Good evening. Well, tonight is the night that we will finish up the book of Genesis. Then starting next week we are going to begin taking a look at the Gospels together. But for tonight our attention is on Genesis chapters 49 and 50.
At this time, let’s open our time with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray
Okay, we are going to just jump right into tonight’s lesson. The first section that I want us to look at is Genesis 49:1-28. Here in this chapter, we read about the blessings that Jacob extends to his sons. Whoever has the first 2 keys, if you could read them for us at this time please. (READ)
Now, I don’t have a lot from this passage, but let’s take a look at a few things, and then I will open it up to you. Are there any interesting things that you see in the blessings that each son receives?
In verse 18, Jacob pauses for prayer. What about his 2 sons mentioned prior to this prayer give him cause for such prayer (v. 14-17)?
Which of these prophecies points to the Messiah who will rule the nations (v. 10-12)?
At this time, let me go ahead and read what the commentary has to say about chapters 48 and 49 as a whole. The rest of chapter 49 goes more with the next chapter than it does with this chapter. So, the commentary said: (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, the next section that we are going to look at is chapter 49 verses 29 through chapter 50 verse 14. It is in this section that Jacob’s life comes to an end. Before we look at that though, answer me one question. When you die, what would you like to be done at your funeral?
Well, in this chapter, we see Jacob die, and we see what happens after that. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read it for us at this time please. (READ)
Okay, we have just read about the death of Jacob, and all the events that followed his death. Let’s discuss this to get a better understanding of what happened. Why is it so important for Jacob that he be buried in Canaan (46:1-4, 47:29-31)?
Okay, and what does that say about Jacob’s faith in God’s promises?
What impact does Jacob’s death have on those mentioned in this story?
When you pass away, where would you like to be buried?
How do you feel about death and dying? Do you fear it or how do you feel about it and why?
Does anyone have anything else that they would like to add about this passage before we move on?
Okay, if there is nothing else, now let’s take a look at the next 7 verses. Here in this text we see Joseph reassuring his brothers that they have been forgiven. Which is harder for you to accept: Mercy, or Judgment?
Well, let’s see how the brothers react after the death of Jacob, and what Joseph does to help. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ)
Okay, we see here that the brothers are beginning to doubt the forgiveness that they have been given now that their father is dead, and they devise a plan to try and avoid the possible wrath of Joseph.
What do you think of the brother’s fear here after their father passes away?
How does Joseph’s life story reveal the truth of verses 19-21?
What highlights and lowlights come to mind when you apply verses 19-21 to your own life?
Is there anything that anyone would like to add about this passage before we move on?
Alright, if there is nothing else, let’s finish the book of Genesis with the last section that talks about the death of Joseph. Complete this sentence for me. “When I die, my family will smile when they remember the time…”
Okay, whoever has the last key go ahead and finish things up for us please. (READ)
Now, I don’t have much on this chapter, but let’s discuss it for a moment and take a look at the commentary and then I will open it up to you. How is Joseph’s last request important to things (God’s promises)?
Why do you think Joseph reassures his brothers that God is with them?
At this time, let me read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 50. Here is what it said: (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we wrap up Genesis?
Well, if there is nothing else, let me end our discussion on the book of Genesis with one last question. What has this book of “new beginnings” teach you about your own roots and life?
Well, for next week, we are going to begin looking at the Gospels. Now our original idea was to look at all 4 of them at the same time, but that makes it very difficult to see everything that they all have to offer us. Instead of doing that, we are going to start with Matthew, and when we get to the other Gospels, if something is repeated, we will make mention of it and move on. This will allow us to make sure that we don’t skip over anything that these authors have for us.
So, for next week, if you want to be ready to discuss, try and read over chapters 1 and 2. I don’t know if we will get through both of these chapters yet or not, but if you want to read them, and we don’t, then you will be ahead of the game. We will start off with an introduction to the Gospels, and then an introduction to the book of Matthew, and then we will begin with chapter 1.
Prayer Concerns/Announcement
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