Through the Bible: Day #45

It is vital that we spend time in God’s Word.

But it’s not always easy.

We read a chapter and we don’t know what to get out of it or even how to start to understand it.

I thought I could try to help you get a little something out of what you are reading by providing you with some questions to ask as you look at the text.  Good questions are a good start to understanding. Sometimes there will be more questions, sometimes less.

You can do this!

So, get a notebook, a pen, your Bible, and if you would like some help, take some time to answer the questions, and you may be surprised by all God teaches you.

Genesis 45

1. We might expect Joseph to respond to his brothers with compassion. But really! What had he gone through because of them? And yet how does he respond here as he sees that they have changed?
2. How did Joseph’s brothers respond to all this emotion?
3. In fact, it is as if they don’t even hear him. What does Joseph have to say next?
4. What encouragement does he give them?
5. Ultimately, why did Joseph believe his brothers had sold him into slavery?
6. Now think about this. Selling your brother into slavery is an evil act. But, what does this statement Joseph makes tell you about God?
7. How many times does Joseph make this statement about God?
8. What does Pharaoh do when he hears about Joseph’s brothers?
9. This seems impossible, doesn’t it. Here there is a time of terrible famine, and yet God is using a pagan king to demonstrate his extreme generosity to HIs people.
10. What does Joesph have to tell his brothers not to do on their way back to get their father? (The Bible is so real. These brothers have changed, but not completely!)
11. How did Jacob respond to the report about Joseph at first? After they tell him again what happens and what decision does he make?