Set 3: The Story of Joseph

Joseph's story is one of the most memorable in the Bible. One reason we visit this section of Genesis often is that Joseph goes through a lot of difficult situations. Through it all, he shows great faithfulness to God's calling in his life. We are also shown the beauty of transformation in the lives of Joseph's brothers, which can be helpful in our own lives as we wrestle with relationships. In Genesis 49, Jacob blesses his children, and they become known as the 12 Tribes of Israel or the Children of Israel.

READ

• September 25        Sold Into Slavery – Genesis 37:1-36 || LISTEN
• September 26        Prison and a Promotion – Genesis 39:1-41:57 || LISTEN
• September 27        Ten Brothers Go to Egypt – Genesis 42:1-38 || LISTEN
• September 28        The Brothers Return – Genesis 43:1-44:34 || LISTEN
• September 29        Joseph Reveals His Identity – Genesis 45:1-46:7 || LISTEN
  
  

Review
Message from Sunday, September 24th


DISCOVER
Type and Antitype: In literature "type" refers to a character who foreshadows someone else or shows a glimpse of something to come in the future. Joseph's is considered a type of Christ, not because he could replace Christ in the story of salvation but because his story parallels and points to many aspects of Jesus' life. "Antitype" refers to the fulfillment of the "type", so in all of the cases below Jesus is the Antitype, the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecies and promises of God. (Pastor Dave talked about this in his message on Sept 17th as well!)
A Few Examples of Type in the Old Testament: 

• Adam, as the representative of all humanity in sin
• Melchizedek, the king and priest of Salem (which means peace)
• Moses, as mediator between God and the people of Israel
• David, the shepherd/king who was faithful to following God
• Jonah, who returned to the land after three days in a fish's belly

Important Locations: 
Canaan/The Promised Land - the modern states of Israel, Jorden, Lebanon and the Western part of Syria, some scholars include Gaza and the West Bank
Hebron - south of Jerusalem about 18 miles in modern day Palestine
Egypt - exactly where you think it is!
Goshen - exact location disputed, a fertile area near the Nile river given to the Israelites to settle

NEXT STEPS

1. Where in your life have you been like Joseph, trusting God through exceptional difficulties?
2. Where have you been more like the rest of the brothers, needing to admit fault in order to move forward towards healing?
3. What did you learn about the character of God?
4. What does this Biblical account invite you to do, think, or believe after reading it?

PRAY
Dear Lord, we always want to be like Joseph, faithful in trusting You through life's circumstances. Help us to remember to acknowledge Your work in the good times. Remind us of Your constant presence through trials and temptations. When we do not show care and kindness towards others, when our jealously and fear overcome us - work in our hearts to repent. Forgive us and guide us. Show us that we can be a light to those around us even if we have struggled before. Amen.

You can engage these readings and devotional times individually or as a group. If you want to send an email to Family of Christ with your thoughts and questions, you are invited to click the link below.