One Life for Another

When Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery (Gen 37), they thought they were getting rid of their problems. Instead, they were only creating greater ones. Because when their land came under a great famine, they were forced to go to Egypt to buy grain for their household, and Joseph was the man who sold it to them (although they didn't recognize him).

On their way home after their second trip to Egypt, Joseph had his silver cup placed in the bag of his younger brother, Benjamin. He then accused Benjamin of stealing - and threatened to keep him as a slave and allow the rest to go home. But Judah, another brother, would not allow this. He had promised his father Jacob that he would see to the security of Benjamin. So he pleaded with Joseph (still without knowing who he was) that Benjamin be set free, and offer to let himself be enslaved in his brother's place. He said he was doing this for the sake of his father. (Most of this comes from Genesis 42-44)

Now - while Joseph didn't take him up on the offer - I have to believe that Judah was sincere - that he really was willing to offer his life - for the life of his brother - in order not to grieve his Father.

As I read this, I couldn't help but compare it to the actions of Jesus (a direct descendant of Judah) - who gave his life for each of us - in order to accomplish the will of his Father. Judah was willing to become a slave for another's sake - which Jesus did as well - when he came from heaven to earth to be a servant to the world. But Jesus took it one step further - by dying on the cross for us as well. And the outcome of Jesus' actions are even greater than the good things that came of Judah's offer... Thanks be to God for the great examples he has shown us.