CrossGroups Connection Guide

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 41:15-40

We’re continuing the story of Joseph – great grandson of Abraham and eleventh son of Jacob. Last week, we left him in a caravan bound for Egypt, sold as a slave by his brothers. In Genesis 39, we find out that Joseph ended up being sold to Potiphar, a wealthy officer in Pharaoh’s court. Joseph was probably initially purchased to do field labor, but his God-given gifts quickly showed, and he rose in the ranks of Potiphar’s servants until he was made house manager – the highest position a slave could hold. Potiphar placed tremendous trust in Joseph. Potiphar’s wife made advances on Joseph, but when he rebuffed them and fled, she accused him of attempted rape. Potiphar could have killed Joseph, but instead placed him in political prison.

Apparently part of Potiphar’s duties included supervising this prison, for he quickly placed Joseph in charge of it. Soon, two courtiers somehow angered Pharaoh, probably upon suspicion of an assassination plot. They were placed directly under Joseph’s care, where they both had troubling dreams. In order to fully grasp the rest of the story, we must understand the importance placed on dreams and their interpretation in ancient culture. The most prominent members of the court were those who interpreted dreams. However, these two prisoners had no access to the interpreters, so they were greatly distressed. Joseph, having been gifted by God to understand dreams, told the prisoners their meaning – one would be found innocent, and one would die.

After giving the two men the mixed yet honest meaning of their dreams, Joseph asked for help – finally. He told the men his story. He had been unjustly brought to Egypt and unjustly placed in prison. Joseph asked the cup bearer, who had received the favorable interpretation, to help him out when he was restored to a position of authority. Of course, the cup bearer quickly forgot Joseph. However, after two years Pharaoh also had a troubling dream involving lean cows devouring fat cows and lean “ears” of grain consuming healthy ones. The professional interpreters proved useless in deciphering the meaning. Suddenly, the cup bearer conveniently remembered Joseph at a point when it was politically helpful to him!

What we often miss in Joseph’s story is how wronged he was by the cup bearer, who was an important member of Pharaoh’s court and had the power to help Joseph greatly. Instead, he let him remain in prison. Joseph had to be cleaned up to even be brought into Pharaoh’s presence. However, Joseph’s situation was about to change greatly. Joseph not only interpreted Pharaoh’s two dreams, which showed that Egypt was about to enjoy seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine. He boldly advised Pharaoh what to do! This was unheard of for a slave and prisoner. It proved a wise move – Joseph was made second in command of all Egypt, given a prominent wife, and became wealthy. God will use soon use Joseph to change the world.

Today’s sermon will focus on God’s authority to use our abilities.

• Go around the table and share prayer requests. Have someone lead in prayer.

• Let everyone who would like to share anything exciting from their week.

• Did anyone do last week’s assignment? What was the result?

• Ask these three questions. Let as many answer each one as they would like.

1. If you could give the leaders in Washington DC one piece of advice to “fix” our problems, what would it be?

2. Is there anything in today’s scripture that especially speaks to you?

3. What questions would you like to ask about today’s scripture?

• Go over this week’s assignment (below). Commit to work on it together.

Today’s Sermon

Key Truths –

• Joseph had great ability but no authority to change his situation.

• We feel our situations are beyond our abilities.

• God had authority to use Joseph’s abilities to change his situation.

• God has authority to use your abilities to change your world.

This Week’s Assignment –

Having a CrossViewed life means doing what you can when you can. Look for opportunities to use your God-given gifts and natural abilities this week. Perhaps it won’t help change your situation, but with God’s timing it could change your world.