“A Family, Tested”

Genesis 42:1-38

Pastor Michael Vaughan

May 16, 2021

Sons of Jacob (minus 1) are Sent to Egypt

Genesis 42:1-5

• Famine tests the clan’s endurance (v. 1-3, 5)
• Jacob’s distrust of his sons revealed (v. 4)

Joseph’s Brothers Meet the Governor

Genesis 42:6-17

• A vision, partially fulfilled (v. 6-9a)

     - Genesis 37:7, 9-10

• Accusations and Defense (v. 9b-13)
• Joseph tests his brothers’ character (v. 14-17)

A Second Meeting

Genesis 42:18-25

• Joseph revises his plan (v. 18-20)
• Sins confessed; emotions spilled (v. 21-24)

     - Genesis 37:23-25a

• Joseph tests whether his brothers have changed (v. 25)

A Surprise on the Way Home

Genesis 42:26-28

• Money returned causes confusion and fear
• The brothers finally acknowledge God

     - Proverbs 1:7

Back in Canaan

Genesis 42:29-38

• The brothers give an altered report of their experience to Jacob (v. 29-34)
• More surprises in their sacks (v. 35)
• Jacob’s faith in his God and his sons is tested (v. 36)

So What?

• God is using Joseph’s harsh testing to cause his family to be confronted with the destructive effects of their sin, and to mercifully lead them to repentance, redemption, and reconciliation.

     - Proverbs 17:3

     - 2 Corinthians 7:10

• The Cross of Christ is the ultimate and decisive way that God has orchestrated the reconciliation wrought by the devastating effects of sin, first between sinful man and Himself and also between man and his neighbor.

     - Matthew 5:23-26

     - Romans 5:10