On Listening

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Genesis 42:21-28 This passage is one of the most poignant passages in all of Scripture. It relates to us how Joseph's brothers come to the realization that they are now encountering the consequences of their long ago sin. Meanwhile, Joseph overhears their discussion. What, particularly, do his brothers’ consciences seem to trouble them with? This is an important point to the narrator, and has important implications to our own lives. Joseph responds to what he hears by weeping. Why does Joseph weep? Why, after hearing his brother's confession, does Joseph continue with his disguise and his plan? Why are his brothers so filled with fear upon discovering the money in one of their sacks? How has their sin distorted the brothers' perception of God's processes in their lives? (53 min.)

Remembering Dreams

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Genesis 42:1-9 Resuming our study of the life of Joseph, we learn about the first encounter between Joseph and his ten estranged brothers. What is the contrast we see between the story of Joseph so far, and how we find the family of Jacob back in Canaan? What lesson has Jacob seemingly failed to learn? How is the journey of the brothers to Egypt a metaphor of Israel and the Messiah? How has Joseph changed since his brothers last saw him? How did he "disguise" himself? What was Joseph's motive in charging his brothers with spying? What is the significance of Joseph remembering his dreams? What does this tell us about his motives? (50 min.)