Study together · The Cast

Joseph

The favored son sold by his brothers, who saw God's hand in every pit and prison.

The story

1. The favored son Gen 37:2-11

   His father gives him a special robe. He brings a bad report about his brothers and tells them his dreams. They hate him.

2. Sold Gen 37:18-28

   His brothers strip him, throw him in a pit, and sell him for twenty shekels of silver.

3. Faithful in Potiphar's house Gen 39:1-20

   He refuses his master's wife: “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” She accuses him and he is thrown in prison.

4. Forgotten in prison Gen 40:1-41:1

   He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker. The cupbearer is restored and forgets him for two whole years.

5. Raised over Egypt Gen 41:14-46

   Called to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, he says, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Pharaoh sets him over all Egypt.

6. “I am Joseph” Gen 45:1-15; 50:15-21

   He reveals himself to his brothers, weeps, and tells them God sent him ahead to save lives. After Jacob dies he forgives them again.

Key verses

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” Genesis 50:20 (ESV)

Read together: Gen 37:2-11 · Gen 37:18-28 · Gen 39:1-20 · Gen 40:1-41:1 · Gen 41:14-46 · Gen 45:1-15; 50:15-21

Questions to sit with

1. Joseph waited years with no sign that God was working. Where do you need to trust God's purpose in a long wait?
2. He could say “God meant it for good” without calling the evil good. How does that help you think about wrongs done to you?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.