Hi, my Mungerinis(a new greeting, I am trying it out). In our final chapters, we bid farewell to Jacob and Joseph. We see God’s promises and prophecy revealed through the lineage of the last great patriarch, Jacob.
Our last week in Genesis also means it is our last week of our modern day scripture plays brought to you by Kate Miner and co. Enjoy! And shoot her an email telling her how great these videos have been!
Monday, April 6 – Genesis 48:1-22
Key Points:
- God appeared to Joseph at Luz which is another name for Bethel. Jacob met God at Bethel(Genesis 28:19).
- Jacob says that Ephraim and Manasseh “will be mine.” Meaning he is claiming them as his own oldest two sons(Rueban and Simeon). These two boys are included in the 12 tribes of Israel.
- Joseph positions his boys to be blessed by his father. He puts the Manasseh(firstborn) on his father’s right side and Ephraim on his left. Jacob crosses his hands to give the greater blessing to Ephraim.
Today’s Takeaways:
- The number 12 is important in the Bible – can you think of some other groups of 12 in the Bible? Here is a full list.
- How do you think you would feel if you were Manasseh?
Tuesday, April 7 – Genesis 49:1-28
Key Points:
- In his last act as patriarch of the family, Jacob gives a blessing to his sons. Although some of what he says doesn’t really sound much like a blessing…more like a prophecy.
- In verse two, Jacob refers to himself by both his names – Jacob and Israel. This is a profound way of acknowledging that his sons are both parts of him – Jacob(the earthly) and Israel(the godly).
- Judah receives a great blessing from his father. Even though Judah had misgivings in his past, he is an example of the undeserved mercy of God.
- In a way, Joseph has already received his blessing when his two sons were blessed.
Today’s Takeaways:
- When Jacob is blessing Judah, he is also speaking about the greatest descendant to come from the line of Judah, Jesus Christ. Can you think of a song Ms. Kate sings that talks about Judah?
- Jacob describes Joseph as a “fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring” – this is describing Joseph’s relationship with God. Doesn’t that sound refreshing? What does it look like for you to be a “fruitful vine near a spring”?
Wednesday, April 8 – Genesis 49:29 – 50:14
Key Points:
- Jacob was in Egypt when he died, but he wanted his body to be taken back to Canaan – the promised land.
- Joseph is the son who ensures his father’s burial wishes are honored.
Today’s Takeaways:
- Jacob uses the expression “gathered to my people” two times in this passage. This is in regards to him seeing Abraham and Issac in heaven. Who do you look forward to seeing in heaven?
- The Bible tells us the Egyptians mourned Jacob for 70 days. The mourning for a ruler in Egypt was 72 days. What does this tell us about Jacob?
Thursday, April 9 – Genesis 50:15-21
Key Points:
- Joseph’s brothers were worried about justice after their father died. Remember that they threw him in a pit and left him for dead?
- Joseph says “am I in the place of God?” This rhetorical question is Joseph’s way of saying that he is in no place to bring judgement on his brothers – that is God’s job.
Today’s Takeaways:
- Verse 16 tells us that Jacob sent “messengers” to tell Joseph to forgive his brothers. This is likely not true. Why do you think his brothers made up this story?
- While Joseph does not deny the evil his brothers did to him (“you intended to harm me”), he acknowledged the truest reality which is that “God intended it for good.” Can you think of a situation in your life that God used for His good?
Friday, April 10 – Genesis 50:22-26
Key Points:
- Joseph lived 110 years – that’s a long time. Despite being sold into slavery and being in jail, God still blessed Joseph with a long and fruitful life.
- Joseph was placed in a coffin but not buried for 400 more years(Exodus 13:19). He knew that Egypt was not his final resting place. Like his father, his bones would be buried in the Promised Land.
Today’s Takeaways:
- There were a lot of ups and downs in Joseph’s life but one thing remained, God was faithful. How can you praise God through the ups and downs of your life?
- The book of Genesis concludes with Joseph looking ahead for God’s blessing. What does it look like to you to look ahead with the confidence of God?
Munger Kids 