Famines, Pharaohs, and Feasting on Christ with Joshua Liem

Genesis 47:11-27

This Sunday, we confront the devastating reality of famine—both the physical suffering seen in places like Gaza and the deep spiritual hunger for God's Word in our world. Journeying through Genesis 47 and beyond, we'll explore how empires have historically used hunger and how God calls His people to a different way, ultimately finding our deepest satisfaction in Jesus, the Bread of Life. Join us as we conclude our "Reading Scripture Well" series, seeking to nourish our Christ-like imagination and find actionable hope for a starving world.

For reflection & discussion:

1. The sermon opened with a story from Gaza. How did hearing about the physical famine and its impact on children make you feel? Did it challenge any of your perspectives?

2. The sermon contrasted Pharaoh's system with God's ideal in Leviticus 25 (Jubilee, no interest, support for the poor). Why do you think God's people, both in ancient Israel and often today, struggle to live up to these ideals?

3. As a wrap-up to the "Reading Scripture Well" series, how does this sermon illustrate the importance of understanding the broader biblical narrative and God's character when interpreting individual passages?

4. Amos 8 speaks of a "famine of hearing the words of the Lord." In what ways do you see this spiritual famine manifesting in our culture or even in your own life?

5. The "paradox" of Jesus being a free gift yet requiring the surrender of everything (like the Egyptians or the merchant with the pearl) was discussed. How do you reconcile these two ideas in your own walk with Christ? What does that surrender look like for you today?