Lesson 8
Read Genesis 43:15b-34 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/gen.43.esv
- Goodness – the deliberate preference of right to wrong, and the choosing and following of all good
- Gentleness – sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love
- Love – affection, good will, benevolence

Jacob’s sons took the gifts, twice the money, and Benjamin, and started off for Egypt. When Joseph saw his youngest brother with them, he ordered his house steward to make the men feel at home; he would eat his noon meal with them.

The brothers got nervous when they were brought to Joseph’s home, though – they were afraid it was because of the money returned in their sacks; maybe he was going to make them slaves and steal their donkeys!

They talked to Joseph’s house steward and explained what had happened with the money returned to their bags. They assured him they were innocent and had brought all the money back and had plenty to buy more food.

The steward replied, “Don’t worry; your God and the God of your father gave you a bonus. I was paid in full for the food you purchased earlier.” Then Simeon appeared from the
Egyptian prison, and they all went into Joseph’s house together. They washed their feet, and their donkeys were fed. The brothers unpacked the gifts for Joseph, who they were told would eat dinner with them.

When Joseph came home, they bowed respectfully and gave him the gifts. Joseph welcomed them into his home and asked how their father was, and if he was still alive. The brothers answered he was alive and well, and they bowed again.

Joseph asked if this was their youngest brother they had told him about, and then said gently to Benjamin, his own mother’s son, “God be gracious to you.”

Joseph was about to burst into tears at seeing his youngest brother again, whom he especially loved, so he hurried into another room to cry. He washed his face, came back into the room, and invited them all to eat.

Because Egyptians wouldn’t eat at the same table as Hebrews, Joseph was served at his private table. The brothers were facing Joseph at their separate table, arranged in order of age from the oldest, Reuben, to the youngest, Benjamin. They didn’t understand how Joseph could know their ages, and looked fearfully at each other, wondering what would happen next. Benjamin received twice as much food on his plate as the other brothers, and they all feasted with Joseph. It felt so good to enjoy plenty of food again!

Apply God’s Word to your life:
*Where have you experienced God’s goodness in your life?
*When have you had opportunities to share His goodness with others?
*Read 1 Corinthians 13. Why do you think God tells us the greatest character trait is love?
*How have you expressed God’s love this week?
*Where do you need more of God’s gentleness in your dealings with others?