The Reunion and Forgiveness
During the time of great famine, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt in search of food, as the land of Canaan was suffering from severe hunger. They had no idea that the powerful Egyptian governor who controlled the grain supply was actually their long-lost brother, Joseph—the very one they had sold into slavery years before.
When they stood before him, they did not recognize him, but Joseph knew exactly who they were. Instead of revealing his identity immediately, he decided to test their hearts to see if they had changed. After a series of events, he could no longer hold back his emotions. With tears in his eyes, he finally made himself known, saying, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt!” (Genesis 45:4).
Shocked and terrified, his brothers feared he would seek revenge for their past betrayal. But instead of anger, Joseph responded with grace and forgiveness. He reassured them, saying, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20).
Rather than punishing them, Joseph embraced his brothers, offering them food and a place to live in Egypt. Through his journey from suffering to leadership, he saw that God had used even the darkest moments of his life for a greater purpose—to save many lives.