Assigned Scripture

Genesis 42:7-8; Genesis 43:19-30

7 As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.” 8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.

19 So they went up to Joseph’s manager. They spoke to him at the entrance to the house. 20 “Please, sir,” they said. “We came down here the first time to buy food. 21 We opened our sacks at the place where we stopped for the night. Each of us found in our sacks the exact amount of the money we had paid. So we’ve brought it back with us. 22 We’ve also brought more money with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our money in our sacks.” 23 “It’s all right,” the manager said. “Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you riches in your sacks. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. 24 The manager took the men into Joseph’s house. He gave them water to wash their feet. He provided feed for their donkeys. 25 The brothers prepared their gifts for Joseph. He was planning to arrive at noon. They had heard that they were going to eat there. 26 When Joseph came home, they gave him the gifts they had brought into the house. They bowed down low in front of him. 27 He asked them how they were. Then he said, “How is your old father you told me about? Is he still living?” 28 They replied, “Your servant our father is still alive and well.” And they bowed down to show him honor. 29 Joseph looked around. Then he saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son. He asked, “Is this your youngest brother? Is he the one you told me about?” He continued, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” 30 It moved him deeply to see his brother. So Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to cry. He went into his own room and cried there.

Matthew 5:7

7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Group Response

Joseph’s life was radically changed by the betrayal of those he loved. What must he have felt? Surely there are few people who can speak so powerfully on the topic of mercy than Joseph himself. Let’s look closely and gather wisdom from his story that may change our story.

Discussion Questions

 1. What are your thoughts and feelings about the two phrases “lay down your right to revenge” and “mercy IS justice”?
 
2. When you think about the three different mercies from the sermon, what have you noticed from your life experiences?
 
3. For you personally, what specific factors make it the most difficult to extend mercy?
 
4. If you dropped a stone, what’s next? If you couldn’t, what’s next?