Could deception be a good thing?

Review

We have read the account of Jacob's/ Israel's sons (all but the youngest) traveling to Egypt to acquire food for the family in a time of harsh famine. As we know, Benjamin, was Jacob's only son from his wife Rachel ,except for Joseph, who was presumed dead. So, Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son and his favorite son. Reluctantly, Jacob sent this favorite son, back with the rest of his sons, to acquire more food and return the original payment of silver plus a double portion.

Now we move to the "rest of the story".

GENESIS 44: 1-2

Joseph was in a high position in Egypt. Second only to Pharoah .

He had a personal " steward " that handled his affairs.

This steward is the communication tool Joseph used to communicate with his brothers.

When Joseph gave the instructions of what he wanted done, his steward had no idea of Joseph's devious scheme.

Was Joseph angry with his brothers?

Was he trying to teach them a lesson?

VERSES 3-10

Joseph's deceptive plan is at work.

Was he actually getting even?

It seems as though Joseph's brothers may have overlooked the fact that "someone" put the silver in their grain sacks the last time they left, and it wasn't them! But they agreed to the terms to have their bags searched.

Note: Jesus came to save people. So, He brought with him the "grain / food" that we need.

Joseph was placed by God in Egypt to save people. Especially his own family and people. Jesus said that HE is the "bread of life". His brothers sinned against Joseph and stripped him of his robe, the coat of many colors, and sold him.

Joseph's brothers were all found guilty! But only one would stay and pay the price. They deserted him. Jesus stayed to pay the price. His whole family of disciples deserted him.

VERSES 11-17

Oh my! The silver shows up again in every sack of grain.

But his time a silver cup shows up in one sack. The sack of Benjamin !

The one person that would have to become the slave of Joseph, at the dismay of all the brothers.

They remembered what their father had said.

Verse 12 states that the "cup" was found in Benjamin's sack.

Does Joseph use the "cup" for divination ?

This was common in that day among ungodly people.

But, the passage never said that's what Joseph did.

But, his brothers understood what he meant.

The "cup" is what Jesus referred to in his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. "Father, take this cup from me."

The grain represents the "bread of life". Jesus called himself the "BREAD OF LIFE" JOHN 6:35

The BREAD and CUP are found in one sack / bag.

Communion: Bread / body and Cup / blood /Jesus

This cup was Joseph's personal belonging. He owned it!

Only Jesus owned the "cup" that could prove who he was/is.

Each brother had the silver put into their sacks.

All were guilty , but only Benjamin had the cup.

Verse 17 has an interesting statement. "Return to your father in peace".

This was the last thing they could do. Peace? After what jacob/lsrael told them about losing his son Benjamin, they would have no peace.

We cannot have peace with God the FATHER until we commit to the Son / Jesus. Only after pleading with Joseph, (for forgiveness) did things get clear.

GENESIS 45

After the pleading, Joseph knew that his evil brothers had changed.

Upon finally revealing who he was, his brothers were in fear ! Fear of retribution?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Joseph had a broken heart for his brothers.

Verse 4 has Joseph telling them to "COME CLOSE".

His message was a personal one; of forgiveness, healing and comfort.

Jesus's message: forgiveness, healing and comfort.

Joseph basically let them know he loved them despite their actions, because God had used the whole situation to bring salvation and life.

This brought about jubilation for the whole family. But not just the family, even for Pharoah. A major celebration took place.

The whole family was welcomed to come live with Joseph in forgiveness, peace and prosperity.

Sounds a lot like our promised eternal life.

And, after thinking Joseph was dead! Not only was he alive, Pharoah offered them a new life with Joseph, where Joseph lived.

The disciples thought Jesus was dead.

Right up to the time they saw him alive.

Then they believed ! ! ! What a picture of the life Jesus promises those who come to him.

THANK YOU JESUS!

WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR US TO BE CONVINCED? GO SERVE YOUR KING!