As Genesis 41 opens Pharaoh is having disturbing dreams. He calls all of the interpreters in to figure out what the dreams are telling him but no one is able. The cupbearer remembers his time in prison and how Joseph interpreted his dream correctly.

Pharaoh sends for Joseph and asks him to interpret the dreams. Joseph says that God not he will give him the answer. Joseph explains that the dreams Pharaoh is having are about the same thing. Egypt will have seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Since Pharaoh had two similar dreams it means that God has determined the events and they will begin soon.

Joseph advises that Pharaoh appoint a wise overseer over the land and set aside 1/5 of the produce aside each year as a reserve for the years of famine. Pharaoh realizes that because God is with him no one is as wise and discerning as Joseph. He sets Joseph as the second-in-command over all of his people and things. Only Pharaoh has more authority than Joseph.

Joseph sets about storing up the produce in the years of plenty. Before the years of famine Joseph has two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. He credits God with making him forget all the hardship he experienced and making him fruitful in a land of misfortune.

As the seven years of famine begin only Egypt is prepared and has plenty of provision. Everyone comes to Joseph to buy grain.

Genesis 42 begins with Jacob sending his sons, all except Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain. As his brothers meet Joseph they bow down before him. They do not recognize who he is. Joseph accuses them of being spies. At first he tells them they may not leave Egypt until their youngest brother comes as well and puts them in prison for three days. After that he tells them that he will keep one of them in prison while the other go for their brother. They believe they are being punished for what they did to Joseph when they sold him into slavery. Joseph overhears their conversation but does not let on. Joseph binds Simeon and sends the others back home with provisions and the money they paid him. They find the money in their packs they worry that they will be in trouble.

As they return home they tell Jacob what has happened. Jacob does not want to let Benjamin go with them.

In their guilt Joseph’s brothers blame God for their predicament, whereas in his gratitude Joseph thanks God for his blessings even in bad times.

In Matthew 15 the Pharisees and scribes again criticize Jesus for the way the disciples conduct themselves. They accuse him of breaking the law. For the first time he addresses them directly with the same accusation. He quotes Isaiah in saying that these religious leaders only pay lip service to their faith and teach human precepts rather than believing in their hearts and truly worshiping. The Pharisees are concerned with keeping the rules as a way to be pure and Jesus emphasizes that it is what is in the heart that makes one pure.

A Canaanite woman comes to Jesus for healing for her daughter. At first he refuses, because he says he has only come for Israel, but she persists. He recognizes her faith and heals her daughter.

Again, Jesus draws a crowd of over 4000 people. Jesus tells his disciples to feed them. As before the disciples doubt that they can be fed because they have few provisions, seven loaves and a few small fish. Jesus gives thanks and breaks the bread and gives it to the disciples to distribute. There are seven baskets left over.

The disciples still seem to have trouble believing that Jesus is capable of doing great things, even though he does so time and time again.