Genesis
Foundation Book of the Bible
Family Reunion
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the final episode of Joseph’s story. Of special note in this lesson is the reunion of Joseph and his family and how they settle in Egypt and God’s continued faithfulness.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the ongoing efforts of God to fulfill His promise of a Savior.
- Feel: Recognize God’s faithfulness to His promises.
- Do: Live being faithful to God with confidence in His promises.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as "right or wrong" responses.
What is the significance of Jacob's statement in verse 30?
This statement could be more than just a release of sorrow to be replaced by joy.
It certainly was a moment of strong emotions but there is more there that we can see. It might also be a realization of God's promise to Abraham and Jacob of making them a great nation. Jacob, now realizing that Joseph was still alive had renewed hope. Although the promised Messiah would not come through Joseph, it was evident that God was fulfilling his promise from Genesis 35:9-12.
What is significant about Jacob's family as shepherds in Egypt?
Egyptians despised shepherds and would not mingle with them so this would ensure they would be left alone by the Egyptians and allowed to flourish as a nation. It would also ensure that the people would not intermarry with the Egyptians. Goshen was also good land to raise livestock.
Sojourn is a term meaning to travel through. They recognized that this land was a temporary dwelling. They retained hope to return to their own land someday.
In similar fashion, as citizens of God's Kingdom on earth we are sojourners traveling through this life on our way to the promised land of being with God in eternity.
Joseph presents his father to Jacob. Pharaoh had already blessed Jacob by allowing his family to live in Goshen and to provide them with what they needed. He now asks Jacob about his life perhaps recognizing the spiritual depth of Jacob's nature. Jacob blesses Pharaoh as both a way to thank God for using Pharaoh to bless his family, and to honor and thank Pharaoh for his hospitality. The interaction between these two leaders was an interaction between a political giant and a spiritual giant. Yet again, we see God using circumstances to further His will for Jacob.
God stated that the famine would continue for seven years. God places leaders in positions of authority to rule and perform justice for all under their authority. Paul teaches us we are to honor our governing authorities since they are given their power by God.
Another note worthy of discussion is how God's people flourished in Goshen while others came to rely on Pharaoh. This shows God's blessings on His people.
This was the land God had promised him. Jacob had already referred to himself as a sojourner meaning this separation from his true homeland was temporary. He was doing his part to fulfil God's promise of a land for his people. This was a final act of faith. It was also a way of tying the people back to Canaan even though they would physically remain in Egypt for another 400 years.
Jacob reminds them of God's promise. He now transfers that promise to his sons.
He also establishes the tribes of Israel named after his sons (verse 6).
God will always work His will. We evaluate life from our own perspective and sometimes don't see it from God's view. We must work to develop an understanding of God working through our lives.
God will bless us no matter the situation we are in. Again, we have a view of the immediate rather than the eternal.
It is a difficult lesson for us to learn that God is always in control, especially during difficult times. As we grow spiritually, we will see more of God's work. This serves to strengthen our faith.