CrossGroups Connection Guide
Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 50:15-26
In last week’s focus, we witnessed the dramatic reunion of Joseph and his brothers. Great famine was still present in the land, and Joseph desired to be reunited with his elderly father. He sent his brothers back to Canaan to get him. On the journey to Egypt, God appeared to Israel and assured him this was the right move. In chapter 46 we read of the tearful reunion of Israel with his once favorite son, having believed he was dead for twenty years. Joseph was a little apprehensive about presenting his clan to Pharaoh, as Egyptians were suspicious of sharing their lands with shepherds, especially during times of famine. However, Israel was able to stand before Pharaoh and bless him! Joseph’s family was given the rich pasture lands of Goshen in which to settle.
The remaining chapters of Genesis tell the story of death bed scenes. In the first one, we are told that Jacob lived seventeen years in Egypt, making him 147 at the time of his death. As Jacob nears the end of his life, Joseph comes to see him. For ancient peoples, where you were buried was almost as important as anything that happened in your life. Jacob made Joseph swear to have him buried in the ancestral tomb back in Canaan with his fathers. In the second deathbed scene, Joseph brings his two sons in to see Jacob. Jacob remains Jacob to the very end – he shows partiality by adopting these Egyptian boys as his own, and giving them equal status with his oldest sons. He also gives a greater blessing to Ephraim, the youngest of Joseph’s sons.
In chapter 49, Jacob calls all of his sons together for the final death bed blessings. Remember, this is the same blessing he himself received deceitfully from his father Isaac earlier in the story. This time, though, no son will be left out. These blessings are really prophesies for the future tribes of Israel, more than specific pronouncements about the sons themselves. For instance, the oldest three boys represent three tribes of Israel who never gained much land at all in the conquest of Canaan. The blessings of Judah and Joseph are by far the longest. This makes sense, for the tribe of Judah – David’s tribe – would rise to prominence in the South. Joseph’s tribes would do the same in the North.
Finally Jacob – whose name had been changed to Israel and whom the nation that bore his name would so identify with in the future – died. He was embalmed and carried back to Canaan in great procession to be buried with Abraham, Isaac, and Leah. Now, Joseph’s brothers assumed he had delayed taking revenge on them for the sake of their father. When they came to Joseph to beg for their lives, it hurt Joseph so badly he wept. Once again, he assured them God had been at work in their story. As Joseph himself neared death, he reminded his brothers that God was not through with their family. They still had God’s promise, and would one day be taken back to the Promised Land. We’ll have to wait until Exodus to see this promise fulfilled.
Today’s sermon will ask us to think about the blessings and promises we will one day leave.
• 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. Do you have a special possession that once belonged to a parent or grandparent? Why is it important to you?
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 left his family with promises.
• We will one day leave promises behind as well.
• God’s Promise would sustain Joseph’s family.
• God’s Promise will sustain us today.
This Week’s Assignment –
Having a CrossViewed life means holding on to God’s promises during challenging or sad times. What are some of the promises God has given us? Write down one or two that will serve as good reminders for you this week.
What promises are you leaving behind for those who will come after you?
