The Final Test: Part 2

Dallas Willard wrote that a thief is not only someone who steals but someone who would steal, if the right situation presented itself.

Judah and his brothers were in an impossible situation. Rather than argue with Joseph, they “threw themselves to the ground before him” (v. 14). Judah confessed, “God has uncovered your servants’ guilt” (v. 16). This was not a confession about stealing the cup, which we know they did not take. Rather, this was Judah’s confession of their sin against Joseph from many years ago. Their guilt prevented them from defending themselves against a sin they had not committed. In fact, Judah says that he and his brothers are all slaves.

Joseph’s first response probably sounded generous to his servants and assistants. He declared that only Benjamin will be his slave, and the rest were free to go home (v. 17). At this point, Joseph has now placed his brothers in a situation closely resembling what had happened to him years before. They could get rid of Benjamin and go back home.

The last time he had this opportunity, Judah came up with the idea of selling the favored son as a slave (37:27). Now, he gives an impassioned speech offering his life for the life of Benjamin. He knew that Benjamin was the son beloved by their father (vv. 27–29). But rather than this favoritism driving Judah to jealous hatred, it became the reason Benjamin must not be enslaved.

Judah’s heart had been transformed from selfish lusts to selfless love. He cared too much for his father to see him grieved in this way (v. 34).

Pray with Us

Please continue to uphold in your prayers our Campus Post Office staff: Richard Tatina, Samuel Ramos, Christy Ay, and Brenda McLemore. Thank God for their work of keeping our students and staff connected to each other and to our constituents.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.