One of the most pressing questions about Joseph’s brothers in this section of Genesis is, “have they changed?” In chapter 44, Joseph once again tests them one last time. This time by placing a silver cup in Benjamin’s sack to accuse him of theft. In steps Judah, the once selfish but now self-less brother is willing to lay down his own life in the place of Benjamin. In doing so he foreshadows his descendent Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down his life for his people. For “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
We are coming close to Joseph’s revelation of his identity (Chapter 45). What has Joseph been trying to accomplish by testing his brothers in Chapters 42-44?
God has been bringing conviction of past sins to the brothers. Where do we see this in chapter 44?
What’s Judah’s response to Joseph seizing Benjamin? When has this happened before? Why is this significant?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Compare the brothers in Chapter 37 to the brothers of Chapter 44. What are all of the ways they have changed?
How does God work true heart-change in us? Use other scripture to support your answer.
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
After all these years and all of this confrontation of their sin, as far as we know, the brothers have yet to repent. What keeps us from repenting?
Joseph has exhibited a Christ-like attitude to forgive coupled with a patient pursuit of reconciliation. Evaluate your own willingness to forgive and seek reconciliation in light of Joseph and Jesus. How can you grow in Chris-likeness?