MARCH 14, 2025 – PLEA

READ: Gen. 44:1-34: …Then Judah came near to him and said, ‘Oh my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh… Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life, it will happen, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die … Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?

After the refreshing meal and a night’s rest, the brothers depart. Though they had worried, recalling their sinful actions against Joseph, everything now seems resolved: the Egyptians were kind, Simeon and Benjamin are with them, and they are returning home to father Jacob.

However, they are soon overtaken by Egyptians who accuse them of stealing Joseph’s personal silver cup. The brothers confidently deny this but are shocked when the cup is found in Benjamin’s bag after a thorough investigation.

Only Benjamin is summoned back to Egypt; the others are free to go. Yet, in stark contrast with their actions regarding Joseph in the past, they now refuse to leave their brother behind and all return to Joseph’s house. This act signifies a remarkable change in their hearts.

When Benjamin is declared guilty and condemned to slavery, Judah steps forward to plead. First, he offers all of them as slaves. When that is refused, he makes a heartfelt, honest plea, highlighting the devastating grief their father would suffer if Benjamin were left behind. Judah even offers to take Benjamin’s place as a slave.

This plea shows an extraordinary transformation from his past actions.

What has caused Judah to step forward as surety?                               

Sing: Ps. 86:2