CrossGroups Connection Guide

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 45:1-15

The story of Joseph reaches its dramatic and ironic zenith in this week’s scripture focus. This is Hebrew story telling at its best. Everything had transpired according to Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream. Famine had arrived, but Egypt had grain to spare due to Joseph’s great management. The famine had reached Canaan as well. Jacob had plenty of money to buy grain from Egypt, but his sons were understandably reluctant to travel to the land where the brother they had sold into slavery so long ago had likely ended up. Finally Jacob insisted they go buy grain. He made Benjamin stay behind as the only surviving son of Rachel. Once the brothers arrived in Egypt, Joseph immediately recognized them, though they didn’t know who he was.

We’re not sure of Joseph’s motivations at first – revenge or restoration – but in his actions he toys with his brothers. First, he accuses them of being a band of spies. They insist they are really brothers. “In fact, there are two more of us, but one is ‘no more’ and the youngest is home with our father!” Joseph at first puts all of them in prison, but then loads them up with grain and sends all but one of them – Simeon – on their way. He tells them Simeon will be released when they return with their youngest brother. They are already dreading telling their father of this turn of events, when they discover their silver has been placed back in their sacks. Now when they return to Egypt, they will be accused of theft and enslaved or put to death.

Jacob won’t allow them to return with Benjamin at first, but finally the grain runs out and they have no choice. When they return, humbly and with gifts, Joseph shocks them by dismissing the silver in the sacks. “It must have been your God” he insists. Then, he reunites them with Simeon and throws them a huge banquet – serving Benjamin a five-fold portion of meat! The brothers have to wonder if they are being set up. Sure enough, when they leave the next morning, loaded down with grain, Joseph’s steward chases after them and accuses them of stealing Joseph’s silver chalice, used for divination. The cup is discovered in Benjamin’s sack (having been placed there by Joseph’s servants.)

When Joseph insists Benjamin be enslaved, Judah makes a moving plea to take his place, as Benjamin’s only full brother (Joseph) has already been lost to their father. Joseph can contain himself no longer. After he dismisses all the Egyptians from the room, and cries loudly. He reveals his true identity simply – “I am Joseph. Is my father alive?” We can only imagine the shock this was to the eleven brothers. That shock would have been mingled with fear, for the brother they had greatly wronged – whose dreams of power they had so resented – now had the ability to take revenge. Instead, Joseph quickly assured them that God had caused him to end up in Egypt so that he might save their lives. The reunited brothers hug, weeping. We weep with them.

Today’s sermon will talk about God’s providence and our power.

• 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. Can you recall a time when you were able to get revenge on someone? How about a time when you showed mercy?

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 all the power over his brothers.

• We all have a measure of power in our relationships.

• God’s providence was the source of Joseph’s power.

• God’s providence is at work in how we use our power, too.

This Week’s Assignment –

Having a CrossViewed life means doing using the power we have to fulfill God’s plan, rather than advance our own agenda. Who do you hold power over in your life this week? Find ways to use that power to feed (meet needs) and forgive (restore relationships.)