Online Sermons
Lesson #6 - A Dream Come True
Series: The Life of Joseph - A Tapestry of God's ProvidenceLESSON #6
A Dream Come True
1. Joseph had a dream that came true!
Gen.37:5f tells of a dream that Joseph had in the days of his youth which served to antagonize his brothers.
Joseph revealed that dream to his brothers (Gen.37:7): “we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my
sheaf rose up and also stood erect; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.”
His brothers understood clearly the meaning of the dream saying to him, Are you actually going to reign over us? (vs.8).
A second and similar dream (vss.9-10) - - “the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”
This dream brought his father’s rebuke - - Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually bow down before you?”
In Genesis 42:6 we see this dream coming true - - “Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him”.
2. What brought Joseph’s brothers to Egypt? / Genesis 42
The seven years of famine had begun! – Gen.41:54
This famine was “ravaging” (41:30) and widespread “in all the lands/earth” (41:54 & 57).
Jacob directed ten of his sons (excluding Joseph and Benjamin) to go to Egypt to buy grain for survival. – 42:1-3
Jacob held back Benjamin - - the youngest son and the last child of his beloved Rachel (Gen.29:30 & 35:24).
3. Why did Joseph disguise himself from his brothers?
Why does he put his brothers through “the gauntlet”? – vss.7ff Why did Joseph accuse his brothers being spies? How was their honesty to be TESTED (vs.15)? … How long were the brothers imprisoned (vs.17)?
What impact did this have on the brothers? – vss.21f
Did this bring about reflection & confession (a day or reckoning) regarding their previous ill treatment of Joseph?
How difficult was it for Joseph to put them through this? – vs.24a
Is there any evidence that Joseph was embittered, held a grudge or sought to retaliate?
Were Joseph’s actions mean spirited or were they remedial - - producing remorse and repentance among his brothers?
4. Which brother was held hostage?
“He took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes” – vs.24b
What was behind the hiding of their money? – vss.28 & 35
Their hearts sank, and they turned trembling to another saying, ‘What is this that God has done to us?’ – vs.28
The hidden money served two purposes - - to bring even greater remorse and to benefit Jacob and his family?
5. What was Jacob’s response to sending Benjamin?
Bereaved? – Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin…?? – vs.36
What did Reuben offer to do in trying to give assurance to his father? – vs.37
As we close this chapter (Gen.42), does father Jacob’s refusal appear quite resolute? – vs.38
Next week’s assignment 4 Read Genesis 43 regarding Joseph’s brothers’ return to Egypt.
