Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Unforgiving Servant

Genesis 50:15-21 The Message

14-15 After burying his father, Joseph went back to Egypt. All his brothers who had come with him to bury his father returned with him. After the funeral, Joseph’s brothers talked among themselves: “What if Joseph is carrying a grudge and decides to pay us back for all the wrong we did him?”
16-17 So they sent Joseph a message, “Before his death, your father gave this command: Tell Joseph, ‘Forgive your brothers’ sin—all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.’ Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father’s God?”
When Joseph received their message, he wept.
18 Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, “We’ll be your slaves.”
19-21 Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.

For Reflection

Joseph's brothers lived by the rules of the secular world. As such, they expected Joseph to hate them and take vengeance for their attempted murder. Joseph lived by the laws of the spiritual world and contrary to their expectations wept with joy upon their arrival and forgave them.  Joseph saw their act as good because he believed God was good and he saw the good that resulted from being thrown into the pit. Joseph's brothers were prisoners of their secular world.  Because they could only see what they would gain by ridding themselves of their brother they saw no choice.

Pray

Pray so that you will have the freedom to choose a spiritual solution to life's troubling twists.  Pray so that you can see God's plan for you in selecting an option among conflicting choices.  Pray so that you find spiritual answers to secular issues.

Forward to a friend