesis 39:1-6; 20-23; Philippians 4:12 ).
	Joseph lived in intimate relationship with the Lord, which was the secret of his prosperity and success. It was this that impressed his employer (Genesis 39:2,4; Ephesians 6:5,6 NIV ).
	Joseph refused to do great wickedness and sin against the Lord by not yielding to seductive temptation (Genesis 39:7-13; 2 Timothy 2:22 ).
	Joseph under untruthful accusation and unjust punishment submitted himself to the Lords vindication (Genesis 39:14-20 ).
	Joseph was shut up in prison but could not be shut off from God and His gifts of wisdom and interpretation remained in operation (Genesis 40 ).
	Joseph when promoted to the highest office remained humble, recognising promotion comes from God (Genesis 41:14-16; Psalm 75:6,7 ).
	Joseph was a forgiving brother knowing that God turned evil for good so that he might be the provider for his father and his now sorry brothers (Genesis 45:1-15; Romans 8:28 ).
	Joseph sought through his father, spiritual blessing for his sons. He wanted the best for his firstborn but submitted to God's will (Genesis 48:8-20 ).
	Joseph gave prophetic description of the return of the people of Israel to Canaan. He requested to be part of that by them carrying his bones back with them. At 110 years of age he still had his eyes on the God who keeps promises (Genesis 50:22-26; Exodus 13:19; Joshua 24:32; Hebrews 11:22 ).

NOTE: With the death of Joseph (Genesis 50:26 ), the patriarchal age was finished. That of the nation Israel, had begun. The book ends with a coffin in Egypt. What a dramatic ending to the book of Genesis. It speaks of the power of sin and death, showing the extent of man's fall. This would be man, reduced to dust, futility, vanity, but thanks be to God, because of Christ Jesus, the story does not end there.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Chapter 37

1. Why was Joseph the favoured of his father?
2. Was Jacob wise to give him the special coat?
3. Do you think the loathing of him by his brothers was aggravated by Joseph reporting to his father some of their bad actions?
4. Did Jacob completely misjudge his sons in sending Joseph to check on them?
5. Do you find it incredible that the brothers could plan to kill Joseph?
   • What did they finally do to him?
   • How do the things that have happened to Joseph point to Christ?
6. How did the brothers plan to deceive Jacob?
   • What was the consequence to Jacob?
   • Is it possible for sons to be so cruel?
7. To whom did Joseph become a slave?

Chapter 38

1. In reading this chapter do you find it incredible that Judah's name was to be prominent in the Messianic line?
2. The account concerning Tamar taking matters into her own hands may shock you, yet she also is found in the Messianic line.
   • Do you see amazing grace?
   • What about God's grace in Jesus Christ to you and yours?

Chapter 39

1. What was the profession and rank of Potiphar who bought Joseph as his slave? How did Joseph come to be entrusted with the running of his whole house?
2. In which way did Joseph respond to blatant temptation? What two responses kept Joseph from sexual sin?
3. Why was Potiphar's wife so revengeful towards Joseph? What did Potiphar do?
4. In which way did Joseph find favour with the prison keeper?
   • How much power was he allowed to exercise in the prison?
   • Can God look after those committed to Him, no matter what situations they are in?

Chapter 40

1. Do you see how the Lord was working circumstances in Joseph's favour?
   • Two important political prisoners experienced strange dreams. Who were they?
   • Why do you think they shared them with Joseph?
   • What were the dreams?
2. Who gave Joseph the gift to interpret dreams?
   • How long had he been so gifted?
   • Do you believe that in his young years, the Lord in His all-knowledge was preparing Joseph, so that his gift would be used for his own deliverance and that of the covenant family?
   • What gift do you have and see developing?
3. What was the interpretation of the chief butler's dream?
   • And that of the chief baker?
   • Do you think it was easy to give the interpretation to the baker?
   • Had you been given the interpretations would you have hesitated to give the time of their fulfilments?
4. What promise did Joseph ask the butler to make to him?
   • Knowing God had given the interpretation do you believe he saw God working his deliverance?

Chapters 41 and 42

1. How long did Joseph have to wait for the butler to remember him? What was the secret of Joseph's patience and perseverance?
2. What caused the butler to remember Joseph?
   • What information was in the first and second dreams of Pharaoh?
   • How important was the interpretation to Egypt and Israel?
3. Do you see in Joseph one who was more than a visionary?
   • How impressive was his plan?
   • How did Pharaoh react? How great was Joseph's promotion?
   • Did all this spoil Joseph in any way?
   • What was the secret of his stability and character?
4. Did Joseph experience domestic happiness in those years of plenty?
   • Do you think his marriage was favoured by his having kept himself pure?
5. Did all happen according to the predictions in the interpretation?
   • What did Joseph's administration make Joseph at that time?
   • How are nations benefitted by righteous leadership?
6. In which way did the first visit of Joseph's brothers fit the two dreams he had once experienced?
   • How have you proved God's Word to you?
7. Which one of the brothers had to remain behind to ensure that Benjamin would be with them on their next trip?
   • What was Joseph's motivation?
   • How did Joseph ensure that the family did not pay for the grain?
   • In what practical way do you demonstrate loving care for your family?
8. To what lengths did Reuben go to persuade Jacob to let him take Benjamin with him to Egypt?
   • Do you relate to Jacob's feeling in the matter?
   • With only the knowledge Jacob had would you have shown more faith?

Chapters 43 and 44

1. In which way did Joseph test his brothers?
   • What sacrifice was Judah prepared to make to save his father further grief?
   • Do you think the brothers passed the test? Had they changed?
   • Is it right to expect evident change in those who have repented?
2. Why did Joseph order his attendants out when he revealed himself to his brothers and forgave them?
3. How did he reassure his brothers?
   • How did he explain God's part in the whole affair?
   • What does this Scripture knowledge do for you?

Chapters 45, 46 and 47

1. Why did Joseph want them to bring their father and all the family to Egypt? How long was the famine still to last?
2. Did Pharaoh stand behind Joseph's decision to provide for Israel? Should you be thankful that God has His Joseph in the place of influence?
3. Do you believe that the re-uniting of Jacob and Joseph after 15 years was possibly the greatest moment in their lives?
   • And that Joseph was thrilled to formally present his father and brothers to Pharaoh?
   • Would it please you to present your parents to the highest in the land?
4. How did Joseph demonstrate wisdom in administrating the final years of famine?
   • How did he make sure he did not enslave the people?
   • Do you have, from all this, a lesson for leadership in the church?

Chapters 48, 49 and 50

1. Do you see Jacob or Israel leaning on his staff and worshipping? Do you agree that for the family the blessing of old Israel was of great value?
2. In the blessing of Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, in the crossing of his hands the greater blessing went to the younger Ephraim, did Israel see in this how it could have been so when Isaac blessed him and Esau?
3. Do you realise that it was right that Joseph, the eleventh son, should be given the firstborn son's blessing by Israel? Do you think the brothers accepted it now?
4. What was the fitting and descriptive picture of Joseph in the blessing? What desire does this quicken in your heart?
5. What incredible, God-given insight and predictions was Israel given about his sons? Do you expect prophetic guidance and insight for your children?
6. Where did Joseph and his brothers bury their father? Why did Joseph once again reassure his brothers?
7. What prophetic word did Joseph give just prior to his death? What favour did he request of his people?
8. Can you rehearse some of the ways in which Joseph foreshadowed the Saviour? Can you share some of the ways you would like the Saviour to be seen in you by others?