Genesis 42, 43, 44 - “Overcoming Bitterness”
- Hebrews 12:14-15 are helpful verses for our understanding of Genesis 42-44. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” In our study of Joseph’s story to this point, how do these verses apply to Joseph and how do they apply to Joseph’s brothers and father?
- Genesis 42 indicates that Jacob is unwilling to send Benjamin to Egypt for food with his brothers during the famine. What are the reasons for his unwillingness? What has Benjamin become to Jacob since the loss of Joseph 25 years earlier?
- Compare the similarities of story line between chapters 37 and 42. How does Joseph break the cycle of revenge and bitterness within the family structure?
- Joseph is in a powerful position and can point his family in a new relational direction. Is Joseph’s action harsh and vengeful or restorative and filled with mercy? What are the clues in these chapters that it is the latter rather than the former?
- Does God work in our lives as He did in Joseph’s family (See Hebrews 12:1-15)? How has God used discipline in your life to rehabilitate your attitudes and character?
- Joseph’s brothers change dramatically over these three chapters. How did Judah step up in faith in response Jacob’s inaction (chapter 43)? Why is Judah’s action so reflective of his growing grasp of God’s grace in his life? (hint: compare Genesis 37:26,27; 43:3-5, 8-10; 44:14-34)
- Why did Jacob have a hard time letting go of Benjamin? What had Benjamin become to Jacob? Why do we turn good things into ultimate things? What happens when we lose these good things in our lives? How does bitterness rear its ugly head when this happens?
- In Chapter 44 we discover that the brothers passed the test and began to see things through Jacob’s eyes rather than their self-centeredness. How does Judah’s offer of sacrificing his freedom and comfort for Benjamin’s life reflect the change of their hearts?
- Redemption requires substitution. How did Joseph sacrifice revenge for forgiveness? How did Jacob sacrifice his idolatry of Benjamin for unconditional obedience (43:14)?
- What are some ways that bitterness has crept into your life? How do these chapters illustrate the need for God’s grace to continue working in your life? In the life of Bethel Grove? In Ithaca?
- Memorize Hebrews 12:14,15 and pray it into each situation of our lives.
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
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