Genesis 43-45

Chapter 43
How big was the problem facing Israel’s family? (1)
--severe
How big was Israel’s suggested solution? (2)
--little
Why wouldn’t Israel’s plan work? (3-7)
--He was, like many, trying to confront a 'severe' problem with a 'little' solution
Which brother speaks out? (8-10)
--Judah. This speaks to his 'turning point' in Genesis 38:26
Do you think Israel’s plan was wise? (11-15)
--Yes, he did his part to make success more likely
Does un-confessed sins produce a cynical worldview? (16-22)
--Yes, the brothers tended to interpret all things as negative
Were the 11 brothers treated well by Joseph and his stewards? (23-34)
--Yes, extremely well

Chapter 44
Do you think Joseph was making this up as he went along? (1-2)
--No, I think this was a very well thought out plan
What do you think Joseph’s steward thought of all this? (3-5)
--Perhaps he had become a follower of God under Joseph's influence
How carefully do Joseph’s brothers choose their words? (6-9)
--They consistently do not think before they speak
Do you think Joseph really practiced divination? (10-15)
--No, why would he need divination to discover his own brothers? He was simply playing the part of an Egyptian leader
Which brother speaks out? (16-32)
--Once again, Judah
What sacrifice is Judah willing to make and for who’s sake? (33-34)
--He's willing to sacrifice himself. It is the complete opposite of his attitudes 20 years prior to this

Chapter 45
Why, at that specific moment, was Joseph unable to contain himself? (1-3)
--Because his plan was now complete. He had re-created the circumstances from 20 years ago and found that, this time, his brothers were NOT willing to let their youngest brother be taken
How did Joseph view all the suffering he had experienced? (4-8)
--As part of God's plan!
What was Joseph most excited about? (9-13)
--About seeing and pleasing his father
How do you think Joseph was able to forgive his brothers so easily? (14-15)
--Because he wasn't thinking about himself, he was thinking about God's plan
Why did Pharaoh treat the Israelites so well? (16-20)
--On account of Joseph
What do you make of Joseph’s parting advice? (21-24)
--He wanted them to let the past stay in the past, to have a fresh start
Can you imagine Jacob’s joy upon hearing the news? (25-28)
--Not really