The Story of Joseph, Part 13 (Genesis 44-45)

No doubt, the eleven brothers were breathing a sigh of relief as they headed out of Egypt toward Canaan, but that would not last long for Joseph sent his steward after them. They were charged with stealing Joseph’s silver cup. Of course they denied the charge and said, “Why would we steal silver or gold from your master? We even brought back the money we found inside our sacks. If any of us has the silver cup, let him die; and the rest of us will become your slaves.” The steward answered them, “Whoever is found to have the cup will be my slave; the rest of you will be free of blame.” So they began to open the sacks one by one, and in every sack they found the money that had been paid for the grain; and the silver cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers were then taken back to Joseph, and he said to them, “only the man who had my cup will become my slave. The rest of you may go back to your father in peace.” But Judah pleaded with Joseph, “please let me remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me?” Joseph then knew for sure that God had changed the hearts of his brothers. They were no longer selfish and hateful as they had been when they sold him into Egypt. Joseph could no longer control his emotions, and he began to cry. He sent everyone out of the room except his brothers and said to them, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” Wow! Now what will his brothers say or do?