Sunday School: Gospel Doctrine
Lesson 12: ‘Fruitful in the Land of My Affliction’


“Lesson 12: ‘Fruitful in the Land of My Affliction’” Old Testament Class Member Study Guide (2001), 8–9

“Lesson 12,” Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 8–9

Lesson 12

“Fruitful in the Land of My Affliction”

Genesis 40–45

Study the following scriptures:

  1. Genesis 40–41. In prison, Joseph correctly interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s servants. He then interprets Pharaoh’s dreams about cattle and corn. Joseph is made ruler over all Egypt under Pharaoh and prepares the people for a famine.

  2. Genesis 42–45. Jacob twice sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph makes himself known to his brothers and forgives them, and they rejoice together.

  • What does the world tell us to do when someone has wronged us, as Joseph’s brothers had done to him? What does the Lord tell us to do? (See D&C 64:8–11.) How have you been blessed when you have dealt kindly with others who have mistreated you? How can we become more forgiving?

  • How did Joseph’s imprisonment in Egypt, which was a trial for him, become a blessing for him, his family, and all Egypt? (See Genesis 45:4–8.) What experiences have you had in which events that at first appeared negative became blessings?

Additional reading: 2 Nephi 2:2; Doctrine and Covenants 64:8–11; 122:5–9.