Genesis 37-38

Chapter 37

The story of Joseph

The Setting
1. Things were finally looking up! (1, Hebrews 11:13)
2. We should re-think our concept of a Tattle Tale (2)
3. People often have real reasons for picking a favorite (3)
4. When we show favoritism is tends to create problems (4)
5. Dreams were considered very significant in Bible times (5-9, 11, 41:32)
6. God may have given these dreams to Joseph to give him some hope because He knew difficult times lay ahead for Joseph (5-9)
7. Joseph may have been wiser to keep the dreams to himself (5-11)

The Plot Thickens
1. If we have a favorite, we shouldn’t spoil them by giving less work (12)
2. As parents, we must be aware of sibling rivalries and try our best not to add fuel to the fire (13-14)
3. The brothers probably left Shechem b/c they were infamous there (15-17)
4. Their hatred for Joseph was to the point of murderous thoughts (18-20)
5. Reuben, here, shows a bit of compassion and craftiness (21-22)
6. The brothers add insult to injury by looking to profit in their plan (23-28)
7. Good intentions don’t get us very far (29-30)

The Conclusion
1. One sin often leads to another or others (31-33)
2. Sin/selfishness cause devastation in the lives involved (34-35)
3. God is able to work out His plan despite our sin (36)

Joseph as a Type of Christ
They were both the 1st son of a favored woman-----------Luke 1:30-31
They were both loved dearly by their father-------------Matthew 3:17
They were both shepherds of their fathers sheep---------John 10:11, 27
They were both sent by their father to brothers---------Hebrews 2:11
They were both rejected/hated by their brothers---------John 7:5
They were both targets of murder plots------------------John 11:53
They were both tempted prior to their exaltation--------Matthew 4:1
They were both taken to Egypt---------------------------Matthew 2:14-15
They were both stripped of their robes------------------John 19:23
They were both sold for the price of a slave------------Matthew 26:15
They were both falsely accused--------------------------Matthew 26:59-60
They were both placed with 2 prisoners------------------Luke 23:32
They were both 30 at beginning of recognition-----------Luke 3:23
They were both exalted after suffering------------------Philippians 2:9-11
They were both willing to forgive their enemies---------Luke 23:34
They were both able to save their people----------------Matthew 1:21
God used their suffering for a greater good-------------1 Corinthians 2:7-8

Chapter 38

The Story of Judah

1. His birth 29:35

2. His family situation 37:26

3. His chapter 38
a. Bad context
b. Bad friend
c. Bad wife
d. Bad sons
e. Bad decisions
f. Bad integrity

4. His turning point 38:26

5. His kids

6. His trips to Egypt
a. Not mentioned in 42
b. Takes the lead in 43-44

7. His redemption 45

8. His blessing 49:8-12, Matthew 1:3