“So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers.” (Genesis 44:33, NLT)

The story of Joseph is wonderful because there are so many types, pictures, or foreshadows that point to Jesus. When the prime minister’s special silver cup is found with Benjamin (which Joseph had planted), all the brothers go back to become his slaves. But when “the lord of the land” (Joseph) says that only Benjamin would become his slave, then Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin. He cannot bear to see his father Jacob lose his only surviving son from Rachel, the love of his life. (Of course, Joseph was also still alive, but neither Judah nor Jacob knew this.)

How Judah pictures the sacrificial love of Christ! Jesus, the descendant of Judah, stepped into this world to offer Himself in our place. By sacrificing His own life, He satisfied the judgment of God that we deserved. So great is His love for us! What a wonderful Mediator He is!

“Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25, NKJV)

Joseph tested his brothers to see what was in their heart. Had they changed to be worthy of their calling as God’s covenant people? Perhaps the LORD is allowing difficult and painful circumstances in your life to test you. Remember, His tests are not designed to ruin you but to bring out the best in you, so that you may manifest the persevering love of Christ to those who so desperately need it. You cannot manufacture this love; it is the fruit of the Spirit. But God will give it to you as you abide in Christ.

“Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful love of Christ in taking our place on the cross. Thank you for redeeming our lives from the just consequences of our sins. Help us to love others today with this same love by the power of your Spirit working in us. And show us how we may intercede for others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”