Chapter Summary

Jacob's burial. Joseph's death.

Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 50

1. Why do you think that Pharoah sent his servants and many others to go mourn with Joseph?
2. Compare the respect and mutual care that the Egyptians shared with the Israelites to their relationship in the Exodus story. What changed? What do you think caused them to be at odds with one another?
3. How might Joseph's ability to see God's bigger plan in the midst of hardships encourage us to trust in difficult situations we face?
4. How does Joseph's reaction to his brothers' fear of revenge demonstrate his growth and willingness to forgive?
5. What would you would consider the worst part of Joseph's life away from his family? Would you forgive someone that put you through that? Why or why not?
6. What can we learn from Joseph's willingness to suffer and not seek revenge? What are some ways you can do that this week?
7. Do you think that Joseph's brothers were lying in verses 15-17? What details can you find to make your case? If you think they lied, do you think Joseph knew they were lying? Why or why not?
8. Joseph spent many years away from his father at the hands of his brothers and missed out on many memories with him. Why do you think Joseph had peace about this situation?
9. How does the theme of "faithfulness amidst adversity" resonate throughout the story of Joseph and the rest of the stories in Genesis? How can we draw inspiration from these instances in our own lives?
10. The book of Genesis starts with the creation of the whole world and then story by story it zooms in further and further until it gets to Abram. Then it spends the last 38 chapters on Abram's broken and dysfunctional family. Why do you think this family's saga is part of the Genesis, or beginning, of the Biblical story? What significance does it play into the rest of the 65 books of the Bible?

Key Words/Phrase

Mourning, v. 10.

Characters

Jacob, Joseph, brothers.

Strong Verse(s)

17, 19, 20, 21.