Joseph

June 5, 2016 – June 11, 2016

Key Text

“This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12, 13).

Study Help: The Signs of the Times, January 29, 1880.

Introduction

“There is greater power in love than was ever found in censure. Love will melt its way through barriers, while censure will close up every avenue of the soul.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 93.

1 THE FEAR OF RETRIBUTION

• As Joseph prepared a banquet for his brothers, what was foremost in their minds? Genesis 43:16–22.

Note: “Upon being conducted to the governor’s palace, the brothers were greatly alarmed, fearing that they were to be called to account for the money found in their sacks. They thought that it might have been intentionally placed there, to furnish occasion for making them slaves. In their distress they consulted with the steward of the house, relating to him the circumstances of their visit to Egypt; and in proof of their innocence informed him that they had brought back the money found in their sacks, also other money to buy food; and they added, ‘We cannot tell who put our money in our sacks’ (Genesis 43:22).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 228.

• How does the servant’s reaction tell that Joseph was indeed a missionary in Egypt? Genesis 43:23; Romans 10:13–15.

Note: “Through Joseph the attention of the king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true God; and though they adhered to their idolatry, they learned to respect the principles revealed in the life and character of the worshiper of Jehovah.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 222.

2 A DREAM FULFILLED

• How did Joseph feel when he saw his younger brother for the first time in twenty years? Genesis 43:24–30.

Note: “When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he could scarcely restrain his brotherly feelings of love. He gave direction to make preparation for his brethren to dine with him. …

“When Joseph came home, his brethren gave him the present in the name of their father, and they bowed themselves to him to the earth.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 145, 146.

“Again his [Joseph’s] dreams came to his mind, and after saluting his guests he hastened to ask, ‘Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?’ ‘Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive,’ was the answer, as they again made obeisance. Then his eye rested upon Benjamin, and he said, ‘Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me?’ ‘God be gracious unto thee, my son;’ but, overpowered by feelings of tenderness, he could say no more. ‘He entered into his chamber, and wept there’ (Genesis 43:27–30).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 228.

• What were the brothers of Joseph marveling among themselves, as they dined with Joseph? Genesis 43:31–33.

Note: “Joseph placed his brethren at the table, as was customary when their ages were known, commencing with the eldest, according to his birthright, arranging them in order down to the youngest, as though he perfectly knew their ages. His brethren were astonished at this act of Joseph, who they thought could have no knowledge of their ages.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 146, 147.

• Why did Joseph seek to pamper Benjamin in front of his brothers? Genesis 43:34.

Note: “As he [Joseph] sent a portion of food to each of his brethren, he sent Benjamin five times as much as the others. He did this not only to show his particular regard for his brother Benjamin, but to prove them, and see if they regarded Benjamin with the same envious feelings they had him. They thought that Joseph did not understand their language, and were free to converse with one another in his presence; therefore Joseph had a good opportunity to learn the true state of their feelings without their knowledge.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 147.

3 THE TEST OF LOVE

• Why did Joseph make a point by placing the cup in Benjamin’s sack? Genesis 44:1– 6.

Note: “Still he [Joseph] desired to test them [his brothers] further, and before their departure he ordered that his own drinking cup of silver should be concealed in the sack of the youngest.

“Joyfully they set out on their return. Simeon and Benjamin were with them, their animals were laden with grain, and all felt that they had safely escaped the perils that had seemed to surround them. But they had only reached the outskirts of the city when they were overtaken by the governor’s steward, who uttered the scathing inquiry, ‘Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good’ (Genesis 44:4)?” Patriarchs and Prophets, 229.

• How did the brothers react when they saw the cup inside Benjamin’s sack? Genesis 44:11–13. Why did the servant begin with the eldest brother?

Note: “Kings and rulers had a cup from which they drank, which was considered a sure detective if any poisonous substance was placed in their drink. … ‘Then they [Jacob’s sons] speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack. And he [Joseph’s steward] searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack’ (Genesis 44:11, 12).

“At this discovery all were greatly surprised; and, to express their great distress, they rent their garments, which was the custom when in great affliction. Benjamin was more amazed and confounded than his brethren. They returned into the city sorrowful and afraid. They thought that the hand of God was against them for their past wickedness.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 147, 148.

• Why is it important to select our words carefully, even when we feel confident? Genesis 44:7–10; Matthew 12:36, 37.

Note: “By their own promise, Benjamin was appointed to a life of slavery. And the fears of their father they thought would be fully realized. Mischief had befallen his much-loved Benjamin.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 148.

4 THE BROTHERS’ LOVE REVEALED

• What act of Judah shows that the brothers had fully repented of their treacherous sin committed twenty years before? Genesis 44:14–34; John 15:12, 13.

Note: “Judah told his brethren that God had found out their iniquity for selling their brother in Egypt, and was now returning upon them their transgressions, by permitting them to become slaves also.

“Joseph refused to accept them all, according to the word of Judah, as bondmen. … Judah spoke with Joseph aside from the rest, and related to him the reluctance of his father to let Benjamin come with them to Egypt, and that he pledged himself to become surety for Benjamin, that if he brought him not to his father, he would bear the blame forever. He eloquently plead in behalf of his father, relating his great grief at the loss of Joseph, and that Benjamin was all that was left of the mother which his father loved, and that if Benjamin should be separated from his father, he would die; for his life was bound up in the lad’s life. Judah then nobly offered to become a slave instead of his brother; for he could not meet his father without Benjamin.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 148, 149.

• After Judah’s plea to spare Benjamin and to save his father from grief, what was Joseph compelled to do? Genesis 45:1, 2.

Note: “Joseph was satisfied. He had proved his brethren, and had seen in them the fruits of true repentance for their sins; and he was so deeply affected that he could no longer conceal his feelings, and requested to be left alone with his brethren. He then gave vent to his long-suppressed feelings and wept aloud.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 149.

• Why were Joseph’s brothers troubled at his revelation? Genesis 45:3, 4.

Note: “His [Joseph’s] brothers stood motionless, dumb with fear and amazement. The ruler of Egypt their brother Joseph, whom they had envied and would have murdered, and finally sold as a slave! All their ill treatment of him passed before them. They remembered how they had despised his dreams and had labored to prevent their fulfillment. Yet they had acted their part in fulfilling these dreams; and now that they were completely in his power he would, no doubt, avenge the wrong that he had suffered.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 230.

5 FORGIVENESS: A HEALER

• How did Joseph show his care for his brothers’ feelings and his forgiveness towards them? Genesis 45:5.

Note: “As Joseph saw the confusion of his brethren, he said to them, ‘Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt’ (Genesis 45:4). He nobly sought to make this occasion as easy for his brethren as possible. He had no desire to increase their embarrassment by censuring them. He felt that they had suffered enough for their cruelty to him, and he endeavored to comfort them.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 150.

• What is the only way any relationship can be healed and restored? Matthew 18:21, 22; Colossians 3:12, 13. What is the biggest stumbling block to restoration? Proverbs 13:10.

Note: “It is always humiliating to have one’s errors pointed out. None should make the experience more bitter by needless censure. No one was ever reclaimed by reproach; but many have thus been repelled and have been led to steel their hearts against conviction. A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring and hide a multitude of sins.” The Ministry of Healing, 166.

“If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties. Angels have been grieved and God displeased by the hours which have been spent in justifying self.” Early Writings, 119.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What will happen to those around us if we let our light shine as Joseph did?

2 Explain why Joseph was still wary of trusting his brothers.

3 Why did Joseph order the cup to be placed in Benjamin’s sack?

4 How did Joseph know his brothers had changed?

5 What or who is the greatest stumbling block to reconciliation?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

May 29, 2016 – June 4, 2016

The Life of Joseph

Key Text

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (I Peter 4:12).

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 224–227.

Introduction

“We are standing before God on test and trial to see if we can individually be trusted to be of the number of the family who shall compose the redeemed in heaven.” Christian Education, 145.

1 THE REASON FOR FAMINE

• What hidden purpose did God have in allowing the famine to reach Canaan? Genesis 42:1, 2; 46:3. When we can’t see God’s purpose in our trials, what should we do? Proverbs 3:5, 6; Hebrews 11:6. Why?

Note: “We all desire immediate and direct answers to our prayers, and are tempted to become discouraged when the answer is delayed or comes in an unlooked-for form. But God is too wise and good to answer our prayers always at just the time and in just the manner we desire. He will do more and better for us than to accomplish all our wishes. And because we can trust His wisdom and love, we should not ask Him to concede to our will, but should seek to enter into and accomplish His purpose. Our desires and interests should be lost in His will.

“These experiences that test faith are for our benefit. By them it is made manifest whether our faith is true and sincere, resting on the word of God alone, or whether, depending on circumstances, it is uncertain and changeable. Faith is strengthened by exercise. We must let patience have its perfect work, remembering that there are precious promises in the Scriptures for those who wait upon the Lord.” Gospel Workers, 219.

• Why did Jacob send only ten sons to Egypt; what was he scared of? Genesis 42:3, 4.

2 A TEST OF SINCERITY

• What did Joseph immediately think of when he recognized his brothers bowing down to him when they came for food? Genesis 42:5–9; 37:5–8.

Note: “As Joseph saw his brothers stooping and making obeisance, his dreams came to his mind, and the scenes of the past rose vividly before him. His keen eye, surveying the group, discovered that Benjamin was not among them. Had he also fallen a victim to the treacherous cruelty of those savage men? He determined to learn the truth.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 224, 225.

• Why did his brothers fail to recognize Joseph? Genesis 42:8, 23; 41:42, 43, 45.

Note: “His [Joseph’s] Hebrew name had been exchanged for the one bestowed upon him by the king, and there was little resemblance between the prime minister of Egypt and the stripling whom they had sold to the Ishmaelites.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 224.

• Why did Joseph put his brothers in prison for three days, and what would have been on their minds during this time? Genesis 42:9–17.

Note: “He [Joseph] wished to learn if they [his brothers] possessed the same haughty spirit they had when he was with them. …

“The three days of confinement were days of bitter sorrow with Jacob’s sons. They reflected upon their past wrong course, especially their cruelty to Joseph. They knew if they were convicted of being spies, and they could not bring evidence to clear themselves, they would all have to die, or become slaves. They doubted whether any effort any one of them might make would cause their father to consent to have Benjamin go from him, after the cruel death, as he thought, Joseph had suffered.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 140–142.

“God … brings us into trying positions to see if we will trust in a power out of and above ourselves. Everyone has undiscovered traits of character that must come to light through trial. God allows those who are self-sufficient to be sorely tempted that they may understand their helplessness.” In Heavenly Places, 279.

3 WE REAP WHAT WE SOW

• Who was Joseph truly concerned for, and why? Genesis 42:18–20; 35:16–19.

Note: “He [Joseph] was anxious to draw from them [his brothers] some information in regard to his father and Benjamin. … His father and Benjamin are the very ones Joseph wishes to learn in regard to.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 140, 141.

• Why did Joseph’s brothers think this calamity had come upon them? Genesis 42:21, 22. What effect did this conversation have on Joseph? Verses 23, 24, first part.

Note: “They [Jacob’s sons] sold Joseph as a slave, and they were fearful that God designed to punish them by suffering them to become slaves.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 142.

“They accused themselves in regard to their treatment of Joseph: ‘We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.’ Reuben, who had formed the plan for delivering him at Dothan, added, ‘Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required’ (Genesis 42:21, 22). Joseph, listening, could not control his emotions, and he went out and wept.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 226.

• When things go wrong in our lives, whom are we tempted to blame? Genesis 42:24–28. Who was actually the real cause of their troubles? Galatians 6:7, 8; Numbers 32:23.

Note: “Oh, that a right impression might be made upon the minds of young and old in regard to the exceeding sinfulness of sin! Oh, that all might have a just realization of its offensiveness to God, and its injury to mankind! The word of truth declares, ‘Be sure your sin will find you out’ (Numbers 32:23). The real character of every act of your life will be made known. It may be even in this life that through the providence of God, some unexpected circumstance will uncover your secret deeds of evil; but should you succeed in hiding your real character from the eyes of men, there is an inevitable day of exposure reserved for every soul who does not repent of his sins and forsake all evil through the strength of Christ, Who has died that we might live.” The Review and Herald, March 27, 1888.

4 THE REVELATION OF CHARACTER

• Why was Simeon left in prison? Genesis 42:24. What was Jacob’s reaction when he was told the news? Verses 29–36.

Note: “On his return he [Joseph] commanded that Simeon be bound before them and again committed to prison. In the cruel treatment of their brother, Simeon had been the instigator and chief actor, and it was for this reason that the choice fell upon him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 226.

“Jacob’s affections cling to Benjamin with all the strength of a mother’s love. He shows how deeply he has felt the loss of Joseph. But want presses upon Jacob and his children, and their households are calling for food.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 158, 159.

• Explain why the declarations of Reuben and Judah reveal how the brothers’ affection for their father and for one another had deepened since their betrayal of Joseph? Genesis 42:37; 43:8, 9.

Note: “During the years since Joseph had been separated from his brothers, these sons of Jacob had changed in character. Envious, turbulent, deceptive, cruel, and revengeful they had been; but now, when tested by adversity, they were shown to be unselfish, true to one another, devoted to their father, and, themselves middle-aged men, subject to his authority.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 225.

• What tendency do we often manifest in our families when things go wrong? Genesis 43:1–7. Where did this weakness originate? Genesis 3:12, 13; Revelation 12:10.

Note: “Let every family seek the Lord in earnest prayer for help to do the work of God. Let them overcome the habits of hasty speech and the desire to blame others. Let them study to be kind and courteous in the home, to form habits of thoughtfulness and care.

“What harm is wrought in the family circle by the utterance of impatient words, for the impatient utterance of one leads another to retort in the same spirit and manner. Then come words of retaliation, words of self-justification, and it is by such words that a heavy, galling yoke is manufactured for your neck; for all these bitter words will come back in a baleful harvest to your soul.” The Adventist Home, 438, 439.

5 LEARNING TO TRUST IN GOD’S MERCY

• When Jacob felt cornered, into whose hands was he compelled to surrender? Genesis 42:19, 20; 43:8–14; Psalm 33:18–22.

Note: “Jacob feels compelled to permit his son Benjamin to go with his brethren. He also sent a present to the ruler, hoping therewith to obtain his favor. He also directed his sons to take double money, and return the money found in their sacks; for it might have been placed there by mistake. He says to them, ‘Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man’ (Genesis 43:13).

“As his sons were about to leave him to go on their doubtful journey, their aged father arose, and, while standing in their midst, raised his hands to heaven, and entreated the Lord to go with them, and pronounced upon them a gracious benediction. ‘And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved’ (verse 14).” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 159, 160.

• When we are faced with overwhelming circumstances, upon Whom can we always rely? Lamentations 3:22, 23; Psalm 103:13–17.

Note: “If we cling to Him [the Captain of our salvation] by living faith, saying with Jacob, ‘I will not let Thee go’ (Genesis 32:26); if we entreat, ‘Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me’ (Psalm 51:11), the promise is to us, ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee’ (Hebrews 13:5).” Our High Calling, 22.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Explain how negative circumstances can benefit us in the long run.

2 How much faith can we put in God’s prophecies?

3 What should we always remember when tempted to conceal a sin?

4 How does a family crisis often reveal true character?

5 What is mercy, and why do we depend upon it so much?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.