SURREY CHAPEL – Fellowship Group Notes for the 29th February/1st March 2012
Genesis - - Life of Joseph

Chapter 42:1-38 Joseph test

The true interpretation of Joseph’s treatment of his brethren is to be found in the supposition that he repeated toward them, as near as possible, the behaviour they had shown him at the pit – not in retaliation, but that their conscience might be awakened, and that he might discover if they would deal differently with Benjamin. (F.B.Meyer) Surely he needed that before he could trust himself with them and reveal who he is. What would you have done in Joseph’s position?

SEEING HIS TEN BROTHERS   v 1 - 17
Almost reunion! What must this have been like for Joseph - -what a day??
Why did Jacob send his sons to Egypt? Was there evidence for of an act of desperation?
Why did Jacob not allow Benjamin to go with them? For the background of Benjamin’s birth see Genesis 35:16-19.
v6-8 Remember here –Joseph would have been speaking through an interpreter - -though he would have understood all that the brothers were saying. Think through the reasons they would not have recognised him.  Why this act of pretence and harsh words?
What did he accuse them of? What do you think of their reply? (v11 –‘honest men’)
v13 This verse is quite revealing in how they speak of Joseph.
v15 Here we see what Joseph is leading up to. Who is it Joseph really wanting to see?
v17 How do you think the brothers felt?

SIMEON HELD PENDING BENJAMIN’S VISIT   v 18 – 38
v18 What does it mean to ‘fear God’? See Deuteronomy 10:12-13 & Psalm 111:10
v19-20 Notice how Joseph as picked up  –‘honest men’ (v11). He says to them –‘prove it’!
v21-24 Remember again –Joseph is listening to this. (v23) How can unconfessed and unforgiven sin affect a person?  Psalm 66:18 and Isaiah 48:22
What does Joseph’s tears reveal (v24)?
Why was Simeon taken as captive and not the older brother Reuben?
v25-26 Shows great compassion and grace. Proverbs 25:22 and Romans 12:20 have something to add –though these were brothers not enemies.
v27-28 Disturbed people. They see God’s hand in this –but are they blaming Him?
Will the brothers keep the money and once again lie to their father?
v29-34 How do you think Jacob felt as he listened to his sons?
v35 Now the full situation is revealed – in that all had received their money back.
Were the brothers pleased about that –and thought how good the Egyptians were?
v36 Father with a broken heart –can you not feel for him? 
v37-38 What difference do you see here in the attitude of Jacob and Reuben? How far should we be willing to give up our personal rights for the benefit of others?  
Think of the ‘rights’ Jesus gave up for us, sinners (read- Philippians 2:4-8)
v38 So Benjamin is not going?? Is Joseph’s longed for reunion not going to happen?
In closing a good verse to read and learn is Ecclesiastes 12:13.
											D.J.

PRAYER ITEMS –
Rifts can blight families for years - -pray for families at Surrey Chapel.
Praise God for the ways He brings us to confession, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Young people’s work – Young Church, Jam Club, AIM and AIM Higher.