Genesis: Passing the torch takes steady hands. / Jeff Struecker

Big Idea: Passing the torch takes steady hands. 

In the Beginning: Joseph

Genesis 50:15-26

I. Hand off what God handed to you. 15-21

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.” So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers’ transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.’ Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when their message came to him. His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

II. Thank God for the faith that was handed to you. 22-23

Joseph and his father’s family remained in Egypt. Joseph lived 110 years. He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation; the sons of Manasseh’s son Machir were recognized by Joseph.

III. Only hand off what’s most important.   24-26

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will certainly come to your aid and bring you up from this land to the land he swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” So Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath: “When God comes to your aid, you are to carry my bones up from here.”

Joseph died at the age of 110. They embalmed him and placed him in a coffin in Egypt.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I need to be adopted into God’s family today. 
• Become: I will show gratitude to those who shared Jesus with me.
• Be Sent: I will present my faith to someone this week.

Group Discussion Questions: 

1. Who handed you their faith? How did this happen?
2. Who are you actively handing your faith to this week?
3. Read Matthew 5:14.  What happens to a city that has no light?  What happens to a world without a gospel presence?
4. If you could only pass one thing to your family and friends, what would it be?
5. Did anyone encourage your faith this week?
6. Have you thanked someone who influenced your faith this week?
7. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone to pass your faith.