When Joseph Met His Brothers and Father
When famine reached the land of Canaan, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy food. Joseph was now an important ruler there, but his brothers did not recognize him. Joseph recognized them, yet he tested their hearts by accusing them of being spies. They said they were honest men and explained that their youngest brother, Benjamin, was still at home with their father.
Joseph told them that they must bring Benjamin the next time they came. When the brothers returned with Benjamin, Joseph was deeply moved and secretly wept with joy. To test them further, he had a silver cup placed in Benjamins sack. After they left, the cup was found, and Benjamin was accused of stealing.
Joseph said Benjamin would become his slave. Judah pleaded for Benjamin, explaining that their father had already lost one beloved son and would be heartbroken if Benjamin did not return. Seeing Judahs love and concern, Joseph could no longer hide who he was.
Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, embraced them, and explained that God had sent him to Egypt to save their family from starvation. When Jacob heard that Joseph was alive, he was filled with joy. Soon the whole family moved to Egypt, where Pharaoh gave them good land to live in.
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BIble verse
NIV
"And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." — Genesis 45:5 (NIV)
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Questions & Answers (QA)
1. Why did Jacob send his sons to Egypt?
2. Did Josephs brothers recognize him?
3. What did Joseph accuse his brothers of being?
4. Which youngest brother was still at home at first?
5. What did Joseph tell the brothers to do next time?
6. What did Joseph hide in Benjamins sack?
7. What punishment did Joseph say Benjamin would receive?
8. Who pleaded for Benjamins release?
9. What did Joseph tell his brothers about God's plan?
10. How did Jacob feel when he learned Joseph was alive?
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