Joseph has gone on quite a journey. He started the story as his father’s favourite son. Then he became a slave, a prisoner, and finally the governor of Egypt. But now Joseph faces a great test: Responding to his brothers when he has power over them. In this, Joseph shows us a wonderful example of forgiving those who wrong you.

When Joseph meets his brothers, he knows who they are, but they don’t recognize him. What follows looks like Joseph is toying with them, but that’s not what he’s trying to do. Instead, he tests them. When he last saw them, the relationship was toxic in the extreme. In order to be reconciled to them, Joseph has to figure out whether they’ve changed. He needs to know if he can trust himself to them. So Joseph tests his brothers’ consciences, their response to favouritism and their loyal love. After putting them through the wringer, he finds that time and circumstances have changed them. Now he can reveal his identity to them.

When Joseph reveals his identity, his brothers are terrified. They assume he’s out for retribution, but, instead, Joseph treats them with kindness. He sees God’s providence even in their treachery, and so he’s able to forgive them.

In most of our lives, God’s work through the hardships we face isn’t nearly so clear. But whether we can make sense of it or not, God is at work in the hard things we face. If you realize that you’ll have a much easier time forgiving those who wrong you.

Questions for Reflection

1. Have I ever been seriously wronged by someone? Why do I think God allowed this to happen?
2. How do I see justice? Do I feel that those who hurt me need to pay a penalty, or am I happy just to see the wrong acknowledged and the relationship restored?

Other Sermons in this Series

1. Pride and Privilege – Life of Joseph Part I
2. Dealing with Temptation – Life of Joseph Part II
3. Hope in Hard Times – Life of Joseph part III