Study Questions

Genesis 50:15-21

1. The book of Genesis begins with God speaking that “it is good” (referring to all that was created), it too ends with the focus on the good purposes of God (vs. 20). What does this “bookend” of God’s goodness say to us? What of God’s character do we glean?
2. On what basis do we call an event “good” or “evil” if God uses what is intended for evil for good? Also, is pointing to God’s ability to redeem evil a way of not honoring the real suffering that evil causes?
3. While we may not have situations in our lives that compare to that of Joseph, we can benefit from his example. What enabled Joseph to be forgiving towards his brothers? What guided him toward that stance?
4. How do we go about cultivating a similar ethic of forgiveness in our own lives?
5. Can forgiveness happen without reconciliation? How are these two concepts related?