1. The principle revealed in Romans 8:28 is illustrated many times in the Bible. 2. For example, Genesis shows how all things worked together for good in Joseph's life. 3. In this lesson we are examining the information presented in ch.45. 4. In this chapter, Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and he made provisions for his family to move to Egypt. 5. Prior to this,: a. Joseph's brothers had bought grain from him twice. b. Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. c. When Joseph's brothers were returning home after buying grain the second time, his cup was discovered in Benjamin's sack. d. Joseph said that Benjamin would be his servant, but the others were free to leave Egypt. e. Judah made a very passionate appeal on behalf of Jacob and Benjamin. 1) Judah said that Jacob would die if Benjamin did not return. 2) He requested that Joseph keep him as a servant instead of Benjamin (44:33-34). 6. Judah's plea affected Joseph. Discussion: I. (vs.1-4) JOSEPH MADE HIMSELF KNOWN TO HIS BROTHERS
A. Joseph's emotions had already affected him: 1. when he dealt with his 10 brothers (42:24) 2. when he spoke to Benjamin (43:30). B. Joseph could no longer hide his emotions -- "he wept aloud." C. When Joseph talked to his brothers, we can only imagine what was going through their minds. D. Joseph tried to put their minds at ease. II. (vs.5-8) JOSEPH INFORMED HIS BROTHERS THAT GOD HAD BEEN IN CONTROL THROUGH EVERYTHING THAT HAD HAPPENED
A. Five years of famine remained. B. Joseph realized that God had used him to preserve his family in Egypt. C. Through God's providence, Joseph had become the second ruler in Egypt. III. (vs.9-13) JOSEPH INSTRUCTED HIS BROTHERS TO BRING JACOB, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THEIR ANIMALS TO EGYPT
A. With five years of famine remaining, there would be no grain in Canaan for some time. B. Joseph told his brothers to bring the entire family to Egypt so he could take care of them. IV. (vs.14-15) JOSEPH SHOWED HIS FEELINGS TOWARD HIS BROTHERS
A. When Joseph first identified himself (vs.3), his brothers "could not answer him." B. (vs.15b) His brothers finally "talked with him." V. (vs.16-20) PHARAOH INSTRUCTED JOSEPH TO BRING HIS FAMILY TO EGYPT VI. (vs.21-24) JOSEPH SENT HIS BROTHERS TO CANAAN WITH PROVISIONS VII. (vs.25-28) JACOB'S SONS TOLD HIM ABOUT JOSEPH
A. For years, Jacob thought that an animal had killed Joseph. B. When he first heard that Joseph was alive, he did not believe it. C. After seeing the wagons from Egypt, Jacob changed his mind and determined to go to Egypt so he could see Joseph. Conclusion:
1. In ch.45 the stage is being set for the reunion of Jacob and Joseph. 2. (vs.28) Jacob was determined to see Joseph before his life ended.
