Repentance & Reconciliation

The story of Joseph and his brothers comes to a head in Genesis 44-45:15. As the brothers set out, Joseph lays one final test to determine if his brothers are truly repentant over their sin against him. He has Benjamin framed for stealing and Judah shows his repentance is genuine by offering himself as a substitute. Seeing this, Joseph gives up the act, reveals himself to his brothers, and forgives them. At this emotional reconciliation, we see Joseph declaring God's goodness in sending him to Egypt, so that he could preserve a remnant for the people of God in the midst of the famine. This story shows us that genuine repentance and forgiveness lead to reconciliation, and that God is good in His purposes even when His ways are indiscernible.