Jackson County journal. (Sylva, N.C.) 19??-19??, 1918-12-13
fNPR0vED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL
SUNl6YSQl00L,
LESSON
Wy REV. P. B. FITZWATER, D. D.,
Ieacher Of English Bible in the Moody
Bible Institute of Chicago)
t~opyflght' 1913, Western Newspaper
Union)
LESSON FOR DECEMBER IS
JOSEPH FORGIVES HIS BRETH
Rem.

LESSON TEXT-Genesis 45:1-15
GOLDEN TEXT-If We forgive men
their trespasses, your heavenly father will
also forgive you.-Matthew 6:14
1884.
ADDITIONAL MATBRIAL-Genesis a.:
1-44; Ephesians 4:31, g.
I. Joseph DiscIoses His Identity to
His Brethren wv. 1-3).
He treated his, brethren harshly at
hrst, his purpose being to ascertain as
to whether they were the same cruel,
heartless. men as before, and to
produce penitence in their hearts. They
keenly felt their guilt and heartily re-
pented of their folly. Judah's pathetic
appeal overcame his apparent harsh
ness, causing him to disclose his iden-
tity. Being unable to restrain his pent-
up emotions he orders every one from
his presence. This act on the part Of
Joseph troubled them; it ought to have
made them glad. Their sins prevented
1t being time Of JOY for them. This
most beautifully illustrates Christ's
dealing with his brethren, the Jews.
Just as they who had rejected him and
sold him were compelled to come to
him for aid, SO when the great tribula-
ton comes, Christs brethren, the Jews,
will cry unto him for aid Daniel 9:27:
~: Matthew "a :21 Zechariah II 10
l4). Joseph dealt severely with his
brethren to test them and bring them
to repentance. So Christ will do with
the Jews (Hosea SIS; Ezekiel % 49,
y. AS JOseph's love was behind his
harsh exactings, so back of Christ's
treatment of the Jews will be his great
love for them.
II. Joseph's Efforts to Assuaae the
Grief Of His Brethren wv. 49,.
When Joseph revealed himself to his
brethren, the remembrance of their
sins pierced them through. Josephs
first question was about his father.
This shows that his desire was to pat
their thoughts Ear away from their
crime. He invited them to come near
unto him, and ssured them God had
overruled their rhine in sending him
for their salvation. They meant it for
evil, but 1T was part of Gods plan for
good. This does not excuse them from
the guilt of the sin. In some future
time Christ will become reconci,ed To
his BRETHREN the Jews, and be their
Savior and benefactor isaiah 11:1O-
l6). Peter, on the day of Pentecost,
showed that the Jews treatment of
Christ was such, and that Gods over
ruling providence had turned it out
Tor good. Just es Egypt was obliged.
to come to Joseph for sustenance ana
become servants FOR Pharaoh through
him Genesis Il 1920, so will al; the
world yet come to Christ for his bless.
lEg. and be ceccnciled to God through
him ilsiaiah 2:2-4; 11:1O; Psalms
T2:7-17; Zechariah 14:16).
III. Joseph Sent His Brethren With
Good News to his Father wv. 9-15).
AS soon as Joseph's brethren knew
aim and were reconciled to him. thew
were sent with the glad tidings to
their father. He assured them that no
would n ;sh them and that thew
should be near him. They were direct
ed to tell of his glory. Jacob would
not nave mourned the death of Joseph
nao ne known of his glory. He now
gave them the kiss of reconciliation
ana they were permitted to talk with
him. Reconciliation preces-es com.
munion.