Genesis 45

I. The Revelation (vv. 1-13)

“Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it.” (Genesis 45:1–2, ESV)

“I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” (Genesis 45:3a, ESV)

But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.” (Genesis 45:3b, ESV)

“So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 45:4–8, ESV)

Forgiveness does not seek to minimize sin, instead, it seeks to counteract it.

Jospeh is looking beyond the events that occurred to him, and he looks deeper to show God’s hand in all that has occurred.

Reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers was made possible because:

1. The brothers’ admitted their guilt and repented of their sin.

2. Joseph forgives his brothers.

II. Reconciliation (vv. 14, 15)

“Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him.” (Genesis 45:14–15, ESV)

III. Provisions (vv. 16-24)

“The sons of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the command of Pharaoh, and gave them provisions for the journey. To each and all of them he gave a change of clothes, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five changes of clothes. To his father he sent as follows: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and provision for his father on the journey. Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way.”” (Genesis 45:21–24, ESV)

IV. Revival (vv. 25-28)

“So they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them. But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”” (Genesis 45:25–28, ESV)

Key word for Genesis 44-repentance

Key word for Genesis 45-forgiveness

Forgiveness is a conscious decision on the part of the offended person to release the offender from the penalty and guilt of the offense committed.

Forgivness is:

-a recognition that pain was caused by a person or persons

-a willingness to no longer hold the person responsible for the pain

-a gift of kindness which the offender does NOT deserve

Forgiveness is not:

-something that is earned

-the removal of all negative consequences for sinful actions

Biblical forgiveness:

1. Acknowledge you have sinned & be specific

2. Acknowledge the harm your offense caused them

3. Demonstrate repentance

4. Ask for their forgiveness

YouTube - "Forgiveness: a Tribute to Charleston Victims"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEwW7dqvJWg

Forgiveness does not come cheaply or easily.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

The more aware we are of our sinfulness and the forgiveness we have received, the easier it is to forgive others.