Genesis 45 - Job 11 - Mark 15 - Romans 15

Genesis 45
- Joseph finally breaks down and reveals himself to his brothers.
- Joseph wept so loudly that everyone in the house heard him.
- Joseph's response could have been anger, but he told his brothers not to be angry with themselves because God meant his being in Egypt for the good of everyone.
- Joseph said it was God, not his brothers that sent him to Egypt.
- Joseph tells his brothers to go get their father and come dwell in Goshen for the remaining 5 years of the famine so they might not be impoverished.
- Joseph wept for Benjamin and for his brothers, and although it says Benjamin wept it does NOT say how the other brothers reacted.
- When Pharaoh heard what had happened he commanded Joseph to take a cart and bring his family and they would enjoy the best of Egypt.
- What happened to Egyptians not mixing with Hebrews?
- Joseph again gives Benjamin 5 times the goods, and orders his brothers not to quarrel.
- They arrive and tell Jacob but he does not believe them (because he had seen Joseph's torn, bloody coat)
- Jacob's spirit (which had been in worry) was revived because he would see Joseph again before he died.

Job 11
- Zophar answers Job and asks why Job claims to be pure and clean but God's wisdom sees and understands more than man can see or know.
- Zophar tells Job that God has still enacted less than Job's guilt deserves.
- It is impossible to find out the limits of God because He is limitless.
- God cannot overlook iniquity. He sees it all.
- Job needs to prepare his heart and turn toward God.
- Zophar tells Job to put off iniquity and then he will be able to lift his head toward God (This seems to be Job's problem, that he doesn't know what he has done wrong).
- Zophar tells Job that there will be a time when he forgets these trials that are presently overwhelming him.

Mark 15
- Pilate questioned Jesus, but Jesus did not answer the Jews' accusations but remained silent which amazed Pilate.
- Pilate offered to release Barabbas or Jesus to the crowd as was his custom, and the Jews had the crowds shout for Barabbas.
- Pilate knew it was out of envy that Jesus was there.
- The guards dressed Jesus in robes and twisted on Him a crown of thorns and mocked Him.
- Mark's account of the Crucifixion is very brief.
- Jesus was crucified at the 3rd hour with two robbers.
- The Jews mocked Him with His own words about destroying the temple and they also mocked the fact they he couldn't (He chose not to) save Himself. (The ironic thing is IF He had chosen to come down from the cross we could not have been forgiven of our sins before God. Christ chose to stay their for our sins).
-6th hour darkness entered the land and in the 9th hour (6 hours after He had been crucified) Jesus called our to God and breathed His last.
- The people thought He might call for Elijah.
- What were the prophecies about Elijah's return?
- The 2 Marys listed here did not include Jesus' mother.
- A centurion watching the whole thing saw what had happened and believed He was the Son of God.
- Who is the "him" they refer to in v. 41 where it says, "When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem."?
- Joseph of Aramethea asked Pilate for Jesus' body.
- Pilate was surprised Jesus died so quickly but gave Joseph the body.
- Joseph wrapped the body in a shroud and buried Him in a tomb.
- Who was Mary mother of Joses? Who was Joses?

Romans 15
- Paul says we have an obligation (duty) to bear with the weak.
- In Jesus we are able to live in harmony with one another.
- Paul quotes 4 OT references that proclaim good news to the Gentiles.
- Joy and Peace lead to hope through the Spirit.
- Paul says to the Romans that he is satisfied with their goodness and faith, but still on some points Paul warns them "very boldly".
- Paul states that everything he does is because of and for the gospel.
- When Paul says he doesn't want to build on others foundations, isn't that being arrogant or proud?
- Paul longs to go to Rome but first he must go back to Jerusalem and give money to the poor there that the Gentiles have given.
- Why would the Gentiles "owe" the poor in Jerusalem anything?
- Paul is planning to visit Rome on his way to Spain.
- Does Paul ever make it to Spain?
- Paul big push is for the believers in Rome to be at peace.