DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | September 9/13, 2026

The following questions may be used for further personal or group reflection as you strive to build your house on the rock of Christ and his Word (cf. Luke 6:46).  

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Sermon Text: Genesis 50:15-21

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Sermon Theme: When Life Gives You Its Worst, Give God Your Best

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Introduction
The story of Joseph is one of the greatest stories in all of the Bible – even in all of human literature!  His life story takes up 13 chapters (Genesis 37 & 39-50).  To appreciate the full-story of Joseph’s life, it is good to read these chapters. The following questions are only the briefest synopsis of his life.  One may pick and choose which questions you desire to answer.

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1) Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers who were jealous of him.  He was his father’s favorite.  Perhaps you remember how Jacob had given Joseph “a coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3).  When parents play favorites, the results are often harmful to family relationships.  

- Abraham favored his son, Ishmael; Abraham’s wife, Sarah favored their son, Isaac.  
- Then Isaac favored Esau; his wife, Rebekah, favored Jacob.  
- Then Jacob – the third generation in a row to play favorites - makes the same
    mistake in his family with Joseph. 

What advice do you have for parents on how NOT to play favorites?

 

2) Joseph went from being the most favored in his family to being a slave in Egypt.  His master, Potiphar, noticed how well Jospeh did his chores and elevated him to the head of the household – second only to Potiphar.  Then Joseph is falsely accused of trying to rape his master’s wife (Genesis 39:1-19).  He is then put in prison.  How much lower can you go?  A slave who is also now a prisoner!  

But in prison Joseph showed himself to be so trustworthy, that the warden put him in charge of everything (Genesis 39:20-23).  As a slave – and as a prisoner – Joseph was faithful in the fulfillment of his duties.  

It appears that Joseph did not wallow in self-pity.  He did not let his unfortunate circumstances overwhelm him.  He gave his best to God and served his fellow man to the best of his ability.

Joseph understood that he could not control events around him – nor did he understand at that time why all of this was happening – but he could control his own actions.  What he could not control he left in God’s hands; what he could control he devoted himself to.

What can we learn from Joseph about how to handle troubles?  Can you name a believer who suffered many troubles in their life – and yet remained cheerful and full of kindness to others?

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3) Joseph experiences the greatest reversal.  He goes from being a slave in prison to becoming Pharoah’s “right-hand man” (Genesis 40,41).  He interprets Pharoah’s dreams and tells him that seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of famine.  He advises Pharoah to save some of the harvest from each of the seven abundant years so that there will be bread in Egypt during the seven years of famine.

Some see in this reversal a picture of our Lord – who became a “slave” (Philippians 2:7) and suffered death on a cross (a type of death reserved only for criminals}.  On the third day after his death Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God.

When we suffer injustice and are wronged, the Bible tell us:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).

Instead of “stewing” about the wrong done to us, we are to “let go” and trust in God.  

Do you someone who suffered injustice but was later exonerated – and perhaps even exalted?

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4) Joseph’s brothers who sold him into slavery come to Egypt to buy bread during the 7-year famine (Genesis 42-45).  At first Joseph hides his identity from his brothers  Later he reveals himself.  

Joseph now had his opportunity to take revenge on his brothers.  He was in control; they were not.  

Read Genesis 45:1-8 to see what happens when he reveals himself to his brothers.
Now read the words of our text in Genesis 50:15-21 where Joseph reassures his brothers of his love and forgiveness after their father, Jacob, has passed away.

What is remarkable about Joseph’s response to his brothers?

Some see in his response the actions of our Savior towards us.  To those who crucified him, he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

How does God want us to treat those who have wronged us (Ephesians 4:32)?

In what ways does Joseph show great faith and trust in God?  What can we learn from this for our own comfort in hard times?

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Conclusion: 
Joseph suffered many hardships; but he did not become bitter.  When life spun out of control, he entrusted himself to God and served his neighbor to the best of his ability.  May God grant us grace as well - to give God our best even when life give us its worst.