Genesis 39—40: Performance Under Pressure

Warming Up to God

Like Joseph, we sometimes face hardships we don't understand. Tell God about your worries, and ask him to remind you of his faithfulness to you, his child.

• Today I am feeling anxious about our decision to buy a house...30 minutes away from work. I know, it's not that far...BUT, right now, I live 2 minutes away from work...
• We have been praying about this for a long time, it feels like the right move, God, help me have perspective.

Discovering the Word

Trace the development of Joseph's ability and responsibility from the time he enters Potiphar's house (39:1-6).

• Well, first he appears to get the posh job of serving inside the master's house instead of working in the fields or some other undesirable job.
• Then he became Potiphar's personal attendant.
• Then he became the overseer of all that Potiphar owned.
• And finally, Potiphar gave Joseph complete responsibility and Potiphar didn't even double check Joseph's accounts.

Describe the temptation and increasing pressure Joseph now experiences (39:6-12).

• Because Joseph was handsome, a beautiful woman (Potiphar's wife) pursued him ruthlessly.
• Joseph has to continually dodge her.

Notice the symmetry between verses 1-6 and 20-23 in chapter 39.

• Bad things happened, but the Lord was with Joseph and loved him, therefore Joseph was successful.

From the latter description of Joseph's activities, what can we surmise about his attitude toward his new, more humiliating situation?

• The text doesn't say anything about Joseph being upset or anything.

Describe the new situation in which Joseph finds himself (40:1-8).

• He is now attending some high officials of the King of Egypt.
• He is an expert dream interpreter (with God's help, of course).

In 40:9-19 what similarities and differences do you find in the cupbearer's and baker's dreams and Joseph's interpretations?

• Both of them had 3 things (branches, cake baskets).
• Both of them represent 3 days.
• They both had desirable food to serve to Pharaoh. 
• But where the cup bearer's dream had Pharaoh eating, the baker's dream had birds eating.

What are the consequences for the three men (40:20-23)?

• I don't know how to answer this...there are not 3 distinct men...
• The cup bearer doesn't seem to get a consequence,
• The baker is hanged,
• and Joseph stays in jail.

Applying the Word

In what situation have you been treated unjustly for taking a moral stand or refusing to do something wrong?

• People make fun of or despise the things that condemn them. I have never said to someone "What you are doing is wrong," (Except for my children.) but people think less of me sometimes when they find out what I believe.

What impresses you about Joseph's performance under these incredible pressures, reverses and disappointments?

• Everything. He seemed to have it all figured out. He seemed to have the right reactions and instincts.

Responding in Prayer

Ask your heavenly Father, your shield and protector, to give you moral courage and stamina during those difficult days.

• I do! My feelings are so very uncertain. I don't know what I should do half the time! We are moving soon and I have a lot of decisions to make:
• When should we move?
• Should I keep teaching in Belle Plaine?
• Should I keep teaching at all?
• Should I wait to buy stuff for the house until we are actually in the house?
• Where should we send the kids to daycare/preschool?
• Will I be sane after driving the kids to Belle Plaine every day for the next 2 months?
• Well anyway, I do need to have the moral courage to say what needs said, and do what needs done!