I Am Joseph

The Story

Years after Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, a terrible famine struck the whole region. In Canaan, Joseph’s father, Jacob, sent ten of his sons to Egypt to buy grain.

They didn’t know that the powerful governor in charge of all the grain in Egypt was Joseph. They bowed before him, exactly as Joseph had dreamed long ago. Joseph recognized them immediately. They didn’t recognize him at all.

Joseph tested them. He accused them of being spies and kept one brother as a prisoner. He insisted they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, next time. Overhearing them talk among themselves, Joseph heard them say they were being punished for what they had done to their brother years ago. He turned away and wept.

On their second trip, Joseph set up a final test that would make Benjamin a slave. Judah, the brother who had once suggested selling Joseph, stepped forward and offered himself as a slave instead, so Benjamin could go home to their father.

Joseph couldn’t hold it in any longer. He sent everyone else out of the room and wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him. “I am Joseph,” he said. His brothers were terrified. But Joseph said, “Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves… for God did send me before you to preserve life.”

He kissed each of his brothers and wept with them. And then they talked together.

Reflection