INTRODUCTION: In Numbers 32:23, we are told "...and be sure your sins will find you out." Joseph's brothers came to feel the truth of this in the chapter under consideration. Thankfully, it seems that God was working to bring them to repentance rather than judgment. God was purifying and unifying Israel before making them into a great nation.

I. FAMINE IN CANAAN - verses 1-2.
Famines come even in the promised land. Canaan was a type of the Christian life, not Heaven. God's people must never be surprised at adversity in this life [Acts 14:22]. Just as in His dealings with Jacob's family, we can rejoice that God always has a gracious purpose.

From Jacob's words in verse 1, we begin to wonder if the idea of going to Egypt troubled his sons. The thought of Joseph troubled their conscience and made them cowards. What a terrible companion a guilty conscience is. It can awaken years after the crime. May we like Paul strive to so live that we are at peace in our hearts [Acts 24:16].

II. ENTERING INTO EGYPT - verses 3-6.
Some have wondered why a great man like Joseph would be found at the place where grain was sold. We are given few details. It is entirely possible and even probable that he set up his office at the grainary nearest to the road from Canaan. Joseph must have known from the time of Pharaoh's dream that members of his family would one day come to buy grain. He no doubt asked to be informed when anyone from Canaan appeared. All things considered, this meeting was not the accident it might seem to have been.

III. THE TABLES TURNED - verses 7-20.
Joseph, now older and in Egyptian clothes, was not recognized by his brothers. As Joseph saw them bowed before him he thought back on his former dreams [Genesis 37:5-11]. Instead of embracing them and revealing himself to his brothers, he spoke harshly to them. He accused them of being spies sent to plan a raid. They replied that they were honest men and all the sons of one man. Their implication was that no one would send so many of his children on a mission as dangerous as spying. Joseph, however, continued to act unconvinced. They were all jailed for three days. Simeon was left jailed and the brothers were told to return with Benjamin as proof of their story.

Why was Joseph so seemingly cruel to his brothers? Was he moved by a spirit of revenge?

Actually, there were two reasons for his behavior:
A. Joseph had to know more of his brothers' present character before he revealed himself to them. Were they still cruel and heartless? Had they murdered or sold Benjamin, his full-brother? These questions had to be answered before Joseph could have known what to do.

B. Joseph's actions were used of God to bring confession, repentance and remorse. Through all of Joseph's dealings they felt that God was dealing with them about their former sin of selling Joseph. Men with past crimes often have awakened consciences in times of trouble. Joseph probably knew by prophetic impulse that it would be good for his brothers to suffer a while the lashes of conviction.

IV. CONVICTION OF SIN - verses 21-24.
Joseph, unknown to his brothers, heard and understood their confessions of guilt and sorrow. How this must have caused his heart to rejoice. His tears were those of a heart overcome with compassion, not revenge [Romans 12:19]. Joseph was truly a spiritual man. Alongside his forgiving spirit, Joseph also possessed strength of character. Rather than break down and hug his brothers, he carried out his plan. He knew that their sense of guilt must be deepened and true repentance produced [II Corinthians 7:10]. Their sorrow was a good sign, but had their hearts really been changed? Joseph had to know more about them before he revealed his identity.

V. THE MONEY RETURNED - verses 25-28.
Why did Joseph return their money? Did he fear that they would need it in the famine? It is more likely that he merely intended to deepen their concern. Note in verse 28, that this again caused them to feel that God was working in their lives. Again repentance is the theme of this chapter.

VI. BACK IN CANAAN - verses 29-36.
Returning home they told their father all that had taken place. Upon finding that all the money had been returned, they were especially struck with fear. Every event connected with their trip to Egypt seemed to awaken a sense of God's judgment for past sins. May we learn from this. We never commit a sin that we will not face again. Either repentance or guilt and judgment follow every sin.

Jacob was greatly shaken by the account. Notice his words in verse 36. Did he suspect that his sons were implicated in Joseph's supposed death. In verse 36, he also moaned that all these events had been against him. How wrong he was [Romans 8:28 and 31].

VII. DESPAIR - verses 37-38.
What can we make of Reuben's offer? Who would want their grandchildren killed? Reuben was the firstborn, but comes across as a man of weak character and little wisdom.

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