Sermon Series: Echoes  of Jesus in the Life of Joseph
Sermon: Betrayers and Brothers at the Table of the King
First Reading: Luke 7:36-50
Second Reading: Genesis 43:15-34
Preacher: Pastor: Brian Steadman

Those ten, poor trembling brothers. Judah’s speech just finished and all of them on their knees supplicating the clearing of the court house and then Joseph, whose soul was swelling with such grief and love, bursting out with that, “I am Joseph.”

What a scene for tender souls! Though he must have spoken in deep affection, yet, “I am Joseph,” must have fallen on their ears like thunder. “Joseph! Where are we now? Better for us that we were in a lion’s den, than here with him whom we mocked, saying, ‘Behold, this dreamer comes,’ with him whom we sold and dipped his coat of many colors in blood. And then took it to his father, saying, ‘See whether this is your son’s coat or not.’ ” Well might they tremble!

And then look at the tenderness of Joseph when he says to them again, while they are retiring from him afraid, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt, I pray you come near to me.” You hear his pathetic speech as he discovers his brotherhood and relationship, and then you see that generous embrace when, beginning with Benjamin, his next of kin, his own uterine brother, he afterwards weeps with all the rest and sends them home with favors, enriched and happy.

Dear Friends, I say this is but a picture of what Christ does to some of us, and of what He is prepared to do to others of you who are trembling at His feet. Notice that this discovery was made secretly. Christ does not show Himself to sinners in a crowd. Every man must see the love of Christ for himself. We go to Hell in bundles, but we go to Heaven one by one. Each man must personally know in his own heart his own guilt—and privately and secretly, where no other heart can join with him—he must hear words of love from Christ. “Go and sin no more.” “Your sins which are many are all forgiven you.”

-CHARLES SPURGEON