GENESISChapter 44- 45:3

JOSEPHS REVEALS HIMSELF TO HIS BROTHERS

 I.       Introduction

A. Continue with Joseph and his family.

1. Joseph prepared a feast for his

brothers .2. He accused them of being spies!

a) Intended to put them on the defensive.

b) He wanted to see if his father.

(1)  Had they changed.

c)     They were afraid to enter the house.(1) Their intentions

were noble.(a) Cleverly devised by Joseph.

(b) Time to return to Canaan

 II. Genesis 44:1-3

A. He gave their money back.

1. Slips in a silver cup.

III. Genesis 44:4-5 

A. Joseph gives them a head start.

1. Do not let the word “divination” trip

you.a) Joseph a prophet with ability

to interpret dreams.

b) He has given all the glory to the Lord.

c) He has not turned to witchcraft.(1) “spiritual value” = more power!

(a) They assume what he wants

them to.

IV. Genesis 44:6-9

A. Their response?

1. That is where they should have

stopped.a) Proverbs 17:28 b) They speak as

fools.

V. Genesis 44:10-13

A. Steward instructed to start with the oldest.

1. They head back to assuming the

worst.2. Only the one with

the cup would be his slave.

a) They head back with Benjamin!

VI. Genesis 44:14-17

A. Judah begins to plead for mercy!

1. Until now they felt justified.

a) “justice” = getting what you deserve.

b) “grace” = getting what you don’t deserve!(1) Judah says they will be his slaves! (a) Joseph wants

to see what they will do.

(i) Hays, “he will keep

Benjamin!” VII. Genesis 44:18-34 

A. What Joseph has been waiting for!

1. To see true hearts of his brothers.

VIII. CONCLUSION

A. Genesis 45:1-3

1. Scene too surreal. a) Can’t be Joseph!2. They have changed. (1)  Genesis 45:14-15

(2) A picture of Jesus!