Genesis Week 44

Sojourning: Living Well Where God Places Us While Longing for Home

Introduction: Where We Are vs. Where We’re Going

Genesis 47 shows us a family living in tension: thriving in Egypt while remembering they don’t belong there. Jacob calls his life “sojourning”—not settled, but passing through on the way to somewhere else.

This chapter challenges us with powerful questions:

How do we live faithfully where God has placed us while remembering this isn’t our final home?
How do we recognize our need for others instead of becoming self-reliant?
What’s the difference between knowing more Bible and knowing more of God?

Pastor Jack reminds us: God uses us where we are. The question is: Will we let Him?

Section 1: Genesis 47:1-6 Presenting the Family to Pharaoh

Joseph brings five of his eleven brothers before Pharaoh. Despite being coached to use diplomatic language, they directly identify themselves as ‘shepherds’—the very term Egyptians find abominable. Yet Pharaoh welcomes them anyway and even asks Joseph to put any skilled men in charge of his own livestock.

Genesis 47:1–6 So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen.” And from among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.” They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
— Genesis 47:1-6 (ESV)

Discussion Prompts:

Observation:

Joseph takes five of his eleven brothers to Pharaoh. Why might he choose only five? What criteria might he have used?
The brothers directly say they’re ‘shepherds’ even though Egyptians find shepherds abominable. What does their blunt honesty reveal? And what does Pharaoh’s positive response despite this reveal about God’s favor?
Pharaoh asks Joseph to put any “able men” in charge of his livestock. What does this invitation reveal about Joseph’s influence?

Reflection:

Joseph leads and presents his family strategically. How does wisdom about culture help us represent our faith community well?

Personal:

The brothers identify themselves by their work and their family heritage (“as our fathers were”). How do you introduce yourself—what identity do you lead with?
Pharaoh offers the “best of the land” and opportunities for skilled people to serve. When has God opened doors for you in unexpected places?

Section 2: Genesis 47:7-12 Jacob Blesses Pharaoh

Joseph brings his father Jacob before Pharaoh. Jacob is 130 years old and describes his life as “sojourning”—passing through, not settled. Twice Jacob blesses Pharaoh, and Joseph settles his family in Goshen with provisions.

Genesis 47:7–12 Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many are the days of the years of your life?” And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.” And Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their dependents.
— Genesis 47:7-12 (ESV)

Discussion Prompts:

Observation:

Jacob blesses Pharaoh twice—when entering and when leaving. What does this repeated blessing reveal about Jacob’s posture toward this pagan king?
Jacob describes his life as “sojourning.” What does this word mean, and why does he use it?
Jacob says his years have been “few and evil” compared to his fathers. He’s 130! What perspective is he expressing?

Reflection:

“Sojourning” means not being home—you’re somewhere else, headed somewhere else. Jacob knows Egypt isn’t his final destination. How does this mindset shape how we live now?
Jacob is 130 years old—extraordinary even by Egyptian standards. Yet he describes his years as ‘few and evil’ and his life as ‘sojourning.’ What perspective does Jacob have that makes even 130 years seem short?
Joseph gives his family “a possession”—ownership, a home away from home. How can we be fully present and invested where God places us while remembering it’s not our ultimate home?

Personal:

Jacob blessed Pharaoh even though Pharaoh had power over him. Who in authority over you needs your blessing (prayer, honor, respect) rather than your criticism?
Do you view your current season as “sojourning”—temporary, purposeful, but not final? Or do you treat it as your permanent destination?

Section 3: Genesis 47:13-26 Joseph Manages the Famine

The famine continues. Joseph manages Egypt’s resources brilliantly—first trading food for money, then livestock, then land, and finally establishing a system where people work Pharaoh’s land for seed and survival. Joseph does all he can to help Egypt survive.

Genesis 47:13–26 Now there was no food in all the land, for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished by reason of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, in exchange for the grain that they bought. And Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. And when the money was all spent in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? For our money is gone.” And Joseph answered, “Give your livestock, and I will give you food in exchange for your livestock, if your money is gone.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them food in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the herds, and the donkeys. He supplied them with food in exchange for all their livestock that year. And when that year was ended, they came to him the following year and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord that our money is all spent. The herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh. And give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not be desolate.” So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for all the Egyptians sold their fields, because the famine was severe on them. The land became Pharaoh’s. As for the people, he made servants of them from one end of Egypt to the other. Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land. Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have this day bought you and your land for Pharaoh. Now here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And at the harvests you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and as food for yourselves and your households, and as food for your little ones.” And they said, “You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh.” So Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt, and it stands to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth; the land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh’s.
— Genesis 47:13-26 (ESV)

Discussion Prompts:

Observation:

Track the progression: money → livestock → land → servanthood. How does Joseph manage resources systematically?
The people ask for “seed”—hope that the famine is almost over. What does seed represent in this desperate situation?
The people say “You have saved our lives.” How do they view Joseph’s management despite giving up their land?

Reflection:

Joseph did all he could to help Egypt survive. He used his position and wisdom for the benefit of others, even though they weren’t God’s covenant people. What does this teach us about serving well wherever God places us?
The 20% tax system Joseph establishes still exists in Egypt. How does faithful stewardship have lasting impact beyond our lifetime?

Personal:

Joseph could have exploited the crisis for personal gain, but instead he served Pharaoh and the people well. How do you use the resources and influence God has given you?
The people needed seed—not just food for today, but hope for tomorrow. Who in your life needs you to provide “seed” (hope, help to rebuild, resources to start over)?

Section 4: Genesis 47:27-31 Jacob’s Final Request

While Egypt struggles, Jacob’s family thrives in Goshen—gaining possessions, being fruitful, and multiplying. God is fulfilling His promises even in Egypt. As Jacob nears death, he makes Joseph swear not to bury him in Egypt but to take his bones back to the Promised Land.

Genesis 47:27–31 Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years. And when the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place.” He answered, “I will do as you have said.” And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed.
— Genesis 47:27-31 (ESV)

Discussion Prompts:

Observation:

Verse 27 says Israel “gained possessions…were fruitful and multiplied greatly.” How is God fulfilling His promises even though they’re not in the Promised Land?
Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years. What’s significant about this number being the same number of years Joseph lived with Jacob before being sold?
Jacob asks Joseph “If now I have found favor in your sight.” Why does Jacob frame his request this way? Who has control over his fate?

Reflection:

Sometimes our dreams don’t happen how we dream them. Jacob dreamed of dying in Canaan, but he’s dying in Egypt. Yet God is still faithful. How do we trust God when the path doesn’t match our expectations?
God uses us where we are. Jacob didn’t get to go home, but God used his family’s time in Egypt to multiply them and position them for what came next. Where is God using you right now, even if it’s not where you planned to be?

Personal:

Jacob says “Don’t bury me here. Take my bones home so I can be forever in the Promised Land.” What does this request teach his sons about what matters eternally vs. what’s temporary?
Jacob wanted his sons to understand Egypt was not home. Home is where God had promised. What “Egypt” in your life might you be treating as home instead of as a temporary assignment?

✅ Wrap It Up: Recognizing Our Need for Others and Knowing God

We Need Others—Sooner is Better

Notice what happens in this chapter:

Jacob, at 130 years old, needs Joseph to:

Present him to Pharaoh
Provide for his family
Make arrangements for his burial

Jacob says: “If now I have found favor in your sight…”

Others control his fate. He’s dependent. And he’s okay with that.

Pastor Jack says: As we grow older, we realize we need others. But the younger we are when we recognize we need others, the better.

This is a critical discipleship insight:

We live in a culture that worships self-reliance:

“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps”
“I don’t need anyone”
“I’ve got this on my own”

But that’s not God’s design.

God created us for community. For interdependence. For mutual support.

The sooner we recognize this, the healthier we’ll be.

Don’t Make People Optional

Pastor Jack warns: “Don’t become so self-reliant that people are options.”

What does this mean practically?

When people become “optional”:

You don’t ask for help because you think you should handle it alone
You don’t invest in relationships because you’re “fine on your own”
You don’t join a small group because “I can worship God by myself”
You don’t seek counsel because “I can figure this out”

But Scripture says:

“Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2)
“Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13)
“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another” (James 5:16)
“Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17)

People aren’t optional. Community isn’t optional.

Jacob needed Joseph. Joseph needed his brothers. The family needed each other.

Who do you need?

For love?
For support?
For encouragement?
To see God’s blessing through?

And who needs you?

Knowing the Bible vs. Knowing God

Pastor Jack gives us a crucial warning:

“Never confuse knowing more of the Bible as knowing more of God.”

Think about this:

You can:

Memorize Scripture
Win Bible trivia
Quote theologians
Teach Sunday School
Know correct doctrine

And still not know God intimately.

The Pharisees knew Scripture inside and out. But they missed Jesus standing right in front of them.

Knowledge about God ≠ Relationship with God

What’s the difference?

Knowing the Bible:

Can happen alone in your study
Produces information
Makes you smart
Can make you proud

Knowing God:

Happens in relationship
Produces transformation
Makes you humble
Makes you love

Don’t hear this wrong: We NEED to know the Bible! Scripture is how we hear God’s voice, understand His character, and learn His ways.

But the goal isn’t Bible knowledge. The goal is intimacy with God.

The Desire That Matters

Pastor Jack challenges us:

“Desire to walk closer to Him. Desire more of Him.”

Not:

Desire to know more facts
Desire to win more arguments
Desire to be right
Desire to impress others with your knowledge

But:

Desire to walk closer to Him
Desire more of Him

What does this look like practically?

Ask yourself:

When I read Scripture, am I looking for information or transformation?
When I pray, am I checking a box or connecting with a Person?
When I worship, am I going through motions or encountering God?
When I serve, am I building my resume or responding to His love?

The litmus test: Does your Bible knowledge make you more loving? More humble? More like Jesus?

If not, you’re gaining information, not intimacy.

Glorify a Living God Who Goes Everywhere With Us

This is the goal of everything:

“Glorify a living God that goes everywhere with us.”

Not:

Glorify our knowledge
Glorify our church
Glorify our programs
Glorify ourselves

But: Glorify a living God who goes everywhere with us.

Remember Genesis 46: “Do not be afraid…I will go down with you.”

Remember Genesis 47: Jacob sojourning—living as a traveler with a living God who accompanies him.

This living God:

Went with Jacob to Egypt
Goes with you to work
Goes with you to school
Goes with you through grief
Goes with you into transitions
Goes with you everywhere

Our calling: Make Him visible. Glorify Him. Point people to Him.

Not through impressive knowledge. Not through self-reliance.

But through:

Community (showing we need others)
Humility (admitting we don’t have it all together)
Intimacy (walking closely with Him)
Love (reflecting His character)

Living as Sojourners

Jacob understood: Egypt wasn’t home.

He thrived there. He gained possessions. He was fruitful. He multiplied.

But he never forgot: This isn’t the destination. I’m headed somewhere else.

That’s our calling too:

Be fully present where God has placed you:

Work with excellence
Love your neighbors
Invest in your community
Use your gifts

But never forget: This isn’t home. You’re sojourning toward eternity.

The balance:

Live faithfully HERE
Long for THERE
Serve well NOW
Remember FOREVER

🕊️ Glorify a living God who goes everywhere with us—knowing Him, not just knowing about Him, in community with others.

💬 Final Discussion Questions:

Jacob says his life has been “sojourning”—passing through, not settled. How does viewing your current season as temporary change how you live in it?
Pastor Jack warns: “Don’t become so self-reliant that people are options.” In what areas of your life have you made people optional instead of essential?
What’s the difference between knowing more of the Bible and knowing more of God? How can you tell which one is growing in your life?
Jacob wanted his sons to remember Egypt wasn’t home. What “Egypt” (temporary place or situation) might you be treating as your permanent home instead of remembering you’re headed somewhere else?
Joseph “did all he could to help Egypt survive” even though they weren’t God’s people. How does this challenge us to serve faithfully wherever God has placed us?

Action Steps for This Week:

Choose one to practice:

UP (Intimacy with God):

Before reading Scripture this week, pray: “God, I don’t just want to know about You—I want to know You. Speak to me.” Then listen.

IN (Investment in Community):

Identify one area where you’ve been self-reliant and reach out to someone for help, support, or encouragement this week.

OUT (Influence in the World):

Like Joseph serving Egypt well, identify one way you can serve excellently where God has placed you (work, neighborhood, school) this week to glorify the living God who goes with you.

Remember: You’re sojourning. Live faithfully where you are while remembering where you’re ultimately headed. And don’t do it alone—we need each other.