Genesis 44-45 Study Guide

Main Idea: God leads us from fratricide to forgiveness

1. Please read Isaiah 53:1-7. What are some ways you see Judah and Joseph prefiguring the Messianic Suffering Servant?

2. How does this passage and Genesis 22 foreshadow the ultimate substitution we receive in Christ?

3. Please read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. What does this passage teach us about Jesus taking our place? Why is our view on substitutionary atonement a critical piece of our Christian faith? (for a helpful understanding on substitutionary atonement please read this article from Thomas Schreiner prof at Southern: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/substitutionary-atonement/

4. Please read Ephesians 4:29-32. How does the Spirit of God within us enable forgiveness to flow out of our hearts? What does it look like for the Gospel to inform our capacity to forgive others?

5. Please read Genesis 45:5-8. Why is Joseph’s heavenly perspective critical to his response to his brothers? What are some ways your perspective alters your capacity to forgive others in your life?

6. Who are some people in your life you have struggled to forgive? What is it that makes it difficult in your heart to forgive others who have wronged you? How does this passage encourage us to break the cycle?