Genesis 40

The Bible Teaching Commentary

More Dreams, More Hopes, More Disappointment

Paul J. Bucknell and Philip Chang

Joseph's life (Genesis 37-50) | Joseph a Type of Jesus | Handling Disillusionment (Genesis 42-27)

Purpose: 'More Dreams, More Hopes, More Disappointment' on Genesis 40 is a handout for teaching youth on how to handle disappointment in general circumstances or even in situations where someone has treated them unfairly.

Introduction

Joseph ran into one situation after another which did not make sense. He did the right thing but then through some unforeseen situation was wronged. By hindsight we know God was preparing Joseph for a special work. We might think that God had finished training him, but it appears that the Lord thought Joseph's heart needed more polishing.

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List some ups and downs in Joseph's life before this time.

Read Genesis 40 and answer the fact questions below.

1. Where was Joseph?
   
   
2. Why was Joseph there?
   
   
3. Who was placed in jail with Joseph?
   
   
4. What special event happened to those individuals?
   
   
5. Explain each person's dream. (Draw them on the right!)
   
   
6. What is it that Joseph did for them?
   
   
7. What was the one thing Joseph asked of them?
   

Joseph's encounter with the Cupbearer and Baker (40)

Using the window of interaction with the cupbearer and the baker we can gain understanding of Joseph's character and his heart. What can we learn about Joseph's approach to life?

• Joseph cared for others
  

Joseph cares about the people around him even though he is in an unpleasant place and does not deserve to be there.

• Joseph honored God
  

Joseph acknowledges that the dream's interpretation is from God and not of himself. He is simply used as an instrument of God. He did not steal God's glory. Joseph is careful to give the proper credit to God when interpreting the cupbearer, the baker and Pharaoh's dreams.

• Joseph faithfully served
  

He delivers the messages faithfully and honestly regardless of the popularity of his message.

• Joseph was strategic
  

Joseph is wise in taking advantage of the cupbearer's official position to get him out of prison.

• Joseph was forgiving
  

Joseph harbors no bitterness and resentment toward the cupbearer who forgot about him. He recognizes God's sovereign control and perfect timing.

Assignment

• How has God been sharpening you for His service?
  
  
  
• What difficult thing did you recently need to face?
  
  
  
• Describe an experience in the past when God's purpose of training became clear when He called you to do something that required the prior training.
  

Next -> Rightly Handling Disillusionment (Genesis 42-47)

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