Today's passage: Genesis 44:1-34
Helpful thoughts:
- Now that the brothers had seen Benjamin was clearly favored, they were given an opportunity to leave him behind in Egypt and lie to their father all over again, just as they'd done with Joseph. They wouldn't make the same mistake.
- According to the deal they'd struck with Joseph's steward, the brothers were free to leave Benjamin behind as soon as the cup had been found. They were free to go. Instead, they saddled up and went back to Egypt, all of them!
- They were given this offer again from Joseph once in Egypt, but they wouldn't leave their brother behind.
- Judah continues to evidence his repentance. He offers (Pleads) to take the place of Benjamin.
Questions to consider:
- In what way was Joseph's dream realized again in verse 14? What was the spirit of the brothers in this instance of their bowing before their brother?
- How is the response of all the brothers different than it had been when they had sold Joseph into slavery? Contrast their sale of Joseph with their protection of Benjamin. What does true repentance look like?
- In what way does Judah, once again, picture what Jesus would later do for us? In what way was Christ offered as a substitute for us?