Below are the quotes that were used in the video.

I love how Joseph reveals who he is to his brothers. He does not blame them for the difficulties that they caused him but sees the hand of God in his life in bringing him to Egypt. His difficulties led to others being blessed. In chapters 48 and 49, the Lord reveals to each of the sons of Israel, a roadmap for their lives. Today we call these patriarchal blessings. One of the primary reasons we receive a patriarchal blessing is to help us more fully understand who we are as the posterity of Abraham and to recognize the responsibility that rests upon us. 

As viceroy, Joseph gained a new name: Zaphnathpaaneah, meaning ‘revealer of a secret’ or ‘preserver of a world (or age).’

Joseph and his brothers - Storyline

• Gen 42:3, 6-9, 14-15
• Gen 42:22-25, 29
• Gen 42:35-37
• Gen 43:1-4, 11-18, 23-28
• Gen 43:29-30
• Gen 44:1-9, 12
• Gen 44:14-16, 30-33

What did Joseph understand about his trials?
•Discussion:  What advice might Joseph give today to someone experiencing trials or difficulties in life?
•Discussion:  What advice are modern prophets giving us today about dealing with our trials or difficulties in life?
•Let family (class) search for quotes from the last few general conferences, church’s website, etc.

First Presidency:  Patriarchal blessings contemplate an inspired declaration of the lineage of the recipient and, when so moved upon by the Spirit, an inspired and prophetic statement of the life mission of the recipient, together with such blessings, cautions and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give for the accomplishment of such life’s mission, it being always made clear that the realization of all promised blessings is conditioned upon faithfulness to the gospel of our Lord, whose servant the patriarch is. (Messages of the First Presidency, 6:194, David O. McKay, Steven L. Richards, J. Reuben Clark, Jr.)

President Thomas S. Monson:  “The same Lord who provided a Liahona to Lehi provides for you and for me today a rare and valuable gift to give direction to our lives, to mark the hazards to our safety, and to chart the way, even safe passage—not to a promised land, but to our heavenly home. Every worthy member of the Church is entitled to receive such a precious and priceless personal treasure. The gift to which I refer is known as…  your patriarchal blessing..”  (Ensign, Nov. 1986, 65.)

“A patriarchal blessing is a revelation to the recipient, even a white line down the middle of the road, to protect, inspire, and motivate activity and righteousness. A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities. I say eternal, for just as life is eternal, so is a patriarchal blessing. What may not come to fulfillment in this life may occur in the next. We do not govern God’s timetable....

“Your patriarchal blessing is yours and yours alone. It may be brief or lengthy, simple or profound. Length and language do not a patriarchal blessing make. It is the Spirit that conveys the true meaning. Your blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to be loved. It is to be followed. Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers.... Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your course and guide your way….

“Your patriarchal blessing is your passport to peace in this life. It is a Liahona of light to guide you unerringly to your heavenly home.” ("Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light," Ensign, Nov 1986, 65)

Elder David A. Bednar:  “One of the primary reasons we receive a patriarchal blessing is to help us more fully understand who we are as the posterity of Abraham and to recognize the responsibility that rests upon us. (Ensign, Nov 2005, 44)

​President James E. Faust:  “When moved upon by the Holy Spirit, the patriarch makes an inspired declaration of the lineage of the recipient together with such blessings, spiritual gifts, promises, advice, admonition, and warnings as the patriarch feels inspired to give. It is in essence a prophetic utterance....
“Patriarchal blessings should be read humbly and prayerfully and frequently. A patriarchal blessing is very personal, but may be shared with family members. A patriarchal blessing is a sacred guideline of counsel, promises, and information from the Lord....

​“The patriarch has no blessing of his own to give; the blessing is the Lord's to give. God knows our spirits; he knows our strengths and weaknesses. He knows our capabilities and our potential. Our patriarchal blessings indicate what the Lord expects of us and what our potential can be. Our blessings can encourage us when we are discouraged, strengthen us when we are fearful, comfort us when we sorrow, give us courage when we are filled with anxiety, lift us up when we are weak in spirit.” (Brigham Young University, 30 March 1980)

​Here are some things to consider when it comes to your patriarchal blessing:

• If you do not yet have a patriarchal blessing and feel you may be ready for one, talk to your parents and your bishop or branch president.
• Patriarchal blessings are sacred and should not be shared with anyone but close family members. They should not be read in Church meetings or other public gatherings.
• Keep the original copy of your blessing in a safe place where you won’t lose it and others won’t read it.
• Consider making a separate copy (or two) of your blessing for you to study frequently. You may want to keep this copy in a secure place near your scriptures for easy access as you study.
• If you make an electronic copy of your blessing, it’s probably best to store it where others will not be able to see it and to password-protect the file if it’s on a computer drive.
• All patriarchal blessings are stored at Church headquarters, so if you ever lose your copy, you can request another one at pb.churchofjesuschrist.org/pbrequest. You will need a church Account. (see churchofjesuschrist.org/youth/article/what-a-patriarchal-blessing-can-do-for-you)

President Dallin H. Oaks:  “Persons desiring guidance in an important decision can receive a priesthood blessing.  Persons who need extra spiritual power to overcome a personal challenge can receive a blessing.  Expectant mothers can be blessed before they give birth.  Many LDS families remember a sacred occasion where a worthy father gave a priesthood blessing to a son or daughter who was about to be married.  Priesthood blessings are often requested from father before children leave home for other purposes, such as school, service in the military or a long trip.  Newly called missionaries often request a father’s blessing before they depart.  What is the significance of a priesthood blessing?  A priesthood blessing is a conferral of power over spiritual things…in helping us overcome obstacles on the path to eternal life.  Do not be hesitant to ask for a priesthood blessing when you are in need of spiritual power.”  (Ensign, May 1987, 36-37, 39.)

Teaching Thoughts:

1. Importance of patriarchal blessings.
2. Take time to answer questions.
3. Make time to cover what matters most.
4. Emphasis on Joseph’s perspective on trials.  Let family (class) search for quotes from the last few general conferences, church’s website, etc.

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