Message Notes

(I) PREPARATION FOR THE TRIP TO EGYPT

1. The present was made up

2. Extra money was brought

3. Benjamin went along (Genesis 43:15)

(II) IN EGYPT

1. Joseph saw his brother Benjamin with his other brothers

2. He gave instructions for the brothers to be brought to his home

3. They would dine with him for lunch

4. His servants hastened to obey him (Genesis 43:16-17)

(III) THE FEAR OF THE BROTHERS

1. They were fearful because they could not understand why they were brought to the home of the Egyptian governor

2. They feared the worst, surmising that it was because of the money found in their sacks

3. They feared that they would be charged and seized as slaves and their donkeys confiscated (Genesis 43:18)

(IV) SPEAKING TO THE STEWARD

1. The brothers tried to explain things to the steward, hoping to gain his favour

a) They recalled their last visit to Egypt

b) They honestly spoke about how they found their money returned in their sacks

c) They had brought the money back

d) They have also brought more money to purchase more grain

e) They hoped to find a friend and an ally in the steward.

They had nobody else who could possibly help them (Genesis 43:19-2).

2. The steward’s encouraging response

a) Peace be with you

b) Do not be afraid

c) Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks;

d) I had your money

e) He then brought Simeon out to them (Genesis 43:23)

(V) PREPARATION FOR LUNCH AT THE HOME OF JOSEPH

1. Water provided for the washing of their feet

2. Provision for the donkeys (Genesis 43:24)

(VI) PREPARATION TO PRESENT THE GIFT TO JOSEPH

1. The gift to Joseph had to be prepared carefully

2. They had heard that the Governor would be present at their lunch (Genesis 43:25)

(VII) AUDIENCE WITH THE GOVERNOR

1. The brothers bowed to Joseph

2. They then presented their gift to him

3. Polite questions from the Governor

a) Were they well?

b) Was their father well?

4. The response of the brothers

They replied in the affirmative, prostrating themselves before Joseph once again .

5. A moving experience for Joseph

a) He loved his brother Benjamin

b) He had to excuse himself to give vent to his emotions

c) He composed himself and then returned for the Lunch (Genesis 43:26-31)

(VIII) LUNCH WITH THE GOVERNOR

1. Joseph ate with the Egyptians who attended him

a) Egyptian custom dictated that they did not eat with the Hebrews

b) They were known to be shepherds

c) Shepherds were despised

2. The brothers were arranged according to their age to their astonishment

3. Benjamin was accorded special treatment

4. They had a very happy Lunch (Genesis 43:32-34)