- Scripture: Genesis 43:16–34
- The Anchor: “Then he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, ‘Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?’ God be gracious to you, my son! … Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought somewhere to weep.” – Genesis 43:29–30 (ESV)
Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt, and Joseph prepares a feast for them. When Joseph sees that they came with Benjamin, he invites them over to his house and slaughters an animal. The brothers are afraid, thinking that they will be killed for having the money in their bags. However, the steward of Joseph’s house said that he received their payment and God blessed them with money. The man led the brothers into the house, gave them water to drink and wash their feet, and gave the donkey food. Then, the brothers make a present for Joseph. When Joseph comes home and sees the brothers bowing down, he asks if their father is still alright. The brothers say that he is still alive and well. Then, Joseph shifts his attention to Benjamin, who makes him cry because he is Joseph’s blood relative who was very young when Joseph was sold. Joseph goes to his chamber to cry, but he then tells the servants to serve the food. The Egyptians and Jews segregate, but the brothers are arranged in order of oldest to youngest. Benjamin has the most portions out of everyone.
This passage shows how Joseph cared for his brothers even after all they did for him. Joseph silently gave them their money back the last time they visited, and this time, he prepared water for them, food for their donkeys, and a whole feast with generous portions. Also, the way he cries does not show that he is still angry with their actions from 20 years prior, but they show how he changed to love them more and care for them. Even though he was in the position of power and the brothers were bowing down in front of him like his old dream said, he was their servant in a sense.
If we go back to one of the earlier chapters of the story of Joseph, like Genesis 37, we see how annoying of a brother he is and how he snitches on his brothers. Now, we see a transformed version of Joseph. I can kind of see Jesus through this new version of Joseph. He is full of love and care, and he serves his brothers. He has power and authority, yet he doesn’t act like a tyrant; he is loving, but he is feared. Finally, when Joseph sat them down in their age order, the brothers were in awe. I want to have that same awe when I see Jesus working in my life in that same way.
Reflection
- You noted that Joseph’s power didn’t make him a tyrant, but a servant-leader who provided for those who had wronged him. In your own life, as you wrap up the school year, are you using your influence to serve others, even those who might be difficult?
- The brothers were left in “awe” because Joseph knew them so intimately and provided for them so generously. As you reflect on winning that final game and the simple blessing of driving to school, where do you see Jesus “seating you” and providing for you in ways that leave you in awe?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the transformation You worked in Joseph’s heart—a heart that shifted from self-centeredness to profound, compassionate love. Forgive me for the times I hold onto grudges or act with pride. Teach me to be a servant-leader, to love others with Your grace, and to live in constant awe of how You are arranging the details of my life for my good. Amen.