BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

After many dark, desolate years, God restores life and joy. He sends Jacob down to Egypt and into the arms of his long-lost, beloved son. Jacob discovers that the son he presumed dead is now the source of life for many because Joseph trusted God’s wisdom. When famine pushes Egypt and Canaan to the brink of starvation, Joseph provides grain to the surrounding nations so that they too “may live and not die” (Gen. 47:19), just as he had done for his family (Gen. 42:1, 43:8).

In Genesis 12, God promised Abraham that his family would become a blessing to every “family” or “nation” on Earth, and that anyone who blesses Abraham and his family will themselves be blessed (Gen. 12:2-3). God also says he will “curse” or “treat lightly” those who treat Abraham’s family with contempt. It’s common to see this as God vowing to oppose anyone who opposes Abraham’s genetic line or the people of Israel. However, in the context of Genesis 12:1-3, God is talking about his promised blessing being extended to all the world and guaranteeing that it will happen.

The idea is that those who refuse to partner with God or try to stop or “curse” his plan to bless all nations will ultimately fail. God will bless those who bless until his good work is complete. Pay close attention as the story about Abraham’s family unfolds because God will also oppose them when they reject his blessing.

Today’s reading shows that promise from God in action when the pharaoh gives the good land of Goshen to Jacob’s family (which is also Abraham’s), and Jacob responds by blessing Pharaoh.

As Jacob’s life comes to an end, he displays increased confidence in God’s covenant promises. He urges Joseph not to bury him in Egypt but to return his body to the land of his ancestors. Jacob’s insistence reveals his conviction that God will one day give that land to his family, even if he won’t live to see it. God often works slowly, but he always keeps his promises!

Reflection Questions

• Look back over Genesis 24:1-9. What parallels do you notice between the request Abraham makes near the end of his life and the request Jacob makes near the end of his? What does this show you about both stories?
• Notice that Genesis 46:28 identifies Judah as the son who leads the family to Goshen. Where else have you seen Judah take a leading role among his brothers in the story, either positively or negatively? What happened in those cases?