There are, in my opinion, three remarkable

truths that transpire in the Joseph narrative. ◦ One: The providence of God is absolutely amazing

to see. God, through His providence, moved Joseph to the exact

place where God needed him.

We’ve previously mentioned the astounding fact that God

was able to use sinful acts for His glory and purpose.

There are, in my opinion, three remarkable

truths that transpire in the Joseph narrative. ◦ One: The providence of God is absolutely amazing

to see.

◦ Two: Joseph readily accepts God’s providence. “God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in

the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance” (v

7).

How many of us might be angry at God?

There are, in my opinion, three remarkable

truths that transpire in the Joseph narrative. ◦ One: The providence of God is absolutely amazing

to see.

◦ Two: Joseph readily accepts God’s providence.

◦ Three: Joseph forgave his brothers. I think we all struggle with forgiveness at times.

But, have we ever been wronged as greatly as Joseph?

Joseph never spoke the word “forgive” (or any cognate).

The only time the word occurs is in a message his brothers

send after Jacob’s death (Gen 50:17).

Joseph didn’t need to speak the word; he demonstrated it.

“Actions speak louder than words.”

WE WANT TO

THINK ABOUT

THE EVIDENCE OF

JOSEPH’S

FORGIVENESS

Joseph lets go of his emotions (v 1). ◦ Why are emotions so powerful?

◦ Who are some biblical characters who experienced

emotions (positive and negative)? Job was distraught.

Moses was so angry over the golden calf that he smashed

the tablets of the Law.

Jonah became angry that God spared Nineveh.

Jesus.

He became so angry that He cleansed the temple.

He groaned in His spirit and wept at the death of Lazarus.

◦ How can we use our emotions for good? A hurt tells us something needs to change.

A confession of truth (v 1). ◦ Joseph made himself known to his brothers.

◦ What truths need to be confessed for forgiveness? Sometimes people need to confess that they have wronged

us:

“If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a

day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Lk

17:4).

Sometimes we need to confess that we have been wrong:

Matt 5:21-26.

Sometimes we need to confess that we’ll never get an

apology and move on.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Lk

23:34).

Uninhibited emotions (v 2). ◦ Joseph wailed loudly enough to be heard clear to

Pharaoh’s house.

◦ What might be the purpose of having “uninhibited

emotions”?

A breaking down of the walls (v 4). ◦ Joseph erases the barrier between his brothers and

himself. “Please come near to me.”

◦ Who are some others in Scripture who have

broken down walls? Jesus with Peter

Paul with John Mark

◦ What are some ways that we might be able to

break down walls?

A concern for others (v 5). ◦ Joseph was concerned for his brothers.

“Do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves

because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to

preserve life.”

After all that his brothers have done to him, Joseph does

not want them grieved or angry with themselves!

◦ Why should we have concern for others when we

have been wronged?

◦ What are some ways that we can demonstrate that

concern?

Understanding the larger picture (vv 6-8) ◦ Joseph understood that YHWH had a plan that was

being implemented.

◦ What are some “big picture” things that God would

want us to remember when we’ve been deeply

hurt?

◦ How might our hurts be seen as opportunities to

serve God? We can demonstrate Christian character;

We can demonstrate forgiveness;

We can rely more deeply on God.

An invitation for resolution (vv 9-10) ◦ The ties Joseph had with his family in Canaan were

once and forever changed. It would not have been possible for Joseph to go back to

his family in Canaan (God needed him in Egypt).

However, his family could come to Egypt.

Just because nothing would ever be the same again does not

mean that life could not go on.

Just because something horrible has happened in our lives does

not mean we cannot go on with life.

◦ Jesus did this with Peter.

What are some ways that we can make an

invitation for resolution?

Provision for restitution (v 11) ◦ Interestingly, it is Joseph who provides the

restitution.

◦ Why is restitution important? What are some ways that we can make restitution?

An embracing and tears (vv 14-15) ◦ Joseph and Benjamin embraced and wept; Joseph

did so with his other brothers.

◦ Why was this embrace and these tears important?

What are some ways that we can embrace

and cry?

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