Scripture
Genesis 37:12-28
Genesis 44:1-34
Joseph was Jacob’s favorite of all 12 of his sons, and he treated him with favoritism. He was the first son of the woman who truly loved who died in childbirth with her second son, Benjamin. Because of all the favoritism, his brothers really did not like Joseph. One day, they made plans to kill him and blame it on an animal. Reuben, the oldest, stepped in and suggested they don’t kill him, but just throw him in the cistern, which is like a well that holds water. Reuben secretly planned to go back and save Joseph afterwards.
However, when Reuben was away, the rest of the brothers planned something else. They saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming by and Judah came up with a plan. He said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed, so that’s what they did.
Judah, and his brothers, just sold Joseph into slavery, their own brother! I know brothers can be annoying sometimes, but this is not the way to handle that. At least Judah found another way around not killing Joseph, but still, the other option wasn’t much better. He figured, well if we’re going to get rid of him, we may as well get something out of it, so let’s get some money by selling him. That way, his blood wouldn’t be on their hands if he dies, he wouldn’t be their problem anymore.
Over the years though, the Lord was with Joseph and he ended up rising up and had responsibility placed on him wherever he went, until eventually he was placed as second in command over all of Egypt. Then, when the famine came, Joseph’s brothers had to come bowing down to him (although they didn’t realize it was Joseph) and buy food from him in order for them and their families to survive.
At the end of this story though, Judah starts to step up. He tells his dad that he will be responsible for Benjamin and if anything happens to his little brother, it will be on him. Then later, he speaks on behalf of his brothers. After Joseph framed Benjamin with stealing from him, Judah offers to take his place. Like on the Hunger Games, Judah volunteered as tribute in place of his brother, Benjamin.
Judah said in Genesis 44:33, “Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers.” Judah begs Joseph to let him become a slave there in exchange for Benjamin and the other brother’s freedom. After seeing that sacrificial love and selflessness that Judah displayed, Joseph broke down and revealed who he was to his brothers.
Judah went from selling one brother into slavery, to offering to be a slave in place of another brother. This is like a complete 180 in his life. This beautifully points to the life of Jesus. Similar to how Judah was willing to take Benjamin’s place, become a slave so Benjamin didn’t have to. Jesus was not only willing to take our place and pay the price for our sins, but he actually did it. He sacrificed himself for us, so that we don’t have to pay the price for our sins if we have a relationship with him and he is Lord over our lives.
Prayer
Jesus thank you for taking my place, for paying the price for my sins. I don’t deserve it, but you still love me. Thank you for the life that you bought for me through your death on the cross.
Questions/Journal Prompts
Feel free to use these questions as a guide as you journal and/or pray.
1. Have you ever taken the blame or punishment for something someone else did?
2. How does it make you feel, knowing that Jesus took your place on the cross?
3. Take some time to thank Jesus for taking your place.
Songs to listen to
Spend some time listening to these songs, reflecting on the words, and sitting with Jesus.
“Man of Sorrows” by Hillsong Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZjBJuHgXPE
“O Praise the Name (Anastasis)” by Hillsong Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqBpifDpNKc
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