Genesis 42

What do these circumstances teach us about God’s Providence? (1-5)
Coincidence An accidental sequence that seems to have been arranged
Providence A arrangement of sequences carefully crafted by God

Providence in Joseph’s Life
In his Dreams----------------------Joseph was given a vision to hope in
In his Darkest Hour----------------Joseph was spared his life
In his Service to Potiphar---------Joseph learned to work with Egyptian government
In his Time in Prison--------------Joseph made a connection with the cupbearer
In his Leadership during Famine----Joseph was able to re-unite with his family
In his foreshadowing Christ--------Joseph was able to be a type of Christ

All of this, I believe, is the providence of God. He carefully crafted the events of Joseph's life to bring about His good purposes.

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

What do you think Joseph was thinking as his brothers bowed? (6)
--It reminded him of the dreams of his youth, over 20 years prior
Why couldn’t the brothers recognize Joseph? (8)
--20+ years removed, different culture, different language, no expectation
Why do you think Joseph treated his brothers harshly? (6-17)
--I think it was part of a well thought out plan
Do you think Joseph’s brothers had changed in over 20 years? (18-20)
--This is what Joseph was trying to decipher. Later, we learn that they had changed to some degree
What had plagued Joseph’s brothers for over 20 years? (21-24)
--A feeling of guilt, so much so that they expected calamity to confront them
What circumstance was Joseph re-creating? (25-34)
--It seems he was creating similar cirumstances to what had happened to him, except this time Benjamin would play the role of Joseph. Would the brothers sacrifice Benjamin for their own good?
Do you think Jacob suspected the 10 of killing Joseph? (35-36)
--It's very possible. He, at least, seems to blame them one way or the other
Was Jacob’s refusal to send Benjamin a permanent solution? (37-38)
--No, problems must eventually be dealt with. They can't be put off forever