TEXT: Genesis 44 & 45

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

   2. What did you learn about torn relationships from last week's lesson?

2. SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
   3. As Joseph's brothers prepare to travel back home, what instructions does Joseph give to the steward of his house?

   4. 1. How do the brothers respond to the accusation of stealing?

      2. What rash offer do they make to the steward?

      3. What terms does the steward offer in return?

   5. 1. In whose sack is the cup found?

      2. How do the brothers react?

   6. What does Joseph say will happen to them?

   7. How does Judah say his father will be affected if Benjamin does not return home?

   8. What is his offer to Joseph?

   Chapter 45:

   9. 1. What is Joseph's command in verse 1?

      2. Why?

      3. What does he do?

   10. How do the brothers react to Joseph's revelation?

   11. What does Joseph instruct them to do?

   12. 1. Why does Joseph say all this had happened to him?

       2. Whom does he give credit to for sending him to Egypt?

   13. 1. What does he tell the brothers to do?

       2. Where will the family live?

   14. How many more years of famine are left?

   15. How does Joseph again greet his brothers?

   16. How does Pharaoh react to the news that Joseph's brothers had come?

   17. 1. What does Pharaoh give the brothers for their families' journey?

       2. What does he say about their belongings?

   18. 1. In addition, what does Joseph give them?

       2. What does he give to Benjamin?

       3. What does he send to Jacob?

   19. What are his parting words to them?

   20. What is Jacob's initial response to the news that Joseph is alive?

   21. What convinces him of the news?

   22. What does he say?

3. MAKING THE CONNECTION
   23. In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus teaches us how to treat our enemies and those who mistreat us. Read Romans 12:17-21. Compare these principles with how Joseph treated his brothers.

   24. Joseph seems to be testing the hearts of his brothers for repentance of their earlier betrayal of him. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14, Isaiah 55:6-7, and Acts 3:19. What is repentance? What part does repentance play in obtaining forgiveness from God? Also see Luke 5:32, Acts 2:38, and 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.

   25. Compare Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 6:15, and Matthew 18:21-22. How important is forgiveness? Can you be acceptable to God if you do not forgive?

   26. Joseph was confident that God was with him through all the events of his life, good and bad. What assurances are you given in Romans 8:38-39 and Philippians 4:13?

4. SEARCHING THE HEART
   27. Joseph has a positive outlook and sees the silver lining in the clouds. What areas or events in your life could benefit from an outlook adjustment?

   28. Have you held a grudge against someone who has wronged you, or have you found it hard to forgive someone? What can you learn from Joseph and the New Testament scriptures mentioned above?

   29. What are some of the ways you can keep your heart focused on God, through good times and bad?

5. SEARCHING OUR LIVES (Choose one of the following to complete and discuss for next week.)
   30. Make a list of specific examples of the way God has worked in your life. Give thanks and pray that your heart will be open to understand the ways He is currently working in your life.

   31. Is there a strained relationship in your life? What steps will you take this week to reconnect with that person or mend the relationship?

   32. If you have good relationships with your siblings, thank God for them and write a note to tell each one this week.