Future (50:26). Fifty-one years after Jacob’s death, at the age of 110, Joseph died. He probably outlived his older brothers, but his own grandsons knew their grandfather’s wishes regarding his mortal remains. Joseph’s coffin in Egypt was a constant reminder to the Jewish people to have faith in God. When their situation changed in Egypt and the Jews found themselves slaves instead of resident aliens (Ex. 1:8ff.), they could look at Joseph’s temporary burial place and be encouraged. During their wilderness wanderings, as they carried Joseph’s remains from place to place, he ministered to them and urged them to trust God and never give up.

“A coffin in Egypt” may appear to be a discouraging way to close a book, but from the viewpoint of faith, it couldn’t be more encouraging. After all, even though Joseph was dead, his witness was still going on. As John Wesley said, “God buries His workman, but His work goes on,” and the apostle John wrote that “he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17 nkjv). G. Campbell Morgan said:

Commit your life to God, see vision, do the work that’s nearest, the work He appoints, truly and well and faithfully, and die knowing that you have started delicate influences, dynamic forces which will proceed through every succeeding generation until they gather up the harvest of glorious result about the throne of the Eternal. The man of God has not finished his work in the world when they put him in a coffin.

Yes, Joseph is still blessing us today even as we study his life!

Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion

1. What is your opinion of the words of John Keble, that tears are “the best gift of God to suffering man”?
2. By the time of his death, what impact had Jacob had on his people, the nation of Egypt, world history, and salvation history?
3. Why did the brothers begin to fear Joseph again after Jacob’s death? What was their root problem?
4. When Joseph learned of the issue, what were his two responses? What do these say about him?
5. What were the brothers (Benjamin included) willing to do to earn Joseph’s forgiveness?
6. Compare Joseph and Jesus as saviors of their people. Why do you think rejection and suffering were important parts of both men’s paths to honor?
7. How are Joseph and Jesus alike in their stances toward revenge versus forgiveness?
8. What obstacles did Joseph overcome to be a man of faith and part of God’s plan?
9. Joseph voices a key theme in 50:20. What does he understand? How is this applicable to your life?
10. If God so wonderfully transforms our sins and shortcomings to do His will, what will He do when we seek to serve Him faithfully?