Reading 16 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Monday, September 29, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Genesis 50:15–24

Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father’s household, and Joseph lived one hundred ten years. Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation; the children of Machir son of Manasseh were also born on Joseph’s knees.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely come to you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” (NRSVUE)

Reflection

Though Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, he not only survives, he thrives. His brothers had thrown him into a pit and then sold him into slavery in a different country. They lied to their father, Jacob, telling him that his son Joseph was dead. He was later betrayed by the pharaoh’s wife and sent to prison unjustly.

We know that Joseph had some dark days. But God never left his side, and Joseph remembers this. He puts a frame around his long life, not just focusing on this betrayal or that betrayal, this misfortune or that misfortune. Joseph sees God at work in his life, turning things around, making a way out of no way. He remembers the big picture.

“Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today,” Joseph says to his brothers.

Many things happened to Joseph that were heartbreaking, demeaning, and unfair. But God swooped into those moments and continued to guide Joseph and fill him with spiritual gifts that allowed him to serve people. He gained power, respect, and the capacity to help many people in a time of famine, a time of great need. In today’s text we see that Joseph ultimately even cared for and served the brothers who had betrayed him. It was the power of God’s grace that allowed him to do that.

Prayer

God, your intentions for us are always intentions of goodness. The spiritual gifts you give us — love, vision, understanding, forgiveness, and compassion, among others — these gifts help us to serve and preserve the lives and dignity of so many of your children. Thank you for being our God and for making us your people. Help us remember the big picture of our lives and the long trajectory of your love. We pray in the name of our brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Written by Nanette Sawyer, Associate Pastor

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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