Joseph - Kindness and Grace

 

When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.” They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him. (Genesis 43:26–34 ESV).

 

This portion of Joseph’s story is so poignant. We see an amazing cascade of kindnesses! Despite their anxieties about being invited to the ruler’s home for a meal at noon and fearing the worst, the brothers are inundated with hospitality! The steward assures them that he received their silver, and he suggests that God himself put treasure in their sacks. Then Simeon is released to them. The brothers also receive water to wash their feet and food for their animals.

 

On top of all that, when Joseph comes home, he speaks kindly to them instead of harshly! Joseph asks about their father, Jacob, and pronounces God’s blessing on Benjamin. Then he provides a lavish feast, with Benjamin’s portions “five times as much as anyone else’s.” The brothers’ apprehension begins to ease. They must have wondered what Joseph showed such kindness to them. They were paupers in front of the prince; they were insignificant in comparison in their minds. They had been humbled finally.

 

Then, after all this bounty from Joseph shows us a clear picture of God’s grace pouring out of his heart toward his guilty brothers. Indeed, at the sight of Benjamin, Joseph must excuse himself and find a place to weep privately. It is a love that can come only from God, Joseph showers kindnesses to thaw his brothers’ hard hearts and lead them to the point where they can finally break their guilty silence and confess their wrongdoing.

We would do well to listen to the Apostle Paul:

 

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:1-5 ESV).

 

Lent is the season to look inwardly at our hearts and marvel at the kindness and grace of God in the work of Jesus on the cross! It ought to lead us to repentance just as Joseph’s kindness led his brothers to finally confess their sin and repent. Turn your heart toward Jesus today!