Genesis 43:1 – 44:34

Brothers and sisters, today we witness a test—not of strength, not of skill, but of character. A test designed not to destroy, but to reveal. Because repentance is not just about words—it is about transformation. It is about who we are when we are faced with the very same temptations that once defined our failures.

Joseph had seen his brothers once already. He had watched them bow before him, just as the dreams of his youth had foretold. He had spoken harshly, accused them of being spies, and held Simeon as collateral—demanding that they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty.

And now, back in Canaan, the famine pressed in. The grain they had brought from Egypt was running out, and hunger was knocking at their door. But there was a cost to returning to Egypt.

Jacob, their father, was reluctant. He had already lost Joseph. Simeon was now imprisoned. And to let go of Benjamin—his youngest, the last son of Rachel—was more than his heart could bear. “You have bereaved me of my children,” he cried. “Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin!”

Oh, church, how often do we cling to what we think we must protect, not realizing that God is orchestrating something greater than we can see?

But the famine could not be ignored. The hunger grew, and Judah stepped forward, saying, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die.”

And so, Jacob, with great reluctance, sent his sons to Egypt once more, this time with Benjamin. And as they approached, Joseph saw them coming.

Now, church, Joseph was not just watching for their arrival—he was watching for their hearts.

When they entered his house, they feared the worst. They remembered the money that had been placed in their sacks last time, and their guilt haunted them. But Joseph’s steward spoke peace over them, “Do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you.”

And then Joseph saw him—Benjamin. His only full-blooded brother. The one he had never seen grow up. And Scripture says his compassion burned within him, and he hurried out to weep.

Oh, my friends, hear me—forgiveness does not mean there is no pain. Joseph had forgiven his brothers long ago, but that did not erase the wounds they had caused.

And now, he set the next stage of the test. He sat them at his table, giving Benjamin five times the portion of food as the others. Would they resent him for being favored, as they had resented Joseph? Would jealousy rise in their hearts?

But they ate, and they drank, and there was no sign of the old bitterness.

Then came the final test. As they prepared to leave, Joseph ordered his steward to return their money again—but this time, he also placed his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack.

Oh, church, this was not a trick. This was a test of redemption. Would they abandon their youngest brother, as they had abandoned Joseph? Would they leave him behind to suffer while they saved themselves?

The brothers had barely left the city when the steward overtook them, accusing them of theft. And when the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, they tore their clothes in grief.

They could have left Benjamin. They could have said, “He is the guilty one. Let him suffer.” But instead, they returned together to face Joseph.

And then came the moment of truth.

Judah, the very brother who had once led the charge in selling Joseph into slavery, now stepped forward—not to betray, but to intercede.

He pleaded for Benjamin’s life. He offered himself as a substitute. “Let your servant remain instead of the boy,” he said, “and let the boy go back with his brothers.”

Oh, my friends, this is what true repentance looks like!

Repentance is not just saying, “I am sorry.” It is becoming someone new. It is standing in the very same situation where you once failed and choosing differently.

Judah was not the same man he had been twenty years ago. None of them were. They had carried the weight of their sin, and now, given the chance to betray again, they chose to protect instead.

And Joseph saw it. The test was complete. The transformation was real.

Church, hear me—God does not test us to watch us fail. He tests us to reveal what He has done in us.

Some of you have been walking through tests, wondering why God is allowing certain things in your life. But I tell you, He is proving your heart. He is revealing your transformation. He is showing you that you are not who you used to be.

And just as Joseph’s brothers were about to see their story come full circle, so too is God working in your life for redemption, restoration, and reconciliation.

Because true repentance is not just about looking back—it is about walking forward, transformed by grace.

Amen.