Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to hare me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And
he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Reflection
Near the end of Joseph’s story, his brothers fear retribution following Jacob’s death. After all, the brothers are the ones who attacked Joseph, threw him in a pit, and sold him into slavery in Egypt. At this point in the story however, Joseph had welcomed the family to Egypt and provided land and food for them during a great famine. Yet, the brothers were wondering if Joseph was only treating them kindly out of respect for their father, Jacob. So, the brothers beg for Joseph’s mercy following Jacob’s death.
Joseph expressed true forgiveness and understanding. He assured them that his actions were not out of obligation, but out of love for God and love for them.
This is ministry done WITH someone. It communicates God’s love and grace for the person.
Have you ever expected a negative response from someone because of something you’ve said or done only to be forgiven? Have you ever received an unexpected gift that you could not repay or where repayment was unwanted or even refused? Reflect on your emotions in these situations.
