People of the Promise The covenant promise given

People of the Promise The covenant promise given by God to Abraham was: “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you (Abraham) have done this and have not withheld your son (Isaac), your only son, I will surely. bless. . you and make your descendants asnumerous. . . . as the. stars. . . in the. sky. . . and as the. sand. . on the. seashore. . . . “ (Gen. 22: 15 -17) This promise of God passes through Abraham’s descendants: Isaac, Jacob, etc. Let’s first have a look at Abraham’s family tree.

Kohath Amram Moses king David virgin Mary Jesus, the Son of God

Intro from New Testament (Luke 24) Jesus was crucified, had died, was put in a grave, but on the 3 rd day He was risen. He walks with two disciples to Emmaus. At some point, (Jesus) said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah* have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? ” 27 And … he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. * The promised Saviour-King

Suffering and glory: the story of JOSEPH Introduction: Joseph, father, brothers and dreams Read Genesis 37: 1 -11 Genesis 37 Jacob, also named Israel, loved his son Joseph. Therefore and because Joseph had dreams, his brothers were jealous and threw him in a pit, sold him to traders to Egypt, dipped his clothes in blood and told father Jacob that Joseph was eaten by a wild beast.

Genesis 39: Joseph’s early times in Egypt Joseph came to Egypt, the greatest power in the world. Read: Gen 39: 1 -6 Joseph came to the household of Potiphar as a slave but became number one in that household. And he was blessed and the household was blessed. He was falsely accused and was sent to prison. Read: Gen 39: 21 -23 In prison God placed Joseph in power. “All that was to be done, was done by Joseph. ” And the Lord made him successful in everything.

• Why is Joseph (now already) such a good picture of Jesus ? (Matthew 28: 18)

Joseph in prison Joseph is thrown into prison. Het becomes responsible for everything and for all. A baker and a cupbearer (those who take care of bread and wine) are thrown into prison, and both have dreams. Read Genesis 40: 7 -14, 20 -23 Read Genesis 41: 1 – 7 Pharao hears about Joseph, and Joseph comes. Read Genesis 41: 25 – 32 Joseph explains the dreams of Pharao about the 7 years of abundant cereal crops and 7 years of famine. And he gives the advice to select “a discerning and wise man” to govern Egypt and to make sure that cereals are to be stored in the abundant years as a reserve for the years of famine.

King Joseph Read: Genesis 41: 37 -45 Joseph marries Pharao’s daughter and has two sons. History proceeds as predicted. Seven years of abundance are followed by the first years of famine. Read: Genesis 41: 56 -42: 8 Which dreams have we seen come true so far?

King Joseph as a brother Joseph tests his brothers, to see if they have changed. Bizarre things happen to them. He asks all sorts of questions. Brother Simeon has to stay in Egypt until Benjamin will come to Egypt. When they go home with their grain, they find, their money back. After some time they go back, with Benjamin. They are treated nicely, at the table they are placed in order of age, but when they leave with the grain, they are checked and a silver cup is found in Benjamins grain bag. He has to become a slave!! Then Judah has a long speech and offers to take Benjamins place, because his father would otherwise be too sad.

King Joseph as a brother Read: Genesis 44: 33 - 45: 9 What feelings went through Joseph and his brothers? As long as father Jacob lived, the brothers felt OK. But when Jacob dies after 17 years, they become afraid again. Why? Read Genesis 50: 15 -21 How, you think, did the brothers feel after Joseph’s answer? Can you remember you had to forgive someone, or someone had to forgive you? What was the difference before and after? Do you need forgiveness from God? Does Joseph’s answer in verses 20 -21 mean anything for us? What are the main lessons of today?

Suffering, blessing, kingship, forgiveness The history of Jesus is pre-figured in the life of Joseph: 1. first suffering then glory (death and resurrection). 2. God was with him, and blessed him and those for whom he cared (Healings, miracles). 3. Jesus becomes king of the world, before he is recognized by the Jews 4. Joseph forgives his brothers as Jesus did the Jews and other people. 5. He takes care of those who belong to him