As Jacob’s health worsens, Joseph brings his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to visit his father.

Jacob blesses the two boys and is thankful for God’s continual care of him throughout the years.

Jacob’s faith in God’s promises is strong as he takes some of his final breaths, and he instills that trust in his children and grandchildren.

Genesis 47 shows God’s care for Jacob’s family immediately after they arrive in Egypt.

Although it was a time when many people were struggling to survive, Jacob’s family prospered and grew.

Even as Jacob approached his own death, his trust in God’s promises never wavered.

After about 22 years of Jacob thinking Joseph was dead, they finally reunite in Egypt.

This must have been a moment of great joy for Jacob and Joseph! This chapter reminds us of God’s care and provision for His people, even through the most difficult challenges.

God always keeps His promises.

Finally, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers.

After 22 years, Joseph’s brothers learn he isn’t dead - in fact, he’s risen to one of the most powerful positions in the world. And Joseph tells his brothers that this is the work of God.

Joseph now sees how God used a bad situation in his life to bring about good for His people. What an encouraging lesson for us (Romans 8:28)!

So far, Joseph’s brothers have passed every test Joseph has given them. But the final test will demand everything from Joseph’s brothers - especially, Judah.

This chapter will demonstrate whether the brothers have really changed after all these years, or if they are the same selfish, bitter brothers who sold Joseph into slavery.

We also find the shadow of Jesus’ sacrifice for us in Genesis 44.

Jacob and his sons hoped they wouldn’t have to return to Egypt for food, but after a while, the food was running out and a return trip had to happen.

But this meant Benjamin had to go with them.

The brothers return to Egypt with their youngest brother with them - carefully guarding him so they could bring him back home to their father. But what Joseph has awaiting them in Egypt surprises them.

I don’t know if Joseph ever expected to see his brothers again, but one day - there they were, bowing before him in Egypt to buy grain.

Joseph remembered his dreams from Genesis 37 — which also reminded him that God was in control of this situation.

Joseph discovers how guilty his brothers feel over what they’ve done to him, and he sets in motion a plan to uncover whether they have changed or are still the same bitter, hateful men who sold their own brother into Egypt.

Genesis 41 reminds us that while everyone had forgotten about Joseph, God remembered him.

God brought Joseph out of a terrible situation and put him in a position of great power in the world to accomplish His will.

Genesis 41 is a reminder to God’s people to remain faithful to Him and trust Him - for there is nothing He cannot do to accomplish His will.

Genesis 40 starts the chain of events through which God would exalt Joseph out of the Egyptian prison.

Because of God and His power, Joseph is able to accurately interpret the chief butler and baker’s dreams. But Joseph is quickly forgotten by the man he helped.

While everyone forgets about Joseph in the Egyptian prison, God has not forgotten him.

It seems a contrast is shown between Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38) and Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39). While Judah refused to do what was right by Tamar, Joseph refused to do what was sinful with Potiphar’s wife.

Genesis 39 tells how Joseph ended up in prison - even though he had done nothing wrong.

This chapter also reminds us how God is still with His people and blessing them even during the worst of times.