This Bible study is all about Joseph’s humility in everything.
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Joseph’s life is a whirlwind. But in every situation, he shows humility. Starting off as his father’s favorite child, being attacked and then sold by his brothers, becoming Potiphar’s right hand man, being thrown in prison, and then becoming second only to Pharaoh, Joseph keeps his eyes fixed on God. How can you keep your gazed fixed on God and serve Him in humility?
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Read about Joseph’s humility in every situation before reflecting on it below.
Genesis 41-44
Humbly giving God the glory
Two full years passed before the cupbearer remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh of his ability to interpret dreams. This was an additional two years that Joseph spent in the prison, serving God where he was. When Pharaoh sent for Joseph, he said “I heard you are able to tell me what my dream means.” Although Joseph could have taken credit for interpreting dreams, he humbly responded that only God can interpret, and he is just the messenger.
How can you humbly show others the love of Christ (Hebrews 13:1-2)?
Related Post: Embrace the Journey | Bible Journaling Through Genesis
Humility in the waiting
Joseph, in a very short time, went from being a prisoner taking orders, to second in command of a great kingdom. He was now giving orders that everyone must obey. But this only came after 12 years of being a servant and keeping his eyes focused on God. During the time that Joseph was in what we would consider bad situations, he never wavered in his devotion to God. And God blessed him. Even when it looked like nothing was happening, God was transforming Joseph into a man that would remain with God even when put in great positions of wealth.
Has God placed you in a place where you have great opportunity to grow in Him (John 15:4)?
A humble confession of sins is needed
When the famine reached Joseph’s brothers in Canaan, Jacob told them to go to Egypt to get grain for the family. The brothers were reluctant, because they knew that they had sold Joseph as a slave to Egypt. They felt guilt over the sin they had committed. But necessity won, and they went to Egypt to buy a years worth of grain, because surely the famine would not last more than one growing season.
Has a past sin made you reluctant to seek God’s provision (James 5:16)?
A change of heart requires humility
When Joseph sees and recognizes his brothers, he accuses them of being spies carefully questioning them about their family. He supplies provisions for his family but keeps one brother to remain in prison because he knows it will feel like another death for his brothers. He places silver in their bags to discover when they reach home to see if they will be honest about their gain. Joseph is determining if their hearts have changed at all.
How has God changed your heart (Ezekiel 36:26)?
Humility in waiting to reveal himself
The second time the brothers went to Egypt, they brought Benjamin with them. Both Ruben and Judah had given their word to Jacob that they would return with Benjamin or not at all. Once in Egypt, after sharing a meal with Joseph, he gave them grain and sent them on their way. Joseph wanted to test their hearts, so he had his silver cup placed in Benjamin’s sack. The next morning he sent his servants to go after the brothers, demanding the cup back. His brothers were so sure of each other that they knew none of them would steal. They readily stated that if any man was found to have it then he would be put to death and the remaining brothers would be made slaves. When the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, the brothers had a chance at repentance.
Once willing to sell a brother out of jealousy, now they are willing to do anything to bring a brother back to their father. Why do you think Joseph gave his brothers the chance to show how they have changed before he revealed himself to them (Jeremiah 24:7)?
Judah’s humility points to Jesus
Judah was the brother who originally presented the idea of selling Joseph as a slave, but now we can see how his heart had changed as he offered himself as a substitute for his brother. He was willing to lay down his own life so that another could live.
Judah is an ancestor of Jesus the Messiah, and this is a foreshadow of the gospel story where Jesus would lay day his life so that everyone might live. How does this humility point to the Savior (Philippians 2:5-8)?
Reflect on having humility in every situation
The cupbearer forgot about Joseph for two years. Have you felt forgotten? How can you remind yourself that God does not forget about you – His beloved child. Joseph made sure to give all glory to God fro interpreting dreams, even though it would have been easy to accept the glory for himself. Do you give glory to God for the things He does in and through you?
