Sermon Texts:

Genesis 44:18-34

Mark 10:35-45

Exodus 1:1-22

We are still in Exodus chapter one. This week’s sermon answers the question of how the Israelites became slaves in the first place. At several points we see the text hint that the Israelites may not be innocent victims. Pharaoh is certainly bad, but does that mean the Israelites are without fault? Looking back on the Joseph story we find evidence that Joseph may not be the perfect hero we make him out to be. We see how Joseph and Pharaoh are both trapped in a cycle of violence and oppression. However, we see hope in the most unlikely of places; Joseph’s brother Judah. Judah’s actions break the cycle and allows healing for Joseph’s family anticipating the work of Christ. Again we examine power and how power is meant to be exercised in God’s plan to bring life, abundance, and flourishing into the world.