Genesis
Foundation Book of the Bible
Reunion and Reconciliation
Stratégie d'enseignement
The focus of this lesson is Joseph’s planned reunion with his father and the rest of the family. Of special note in this lesson is God’s further involvement in the life of Jacob and his family to bring about His promise of a Messiah.
Résultats de l'apprentissage des étudiants
- Know: Understand the significance of the events that led the Israelite nation to relocate in Egypt.
- Feel: Recognize the importance of submitting to God’s will and direction in all things.
- Do: Seek and follow God’s direction in our lives.
Corps de la leçon
Questions à discuter
Vous trouverez ci-dessous des suggestions de questions à utiliser pendant la partie de la leçon consacrée à la discussion guidée. Vous trouverez également des suggestions de réponses aux questions pour aider les élèves à saisir les différents concepts. Ces réponses sont fournies pour faciliter la discussion et ne sont pas considérées comme des réponses "justes ou fausses".
See text for primary indicators but encourage other insights.
In similar fashion, our faith is tested. Without repentance we are unable to serve God in the way He desires. When we face our failures and put them aside, God can now reveal more of His plans for us and restore our relationship with Him.
Joseph sought to forgive and reestablish his relationship with them. He made the first move even though he was the one wronged. Rather, he used all that he had at his disposal to forgive and restore.
We should adopt this same attitude. Jesus took the first step to restore us (Romans 6:8).
God has promised to forgive and has forgiven us. We must accept it. We grow in this acceptance as we spiritually mature. As we grow we can't help but let go the fears attached to memories of our past sins and inadequacies.
Answers will vary as to the difficult choice. Most likely forgiveness will be the most difficult.
- Ease their minds that he was no longer angry.
- Reveals how God has used this situation for good.
- Wishes to give God the glory.
- Helped them prepare for the remaining years of famine.
Pharaoh instructs Joseph to bring his father and family to Egypt to settle in Goshen and to not worry over their possessions since he would provide everything they would need. He not only offered land, but the best of the land.
In similar fashion, Jesus will someday return and take the faithful (His family) home to God. We will be presented to God as holy and blameless and each given a place prepared specifically for us (John 14:3).
Jacob's faith in God is rewarded. His family would survive the famine. They would be living in an advanced society from which they could learn and grow into a powerful nation. They would be able to remain a pure race of God's people rather than face the issues of intermingling with pagan nations. They would draw close as a people. It would be easier to keep their religion intact.
Answers will vary but look for indications of Joseph's faithfulness through hardships as well as good times. Sometimes we focus on faithfulness through hardships and fail to recognize that faithfulness is challenged in good times as well.
- We don't' know when God is testing us or allowing us to be tested so we must be ready at all times.
- God promises to be there when we need Him. We should realize that we need Him at all times.
- We should always seek God's will in our decision making.