Category: Bible Study

His brothers visit Joseph and he saves their lives. we also look at what we can learn from Joseph.

Joseph’s Life Mirrors Jesus’

Gen. 37:3 — Beloved by their fathers — Matt. 3:17

Gen. 37:13-14 — Sent by their fathers to their brothers — Luke 20:13; Heb. 2:12

Gen. 37:4, 5, 8 — Hated by their brothers without a cause — John 1:11; 7:5; 15:25

Gen. 39:7 — Severely tempted — Matt. 4:1

Gen. 37:28 — Taken to Egypt — Matt. 2:14-15

Gen. 37:23 — Stripped of their robes — John 19:23-24

Gen. 37:28 — Sold for the price of a slave — Matt. 26:15

Gen. 39:20 — Remained silent and offered no defence — Isa. 53:7

Gen. 39:16-18 — Falsely accused — Matt. 26:59-60

Gen. 39:21 — Respected by their jailors — Luke 23:47

Gen. 40:2-3 — Placed with two prisoners, one of which was later lost, the other saved — Luke 23:32

Gen. 41:46 — Both around thirty at the beginning of their ministry — Luke 3:23

Gen. 41:41 — Both highly exalted after their suffering — Phil. 2:9-11

Gen. 45:1-15 — Both forgave and restored their repentant brothers — Zech. 12:10-12

Gen. 41:57 — Both visited and honored by all earthly nations — Isa. 2:2-3; 49:6

In a dramatic turn of events, Joseph is transported from prison to become the second in command of Egypt. The events that led to this change in Joseph’s destiny have to do with the cupbearer who, when he hears that Pharaoh has had a dream which the wise men of his household cannot interpret, remembers how Joseph interpreted his own dream while he was in prison. Joseph gives the praise to God. He says he can’t interpret the dream but God can. He communicates this fact to Pharaoh who, in turn, invites Joseph into his palace and asks him to interpret his dream. Pharaoh is so happy he elevates Joseph to the highest position in the kingdom.

The story of Joseph is unquestionably one of the most thrilling in the whole of Scripture, which records his life in more detail than is given about the lives of other great patriarchs, such as Abraham and Isaac. Joseph’s life mirrors the life and character of our Lord Jesus Christ, in many ways. The likenesses between Joseph and Christ are so compelling that we cannot help but build our outline around these parallels.

The outstanding lesson of Jacob’s life is that God never fails to discipline those who resist, or who are slow to conform to His purposes. If we do not rise to the level which God purposes for us willingly, then we will be obliged to rise to it through the firm hand of discipline. Jacob’s life also shows that it never pays to cheat or deceive, as the Scripture so clearly states: “A man reaps what he sows” (Gal. 6:7 ). Three great milestones can be seen in Jacob’s life: the dream at Bethel; the long discipline at the hands of Laban; and the night in which the angel of the Lord wrestled with him and overcame him. That night, a new humility was stamped upon Jacob’s character.

We learn about Jacob’s attempt to leave Laban and the deal he makes with Laban. We see how God blesses Jacob and how he wrestles with him and Cripples him. Do we feel like Jacob feel on the one hand the pull of the divine purpose and on the other, the varied claims of relations and friends? We must aim to keep all our relationships open, but give God’s call the highest priority.

Jacob’s parents were Isaac and Rebekah, and Esau was his twin brother. God spoke to Rebekah before the birth of the twins, saying, “Two nations are in your womb…and the older (Esau) will serve the younger (Jacob)” (Gen. 25:23). As soon as Jacob makes his appearance in Scripture, we find him manipulating his brother Esau into surrendering his birthright. Esau was so hungry that he gave up his birthright, which he did not really care about (25:32). Jacob tricked his father into giving him the blessing of the firstborn.

When the realization of our ambitions is clearly shown, our task is to wait for the Lord to bring about His plan in His way and in His time. God is able to perform what He has promised, without the aid of human schemes.

Isaac started well but as he grew older his faults became more evident. He is regarded by many as being fond of the good life, and unduly favoring the son who provided them for him. Despite his negative qualities, Isaac had many virtues and graces: faith (Heb. 11:20), obedience (Gen. 22:6-9), affection (Gen. 24:67, 25:28, 27:27-33), as well as gentleness, and marital fidelity. He taught the men and women of his day that “a servant of the Lord must not quarrel”, not be aggressive, but gentle, patient, sacrificing, and humble (2 Tim. 2:24-25)

The story of Issac shows us how to be a dutiful child, a kind person, stand our ground and be unequally yoked together. In other words, don’t date below your calling.

The last installment of the study of Abraham. Abraham’s obedience to God, through curcumin to the offering of Issac as a sacrifice. We Look at his intercessory prayer and his unyielding faith in God.

God has promised Abram great things including great numbers of descendants. Abram sets for the first mention of the tithe with Melchedidek and Abram and Sarai jumped ahead of God and instead of standing on faith chose to move ahead of God.

God’s promises to Abraham:

1. I will make you a great nation.
2. I will bless you.
3. I will make your name great.
4. You will be a blessing.
5. I will bless those who bless you.
6. I will curse those who curse you.
7. Through you shall all people be blessed.