Jan. 20, 2021
Joseph begins to see the dreams he had long ago become fulfilled. Joseph’s brothers don’t recognize him years after selling him into slavery, and he tests them to see if their hearts have changed. His brothers show evidence of repentance and humility.
Judah, in particular, is a striking contrast to the man we last saw in Genesis 38. Rather than acting in his own self-interest, Judah takes a leadership role here and demonstrates a self-sacrificial love and service for the preservation and prosperity of their family.
This redemptive moment for Judah will be important for generations to come, as a line of kings beginning with King David and finding fulfillment in Jesus will come from his tribe.
When Herod the tetrarch had John the Baptist beheaded, he was afraid of a rebellion. The term “tetrarch” refers to the fact that this Herod, Herod Antipas, ruled a fourth of his father, Herod the Great’s, former kingdom. Herod Antipas feared that Jesus’ growing fame and ministry were a threat to his hold on power, superstitious that the spirit of John the Baptist had returned to avenge his execution.
After hearing what happened to John, Jesus retreated to a solitary place. People followed Him, and Jesus had compassion for them. He healed the sick and then challenged His disciples’ faith by performing a miracle. He turned five loaves of bread and two fish into enough food to feed 5,000 men, plus women and children.
This showed Jesus’ total authority over the earth, and it is significant that He chose to perform the miracle through the hands of His disciples. This miracle is also significant in that it is the only miracle from Jesus’ earthly ministry that appears in all four Gospels.
Make It Personal
- Joseph’s brothers, particularly Judah, demonstrated their repentance. Are there any thoughts or actions you need to repent from? If so, ask God and the person you wronged for forgiveness.
- Do you ever struggle to have faith God will provide for you? Consider the way that Jesus had compassion for the crowd in Matthew 14:13-21. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you faith that God has compassion for you and will provide for you.