Joseph Forgiving His Brothers, by Ted Henninger
Genesis 42–50; Lesson 35
Genesis 42–45
“I Am Joseph Your Brother”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Many years after he was sold into Egypt as a slave, Joseph was reunited with his brothers. He could have chosen to feel angry and resentful because of all that he suffered. However, like the Savior, Joseph chose to extend mercy and forgiveness to his brothers who had mistreated him. This lesson can help you follow the Savior’s example by being more forgiving.
Study the Scriptures
Have you ever been hurt by someone and found it difficult to forgive? We have been commanded to “forgive all men” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:10). This is not always easy. Sometimes it may even feel impossible. If available, watch the video “Joseph and the Famine” (2:25) and look for what Joseph’s story can teach you about forgiving others.
In Genesis 37, Joseph’s jealous brothers plotted to kill him (see Genesis 37:18). Eventually, they spared his life but sold him into slavery (see Genesis 37:28). Many years later there was a great famine. Ten of the brothers went to Egypt to buy food. They met Joseph, who oversaw all Egypt’s grain. But they didn’t recognize him. If you were Joseph, how would you respond to your brothers?
Read Genesis 42:21–24, looking for how Joseph reacted to hearing his brothers talk about how they had treated him. Joseph didn’t reveal his identity. Instead, he gave his brothers food but told them to come back with Benjamin.
Read Genesis 43:30, looking for how Joseph reacted to seeing his brother Benjamin. Joseph tested his brothers’ love for Benjamin by accusing him of stealing and threatening to throw him in jail. Judah offered his life in exchange for Benjamin’s.
Read Genesis 45:1–2, looking for how Joseph reacted after Judah volunteered to give his life to protect Benjamin.
Finally, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers.
Read Genesis 45:3–8 and highlight any phrases that show that Joseph chose to forgive his brothers. Why might some people choose not to forgive if they were in Joseph’s situation? Why do you think Joseph decided to forgive his brothers?
Watch or read the following from President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) about refusing to forgive:
That attitude is somewhat like a man being hit by a club. Offended, he takes up a club and beats himself over the head with it all the days of his life. How foolish! How sad! That kind of revenge is self-inflicting. If you have been offended, forgive, forget it, and leave it alone. (“Guided by the Holy Spirit,” Liahona, May 2011, 32)
In your notebook, answer the following question:
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How might your life be blessed by following Christ’s example and forgiving?
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
Why should I forgive others?
Throughout the scriptures, the Lord has repeatedly commanded us to forgive. Read at least two of the following scriptures and tag them as “forgiving others.”
President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared:
Surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it. (“The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Liahona, May 2012, 33)
Write a short paragraph that summarizes how you have been blessed by your efforts to forgive others. List what you have done to include the Savior in your efforts. What do you feel is important to remember the next time you need to forgive someone?
Option B
Does God expect me to forgive everyone?
The Lord has been very clear about His expectation for each of us to forgive.
Read the following passages, looking for phrases you could tag as “forgiving others.”
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Luke 23:33–34. The Savior suffering on the cross.
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Doctrine and Covenants 64:8–10. Revelation to the elders of the Church in 1831.
How might God’s expectation to forgive others bring greater happiness in your life? How does knowing that God will judge each of us make it easier to forgive?
President Russell M. Nelson taught the following about forgiving others:
If forgiveness presently seems impossible, plead for power through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to help you. As you do so, I promise personal peace and a burst of spiritual momentum.
When the Savior atoned for all mankind, He opened a way that those who follow Him can have access to His healing, strengthening, and redeeming power. These spiritual privileges are available to all who seek to hear Him and follow Him. (“The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022, 100)
If available, it may be helpful to watch “Forgiving Others: An Easter Message from President Russell M. Nelson” (5:01).
Now that you’ve studied forgiveness, prayerfully consider if there is someone in your life you need to forgive.
Write a paragraph identifying your feelings about forgiving that person. What do you recognize that may be preventing your ability to forgive? List some ways you can seek the Savior’s help in your efforts
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you follow the Savior’s example by being more forgiving.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The paragraph you wrote in your notebook.
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What you learned from Joseph’s and Jesus’s examples of forgiveness.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?