Genesis 42
Joseph Tests His Brothers

An unforgiving heart precludes our own forgiveness

Matt 6:14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

V.1 Action is the only course

V.2-4 Jacob still plays favorites
V.5 God uses unfortunate circumstances to get us to do things we normally would never do.

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

V.6 The dream remembered
· 37:5-9

V.7-9 Joseph begins the test

V.10-11 "We are honest men" – Is there evidence to support our assertions?

V.12-20 Test

V.21-22 Memories remain to remind us of ourselves and God’s great mercy

V.23-24 What kind of tears were these?

Ex: Jesus
· Mt. 23 and Luke 13

Do you weep for unbelievers?

V.25-28 Joseph is like God

V.29-35 Re-tell their story to Jacob

V.36 Jacob- “Woe is me.”

V.37 Reuben offers his sons

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.


V.38

1. Speaks presumptuously

2. Speaks carelessly

Rom 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

Is there anyone you need to forgive today?

Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.