Genesis 50

BACKGROUND
Why was Jacob embalmed? (2)
--Egyptian custom & preparation for long procession
What was purpose/process of embalming in Ancient Egypt? (3)
--To preserve body for the afterlife
What should Christians think of burial/cremation issues?

What are the arguments for cremation?
1. Emotional Reasons
2. Economic Reasons
3. Ecological Reasons

What are the arguments for traditional burial?
1. Burial is practiced throughout the Bible
2. Burial is a great symbol of the future resurrection
3. Burial is said to highlight the sanctity of the body

*One thing is sure, God won't have 'problems' resurrecting His people

Why was the organized ‘mourning’ period so long in Bible times? (4)
--Perhaps ancient people valued each life moreso than we do
Why did Joseph have Pharaoh’s court ask permission for his absence? (4-6)
--Sign of respect
How long was the journey from Goshen to the burial site? (7-14)
--Apparently, about 300 miles
What must the towns along the way have thought of this procession? (7-14)
--They probably took note and assumed it was a high ranking Egyptian's funeral

POINTS TO PONDER
1. A funeral is a great opportunity to bury bad family history
2. Worldly minds can’t understand spiritual characteristics
3. God’s sovereignty works alongside man’s free will
4. God has the ability to use bad situations for good purposes
5. The ultimate goal of God’s plan is ultimate peace

CONCLUSION
What characteristics in Joseph’s life showed here? (17-23)
--He showed great spiritual maturity, patience, and forgiveness
Do you think Joseph was aware of Genesis 15:13-16? (24)
--Yes, especially considering he was Jacob's favorite son
Where did Joseph want to be buried? (25)
--In the promised land
Did the brothers honor Joseph’s wishes? (26)
--Yes, we read about this at the end of Joshua
What image are we left with at the end of Genesis? (26)
--Genesis, though it began with Adam in a beautiful garden, ends with Joseph in an Egyptian coffin, far from the promised land. Though, as we saw, Joseph had many similar characteristics to Christ, every 'type' ends somewhere. Genesis ends in death, but the story of Jesus never ends.