Genesis: Part 64
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Read Genesis 47:13-48:22
“How comforting it is to know that God Almighty is our Shepherd” ~ Pastor Jason
Main Claim: When you believe who God is, you can live a life of faith.
Three Questions - From Genesis 47:13-48:22
What does this passage teach us historically?
Summary: Joseph decrees a plan and combines all of Egypt’s wealth, livestock, and land during the very severe famine to save Egypt. The people of Egypt became servants to Pharaoh and gave their 20% tax to Pharaoh for the next 400 years. Meanwhile, Jacob, before he dies, blesses Joseph by blessing Joseph’s two sons - Ephraim and Manasseh - giving the younger (Ephraim) the greater blessing.
In vv. 13-26, what happened to the Egyptians? What might be some reasons God saved Egypt from perishing in this severe famine?
In vv . 27, how is Israel and his family described? This description of Israel reminds us of a covenant that God upholds throughout the entire Genesis story. Which one is it, and in what ways does God’s fidelity to His covenant encourage your heart?
What convinced Pastor Jason to call Joseph’s 20% flat tax on Egypt’s wealth merciful?
In 48:1-7, we see Jacob adopt Joseph’s two sons as his own. What do you think the significance of this choice is on the overall story of Genesis? Who, in other words, are the recipients of God’s promise of the flourishing life?
Jacob told Joseph how God had appeared to him in Canaan. How did he describe God in vv. 3-4? What significance might this have on our personal applications from the morning message? Take time this week to ponder the connections between this event and chapters 28 & 35.
Israel blesses Joseph by blessing his children, Ephraim and Manasseh. What are some observations Pastor Jason made from 48:8-22? From this passage, what are some of your impressions?
Jacob assured Joseph that he hadn’t made a mistake when he crossed his arms and put his right hand on Ephraim (the younger) and his left hand on Manasseh (the older). Read vv. 14-16. What was the point Pastor Jason made with this scene?
Joseph’s family name was carried down through his sons, whom his father adopted. What gospel thoughts come to mind when you ponder this truth?
What does this passage teach us theologically?
There are three characteristics of God that we see in this passage.
God is Almighty.
God is our Shepherd.
God is our Redeemer.
How can meditating on who God is help you live by faith in Him? Discuss God’s characteristics with one another. Press each characteristic onto a personal specific fear, anger, inordinate desire, pride, and so forth. What does it mean that God is Almighty? What does it mean that God is our Shepherd? What does it mean that God is our Redeemer? How can these three characteristics of God decrease our fears and increase our walk of faith?
What does this passage teach us practically?
Remember: As God’s people, we must learn to live by faith in Him.
If time permits, read Hebrews 11:1-40. What similarities do we see in this New Testament writing with Genesis 47:13-48:22?
End your Growth Group the way our resident Ethan O’neel ended the service. Read Hebrews 12:1-2 as a benediction. Leave refreshed to enter each day with fresh grace to walk daily by faith.