Joseph Goes to Find His Brothers

Genesis 37:12-25

Lesson 82

background notes

doctrinal points

1. The heart of man is incredibly wicked.

2. The heart of God is incredibly gracious.

 

practical applications
1. Have you ever been betrayed by your own family?

2. Watch out for the sin of jealousy.

 

questions
1. Why did Joseph share his dreams with his family?

2. Why did the brothers go to Shechem?

3. Was Jacob aware of the hatred that Joseph’s brothers felt toward Joseph?

4. How does Jeremiah 17:9 apply to this story?

5. Trace the evil hearts of the brothers toward Joseph. To what lengths were they willing to go to show this hatred?

6. How does this portion of Joseph’s story relate to the parable in Matthew 21:33-39? How does it relate to the Lord Jesus?

7. How did God show His grace toward Joseph’s brothers?

answers
1. He was convinced that they were from God, and therefore needed to be told.

2. A few years previously, the brothers had plundered Shechem and had slaughtered all the male inhabitants there. Perhaps they were curious to find out what had taken place since then.

3. No, as demonstrated by the fact that Jacob sent Joseph to search for his brothers.

4. It shows the inherent wickedness in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers.

5. The brothers threw Joseph into a pit. They intended to kill him, but when they saw that they could make some money, they sold him into slavery.

6. The story of Joseph, the parable of the vineyard and the crucifixion of Jesus are all about the evil heart of man - his incredible wickedness. The owner of the vineyard, Joseph and Jesus were all hated without cause.

7. He made them the tribes of Israel.

 

discuss / consider
1. Have you ever been betrayed by your brothers, either those in your natural family or your spiritual family? Recall how Joseph behaved toward his brothers when he was betrayed. Are you able to rise above the betrayal and trust God to work out all things in His time?

2. Consider the graciousness of God throughout your life.

 

challenge
Give God control over every situation in your life, believing that He means to work all things for good. Do not give in to baser emotions, like jealousy or vengeance.

memorize

• “When they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him.” Genesis 37:18