- Scripture: Genesis 44:1–34
- The Anchor: “Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city. When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, he was still there. They fell before him to the ground.” – Genesis 44:13–14 (ESV)
In today’s passage, Joseph tests his brothers. He told his steward to fill up all of their sacks with as much food as they could carry, and gave back their money. Then he secretly told his steward to put his silver cup into Benjamin’s sack. When morning came, Joseph told his steward to go after the brothers and accuse them of stealing his silver cup. When the steward said these things to them, the brothers were shocked and confused, telling him that they did not steal from Joseph and that they were his honest servants. They also said that whoever was found with the cup was to be killed. The steward held them to their words, and all of the brothers opened up their sacks to check if the cup was in their bag. Benjamin had the cup, so all the brothers tore their clothes. They went back to Joseph and bowed before them. Judah told Joseph that they would all be his servants, but Joseph says that only Benjamin should be his servant, and he tells all of the other brothers to leave.
This passage is more of a story than a lesson. This kind of reminds me of when Rachel stole Laban’s teraphim (household idols) and Jacob says that whoever has the teraphim should surely die, not knowing that it was his own wife. The brothers say that whoever has the cup should surely die, but they don’t know that Benjamin is the one with the cup.
If we remember from a few days ago, Judah was the one who made a promise to Jacob that Benjamin would return safely to his father. Now I see why Judah is the one who is actively trying to convince Joseph to make them all servants together and advocate to get Benjamin back to their father. On one level, he cares for Benjamin and his brothers, but on another level, Judah fears for his life.
This story does not end today. We’re left on a major cliffhanger. However, I think we can still pull a bit from this information that we are given. I think Joseph is testing his brothers’ loyalty to the brotherhood. Many chapters ago in Genesis 37, the brothers hated their brother, trapped him, and sold him off. Joseph wants to see if their brothers have changed or if they have the same hearts as before for the favored younger brother. What Joseph sees is brothers who care so much about their youngest brother that they offer themselves to be slaves in Egypt together, rather than leaving Benjamin to die. We see a drastic change of heart.
Reflection
- You highlighted that Joseph is testing the brothers to see if their loyalty to the brotherhood—and specifically their love for a favored brother—is genuine after 20 years. When God tests your loyalty or character today, are you finding that your responses are becoming more Christ-like compared to how you would have acted years ago?
- You identified that Judah’s actions are driven by both love for Benjamin and fear for his own life, yet he chooses to step up and fulfill his promise. As you move through the end of the school year and your final exams, how can you prioritize your commitments to others even when you are personally afraid of the consequences?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for this powerful story of transformation. Forgive me for the times I have harbored resentment or jealousy, and thank You for the way You are actively working to change my heart. Help me to be a person who is loyal to my community and willing to stand up for others, even when it is difficult. I trust Your plan, even in the cliffhangers of my life. Amen.