Browse Bible Study Resources

Youth Worship 29th April 2023 : “God meant it for good”

Text: Genesis 50:15-26
29 April 2023

INTRODUCTION

1. The Death and Burial of Jacob

a) It was a long-drawn event
b) It was a very grand funeral

2. Old fears arose

a) The brothers of Joseph became afraid
b) They approached Joseph fearfully

THE RISE OF OLD FEARS

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.”
16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying,
17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”

Genesis 50:15-18

1. The reality of Jacob’s death sank in

a) The mourning period was over
b) Jacob, their father, was no more

2. Real fears arose

a) Fear that Joseph would repay their evil
b) Fear that they would be executed
3. Messengers (Messages) were sent to Joseph
a) They claimed that their father Jacob had given this advice
b) The contents of this message
“I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’
Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.”
Genesis 50:17
c) This message cannot be verified
i) It was not written
ii) Joseph did not receive this word from his father directly
iii) It is possible but perhaps not very likely
d) Bowing before Joseph
i) They bowed to Joseph
ii) They presented themselves as “servants of Joseph”

ALLAYING OF THE FEARS

19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Genesis 50:19-21

1. He sought to allay their fears

2. His word to his brothers

a) He spoke about God
b) God’s hand revealed
i) Evil was turned around
ii) Good prevailed
iii) Joseph’s destiny was to save lives
c) Joseph’s promise
i) They need never fear
ii) He will provide for them
iii) He will provide for their families (children)
d) Word of comfort and kindness were spoken

THE DEATH OF JOSEPH

22 So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years.

23 Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees.

24 And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

25 Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.”

26 So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Genesis 50:22-26

1. The death of Joseph

a) He lived to 110 years old
b) He saw his children grow up
c) He saw his grandchildren and great-grandchildren

2. The last words of Joseph

a) He spoke of dying
b) He spoke of his faith that God would bring them out to the Promised Land

3. Obtaining an oath from all his relatives

a) When God visits them
b) They are to bring his bones out of Egypt to be buried in Canaan

4. Burial of Joseph

a) He was embalmed
b) He was put in a coffin in Egypt

CONCLUSION

1. The faith of Joseph

a) Expressed practically
b) Expressed outstandingly

2. The challenge to us

a) To know God better
b) To have a greater faith