One Story | April 19, 2026
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Genesis 50
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him." 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died: 17 'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." 19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Talk Sheet Questions
Tell the story of Joseph (and his family) that lead up to this moment in your own words.
KQ What are Joseph’s brothers afraid of after Jacob dies in verses 15–17 and what message do they send Joseph? Why would they have reason to be afraid?
What does Joseph repeat in his response to his brothers?
How does Joseph’s response show faith in God’s control or sovereignty without pretending that his brothers did not really sin?
How could you connect the story of Joseph to the One Story that is fulfilled in Jesus? How does Joseph’s nephew tie into this story (Gen 8:29, Matt 1:3)?
What would it look like for you to respond to someone who hurt you with kindness instead of revenge? What would you need to believe to do this courageously?
Prayer
Pray that you would have a trust in God that allows you to respond in trust and forgiveness.