Prepare your heart for the Sermon by looking through these suggestions that will assist you in making the most of our time together hearing God's Word.

You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and prayerfully seeking wisdom to deepen your understanding of the passage to be preached this Sunday.

Carefully Think

• Read Genesis 45
• What is Joseph’s response to Judah’s confession?
• What emotions were being expressed by Joseph in verses 1-2? What is your evidence for this conclusion?
• How did the brothers respond upon learning this man was their brother, Joseph?
• Why were they terrified?
• To whom does Joseph attribute his being sold into slavery?
• Why does Joseph believe he was put into slavery?
• Who did Joseph ask for his brothers to bring to Egypt?
• Why did Joseph want him brought to Egypt?
• Which of the brothers receives special attention and blessing in this passage? Why?
• How does Pharaoh treat Joseph’s brothers once he learns family is in town?
• What was sent from Egypt for Joseph’s father? Why might this be the case?
• How did Jacob receive the news about Joseph?

Prayerfully Meditate

• How does Joseph repay his brothers for their actions? Why does he do this?
• Why is the remnant of verse 7 important? Why do you think Joseph intentionally mentions this?
• How have you been tempted to see evil events as out of God’s control?
• Why is it significant that it “pleased Pharaoh and his servants” that Joseph’s brothers were in town? What might this inform us about how Joseph talked about his family?
• What is the impact of God’s providence on this story?
• Why might Jacob be called Jacob in verse 27, but be called Israel in vs 28?