Atributes
God is right in all He does.
What is Righteous?
What prompted Jacob to send his sons back to Egypt? (43:1-2)
The famine was still severe (43:1), and they had eaten all the food they had gotten from Egypt (43:2).
What did Joseph do when he saw Benjamin had arrived with his other brothers? (43:15-17)
Joseph told his steward to take his brothers to his own home and prepare a meal so they could eat together.
What sins kept Joseph’s brothers bound in guilt? (See Genesis 37 and 42:21-22.)
The brothers’ cruelty toward Joseph; their plot to kill him by throwing him into a well; and their decision to sell him into slavery. The brothers also maintained the lie to their father that Joseph had been killed by wild animals.
God does not give us what our sins deserve.
What is Merciful?
What did Judah say to convince his father to send Benjamin with them to Egypt? (43:3-10)
Judah reminded Jacob they could not return and purchase more food without Benjamin (43:3); Judah refused to go without Benjamin because it was futile (43:4-5); Judah offered his personal guarantee for Benjamin’s safety (43:8-9).
How did the brothers react to this treatment?(43:18-22)
Joseph’s brothers were frightened, thinking Joseph would attack them and enslave them over the silver found in their sacks.
In what ways were the brothers tested through the situation with the silver cup? (44:1-13)
This plan would reveal how the brothers would respond to Benjamin’s arrest. They had not reacted negatively when Joseph showed him favoritism. Their reaction would show if God had changed their hearts through evidence of changed actions.
His decisions are always based on His righteous character. God does not show favoritism.
What is Just?
What gifts did Jacob say to take down to Egypt? (43:11-14)
What did the brothers find amazing about the meal? (43:31-34)
The brothers were seated in birth order. They would not have known how anyone in Egypt could know this.
What points in Judah’s speech show God’s work in his heart? (44:14-34)
Judah showed humility before Joseph (44:18), the absence of jealousy or bitterness regarding Jacob’s love for Benjamin (44:30), willingness and desire to stay in Benjamin’s place for the sake of his father and family (44:33) and grief to imagine having to see Jacob suffer (44:34).
We cannot understand God’s thoughts and ways. God is infinite and eternal; He knows all things.
What is Incomprehensible?
What truths about God are revealed in Jacob's prayer?
God is almighty, merciful, trustworthy
How would you define repentance in your own words?
To completely turn away from your sin, to be sorry for what you did (not just because you got caught)
What can keep someone from confession and repentance?
Pride, selfishness, guilt, undeserving
God does not change. We can count on Him always to be holy, always to be good, always to be faithful, always to love us, always to hate sin.
What is Immutable?
In what way has God used a challenge to change your heart?
Personal example
When has God’s kindness and patience led you to repentance?
Personal example
What do you think is evidence of a God-changed heart?
humility, putting someone else first, kindness, compassion