JOSEPH | JUDAH - Gen 37-50
JOSEPH: the suffering Saviour
The book of Genesis gives Joseph more “air time” than any other single character - even more than Abraham! What are we to make of this? Why does Judah not feature more prominently given it will be from his line that the ruler of Israel will come? The prophet Ezekiel places Joseph on an equal footing with the tribe of Judah when it comest to the future hope of God’s people (Ezekiel 37:15-17).
Joseph is as important as Judah (& his Davidic descendants) when it comes to understanding God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. This series on the story of Joseph (a suffering servant) will help us grasp how God is at work for good even when all we can perceive is evil.
SERIES OUTLINE:
21st Sept (Gen 37) Joseph's integrity is favoured by Jacob, provoking a downfall at his brother's hands
28th Sept (Gen 38) Tamar's vindication foreshadows Joseph's vindication
5th Oct (Gen 39) Joseph's integrity is favoured by Potiphar and the Jailer, provoking a downfall at the hands of Potiphar's wife
12th Oct (Gen 40–41) Joseph's time of testing results in vindication
19th Oct (Gen 42–45) The brother's time of testing results in grace
The remaining weeks "recalling" (through Joseph) key moments of God's covenant dealings with the patriarchs and drawing "loose threads" finally together.
26th Oct (Gen 46:1-27) Recalling Jacob: the "Laban years"
2nd Nov (Gen 46:28-47:27) Recalling Abraham: a country "not your own"
9th Nov (Gen 47:28–48:22) Recalling Isaac: the contrast of Jacob's "clear-eyed" blessing
16th Nov (Gen 49) The end of Patriarchy: birth of a nation
23rd Nov (Gen 50) Out of Egypt: the bones of faith and hope
ResourceS Yet to be uploaded
This list of resources on reading the sory of Joseph will be updated soon!
LEVITICUS Q&A Posts
click the + for dropdown answer
RESOURCE LINKS FROM AROUND THE WEB
1.JOSEPH & JESUS’ PASSION/CROSS: This article on the ABC Religion and Ethics web page traces parallels between Joseph’s experiences and those of Jesus; each endures mistreatment in order to save many. The article is by Anglican ethicist Oliver O’Donovan
2.JOSEPH vs JUDAH and THE PUZZLE OF GENESIS 38:
PART 1 and PART 2
Two online blog posts reflecting on the role of Gensis 38 and the story of Judah and Righteous Tamar. The Story at first feels out of place and does not even mention Joseph, but it is critical in helping us understand Joseph’s own story and God’s purposes. The article is by James Bejon
3.