TEXT: Genesis 40 & 41

1. SEARCHING OUR MEMORIES
   1. Discuss what you chose to do from last week's "Searching Our Lives" suggestions.

   2. Recall Joseph's roller-coaster life from the last two lessons.

2. SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
   3. 1. Who offended Pharaoh?

      2. What happened to them for these offenses?

   4. What responsibility did Joseph have toward them?

   5. Why were their faces downcast one day?

   6. Explain the dreams and their interpretations:
      1. The chief butler (cupbearer) –

      2. The chief baker –

   7. What request did Joseph make?

   8. How were Joseph's interpretations of the dreams fulfilled?

   9. Why did this not result in the immediate release of Joseph?

   10. 1. From Genesis 41, who had the next set of dreams?

       2. Describe them.

   11. 1. What prompted Pharaoh to send for Joseph to interpret the dreams?

       2. To whom did Joseph give credit for his ability to interpret dreams?

   12. 1. What is the interpretation of the dreams?

       2. Why were the dreams in two forms?

   13. How did Pharaoh acknowledge God?

   14. How did Pharaoh acknowledge Joseph?

   15. How successful was the world's first recorded rationing plan?

   16. During the years of plenty, Joseph and his wife were blessed with two sons. What names did Joseph give them and for what reasons?

   17. During the seven years of famine, to whom did the Egyptians turn for their food?

   18. How widespread was the famine?

3. MAKING THE CONNECTION
   19. The account of Joseph is an encouragement to anyone going through trials. In Ephesians 6:22, what does Paul do to encourage others while he is in prison?

   20. God worked through Joseph in such a way that even Pharaoh acknowledged God.
       How do the following scriptures admonish us to be prepared for God to work through us?
       Ephesians 2:8-10 –

       2 Timothy 2:21 –

       2 Timothy 3:16-17 –

       Titus 3:1 –

   21. Joseph saved Egypt by storing food for seven years of famine. How can this storing up be reconciled with Jesus' message in Matthew 6:19-21 to not lay up treasures on earth?

4. SEARCHING THE HEART
   22. At 28 and 30 years of age, Joseph is confidently interpreting dreams for others, yet his own dreams from age 17 had not yet been fulfilled. What can give you confidence to serve others in God's name even when your life is not ideal?

   23. What "bad" events have happened in your life that have worked for the good of others or for yourself? (Read Romans 8:28.)

5. SEARCHING OUR LIVES (Choose one of the following to complete and discuss for next week.)
   24. Watch a video of the musical production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with your family. Beyond the entertainment, challenge your children to find the few discrepancies between the musical production and the Biblical account. Discuss the faith of Joseph and his devotion to God.

   25. This week do something for someone that you do not receive "credit" for. Relate how it made you feel to do a secret kindness.

   26. Joseph models responsibility and stewardship. This week look for ways you can promote these characteristics in yourself and in your children.