His Dreams Come True
Joseph was made ruler over the land of Egypt, and did his work faithfully and thoroughly. Seven years of plenty soon slipped by, then began the years of famine. Even in the land of Canaan where Joseph’s family lived, food was scarce. His father Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt and sent Joseph’s ten brothers to get some.
When the brothers arrived in Egypt and came before Joseph, they did not realize who he was. But Joseph recognized them. As the brothers bowed before him with their faces to the ground, no doubt Joseph remembered his dreams. He decided to treat his brothers harshly to see if they were still as selfish and cruel as they had been. So he talked sharply to them, as if he were a stranger. He put them all in prison for three days, accusing them of being spies. After this, he kept Simeon in prison while the others went home. Joseph told them not to come back unless Benjamin, their younger brother, came with them.
Soon the corn was gone, and the brothers had no choice but to go to Egypt again. This time they took Benjamin with them. Once more the brothers all bowed to Joseph.
A dinner was prepared for them, and Joseph arranged the seating for his brothers. He placed them all in order, from the oldest to the youngest. The brothers marveled. How could this foreign ruler know the order of their ages?
By this time Joseph’s heart was so full that he could not keep back his tears. He hurried to his own room to cry.
After testing his brothers’ honesty one more time, Joseph knew they were no longer cruel and selfish. He sent his servants out of the room. He wept aloud and said, “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt!” Joseph, with love and tears of joy, kissed his brothers.
Joseph sent wagons and much food home with his brothers. He told them to bring his father and all his family to live in Egypt.
Genesis 42-46
Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.
Parents:
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
Children:
1. Did Joseph’s dreams come true?
2. Why was Joseph so stern with his brothers?
3. Did Joseph still love his brothers, even if they mistreated him?