What Joseph’s brothers did to him, selling him into slavery, was utterly wrong. But their wrong deed was not outside the LORD’s power. Their wrong deed was not fenced off from the territory of the LORD’s dominion. Their betrayal of Joseph was an evil act that made them guilty. It caused great suffering for Joseph. But the LORD was still on his throne through it all. He planned to, and then- by a great mystery- used the brothers’ evil for great good. God was king through it all. This is the great truth that ministered so beautifully to Joseph’s heart, to bring him to the point where he could genuinely forgive his brothers. And now in Genesis 45, after testing his brothers, he sees their hearts are changed. Now the forgiveness that he cultivated within his own heart for years, could be safely expressed, could be poured out upon them: in word, in touch, in tear. In this way forgiveness bore fruit in family reconciliation. May we learn from Joseph’s wisdom: allowing the LORD to test hard hearts, while cultivating forgiveness in our own. May the healing power of our Lord Jesus’ forgiveness lead to restoration of relationships in our lives.

 

Reflection Questions 

1. Read Genesis 37.18-36. Then read Genesis 44.18-34.
(I) How has Judah’s attitudes and conduct toward his little brothers (Joseph/Benjamin) changed by Genesis 44? 
(II) How has Judah’s attitudes and conduct toward his father Jacob changed by Genesis 44? 

2. In Genesis chapters 42-44 Joseph is governor of Egypt responsible for the food security program. His brothers come to Egypt to seek grain. Before revealing his identity to them, Joseph interrogates his brothers, tests them, imprisons Simeon, and falsely accuses Benjamin in regards the matter of the silver cup. Why? What did Joseph want to see? Clue: consider 44.18-34 & 42.21-24. 

3. In chapter 45 Joseph comes to a point in his faith journey where he discerns his brothers’ softened hearts. How does he now take initiative to be reconciled with his brothers? What words, emotions, and body language does he use in Genesis 45.1-15? 

4. (I) What truth about God’s dealings with him enables Joseph to be so gracious to his brothers? (Read 45.4-11).  
(II) How may the same truth assist the believer today? 

5. What conditions need to be in place in order for a sinned against person, like Joseph, to safely express forgiveness to someone who has done wrong (eg. his brothers)? What conditions does Joseph wisely see established before he expresses forgiveness and restores his brothers?

 

6. Joseph is a helpful model of wisdom: wisely letting go of bitterness of heart for many years before his reconciliation with his brothers; yet waiting to see their changed hearts before enacting reconciliation. How does his model compare to the teaching of Jesus (Matthew 18.15-18 and Matthew 6.12)? What connections do you see?

(Please note  there will always be some circumstance where reconciliation remains impossible and ought not be sought. For example, if safety considerations prohibit meeting. Please reach out to a trusted counsellor if this raises questions or concerns for you.)

 

7. Read Romans 12.17-21. What further insights does the Apostle bring to the matter of responding to human evil?