NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 : TOPIC – LOVE PREVAILS OVER ALL
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NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 27, 2020
TOPIC: LOVE PREVAILS OVER ALL
Devotional Reading: John 14:1-14
Background Scripture: Genesis 43; 45:1-15
Lesson Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15
GOLDEN TEXT
And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Genesis 45:5
Primary Learning Outcome/Indicators: Learners will know that God has commanded us to love one another as He loves us and indicate achievement of this by:
• Discussing what motivated Joseph to show such uncommon love to his brothers, despite the harm they did to him;
• Analysing the different ways Joseph proved his love for his brothers;
• Making a commitment to show love to those who have hurt them, based on today’s lesson.
INTRODUCTION
Last week, we studied the story of a young man, Adams who had an encounter with his uncle in the hospital, who once treated him cruelly. Having treated the old man with kindness and love, he revealed his identify to him as young Adams Uyi. Immediately, the old man broke down and wept bitterly. He remembered how he maltreated him and so never expected that the young man will make it in life. He, however, regretted his actions against him and begged for forgiveness. He blamed his wife and children for being responsible for everything because he was perceived as a competitor to their children. When the doctor was interviewed about what motivated him to treat the old man kindly, considering the way he was maltreated years ago, he simply said, “God has chosen to promote me so that the wrongs can be made right at such a time as this. Above all, the love of Christ has prevailed over everything that happened in the past”. Immediately, he made adequate provision for the old man’s continuous health care including his general well-being.
The story above is a replica of Joseph’s encounter with his brothers. Even though his brothers regretfully blamed one another for their wicked deed towards him, Joseph interpreted the scenario as God’s purpose to preserve a remnant of his family. It is common these days to see people using their positions and authority to take revenge. The focus of the lesson is how Joseph showed love to his brothers who had treated him cruelly.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. JOSEPH DISCLOSES HIS IDENTIFY GENESIS 45:1-4
Joseph did not disclose his identity to his brothers immediately. Rather, he continued to speak harshly to them through an interpreter. Benjamin was eventually brought to Egypt, based on their previous agreement to prove their innocence that they are not spies but sincere people who came to buy food. Unfortunately, Benjamin was intentionally held captive because he was accused of stealing the ruler’s (Joseph) special silver cup (44:12-15). Genesis chapter 44:18-34 is a long plea by Judah with Joseph to release Benjamin and take himself captive instead. The appeal was based on the assurance of his return given to their aged father before he was released to go with them to Egypt. Noteworthy is his emotional statement in chapter 44:34. He said, “I cannot bear to see this disaster come upon my father.” When Joseph heard this, he was overwhelmed with emotion and wept loudly. He disclosed his true identity and said to them, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” They were not able to answer because they were terrified in his presence but he said to them, “Come close to me, … I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!” (v. 4). Indeed, it was a demonstration of his love for them, which has prevailed over everything they had done to him in the past.
*The most challenging point in this passage is the fact that Joseph did not seek revenge; rather, he showed love to his brothers who once treated him cruelly*. Therefore, it is most likely that he was motivated to show love to his brothers with the understanding that God only allowed all the challenges for the fulfilment of His will for His people. Supposedly, God was in charge and used the brothers’ evil deed for good purposes. In addition, he would have seen his brothers’ attitude from being cruel to being concerned, especially the way they pleaded for Benjamin and the concern they had for their father (44:16-34). His revelation of his true identity and the intense private interview that followed was the beginning of the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. Instead of reacting with pride, anger and revenge, he wept in humility and showed them love (Genesis 42:24; 43:30). Joseph’s enduring love for his brothers is aptly described in Apostle Paul’s definition of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). A true disciple of Christ will not keep a grudge forever because such attitude is contrary to the Spirit of God. Even if our human nature wants us to seek revenge, Jesus’ love and forgiveness towards us should propel us to love one another, no matter the gravity of the wrongdoing.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Joseph forgave his brothers for their wickedness. Discuss what you would have done if you were Joseph.
2. Was it fair for Joseph to have kept his brothers in suspense for that long? if you were him what would you have done differently?
3. What will you do to those who have hurt you after this lesson?
B. JOSEPH EXPLAINS GOD’S PURPOSE GENESIS 45:5-8
The story of Joseph and his brothers has remained exemplary in the history of humankind. After disclosing his identity, he encouraged them not to be distressed or angry with themselves for selling him. He explained that everything that had happened was according to the workings of God in order to save lives because of the famine in the land. He said in verse 7, “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” Therefore, it was not his brothers who sent him but God who has made him a father to Pharaoh, the lord of his entire household and ruler over the land of Egypt (v. 8). *It is interesting to note that Joseph did not see himself as someone who was sold into slavery but as a saviour who was sent ahead for the good of his people*. This was actualised when Jacob and the entire family lived and prospered in the land of Egypt through the influence of Joseph (Genesis 47:27).
The most exciting aspect of Joseph’s story is that he encouraged his brothers not to be troubled over their ill-treatment of him but he gave credit to God for fulfilling His purpose for his life. This of course is another proof of his love for them. Without doubt, his explanation would have calmed his brothers’ fears, and made them gain better understanding about God’s workings in the lives of His people. Perhaps they thought they had succeeded in destroying him and his dreams, not realising that they only helped him to fulfil his dreams. God reversed their negative actions to positive that ultimately benefited the whole family, thereby preserving the seeds that will become a nation.
In fact, Joseph’s enduring love for his brothers prefigures Jesus Christ, the beloved of His Father (Matthew 3:17). He who was rejected by His family (Mark 3:21), rose to an exalted position (Philippians 2:10), and finally brought salvation to the whole world through His suffering (John 3:16). Similarly, the story mirrors James’ observation that love and mercy are greater than judgment (James 2:13).
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Joseph triumphed because he resisted the desire to revenge. Suggest ways vengeance can be destructive both to the one seeking vengeance and the one against whom revenge is sought.
2. Sometimes, hard times can be blessings in disguise. Discuss, possibly with personal examples.
C. JOSEPH’S PLANS FOR HIS FAMILY GENESIS 45:9-15
Joseph and his brothers finally reconciled and immediately, he gave a swift instruction to bring his father whom he had missed for a long time, to Egypt. He said, “Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay.” (v. 9) The same command for his father Jacob to come to Egypt quickly and see the honour accorded him in a strange land is repeated in verse 13. According to verse 10, provision was made for the entire family to relocate to Egypt including their animals to live in the region of Goshen without further delay. He committed himself to continue to sustain them throughout the period of the famine. He embraced Benjamin and they both wept. He kissed all his brothers, wept over them and they talked to one another freely (v. 15). These actions are Joseph’s proof of his genuine love and forgiveness for his brothers. Interestingly, the walls of hatred and suspicion that separated them for many years were broken down with the show of love and affection.
The lifestyle of Joseph remains exemplary in human history. He recognised his promotion as the handiwork of God, which should benefit the entire family. His prompt response to relocate his family close to him shows the genuineness of his forgiveness and how much he cherished them. Also, rather than wait for the offender to first ask for forgiveness, he initiated the process of reconciliation by forgiving and accepting his brothers back, in spite of all that they did to him. Joseph’s action foreshadowed Jesus’ action of reconciling us back to God, even while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8), so that we can be reunited with God.
The summary of the lesson is that Christians should endeavour to forgive their offenders, show love and affection to their families, whether biological or not and allow love to prevail over everything. When we do this then we will be able to bring down whatever wall that has separated us from others and begin to live as one big family.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. After forgiveness, can you still trust someone who has wronged or betrayed you?
2. Why is it difficult for some Christians to forgive their offenders? Based on today’s lesson, what should be our counsel to such people?
Commitment Based on Today’s Lesson
My Personal Commitment ______________________________________________________
Commitment to My Church______________________________________________________
Commitment towards My Relationship with Others____________________________________
Prayer Points
• Pray for God’s grace to forgive everyone who has hurt you.
• Pray for members of the class who may be struggling with the challenge of forgiving their offenders.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
• Divide the class into two groups. Let group A write at least five dangers of unforgiveness and group B write five benefits of forgiveness. At the end, let a representative of each group read what they have written and encourage one another to forgive their offenders in order to avoid the dangers of unforgiveness.
Take Home
• God can work through any circumstance for the salvation of others.
• Believers should not be bitter when something negative happens to them; it could be a blessing in disguise.
• God uses every circumstance to achieve His purpose.
• Love and mercy are greater than judgment.
• God is faithful concerning His promises.
• Christians should know that love prevails over all.
• There is always joy whenever there is reconciliation.
• Follow the example of Jesus who forgave His enemies.