Judah – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Listen to today’s passage – Genesis 43 – 44

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 43

(Second Milers also read – Mark 5 – 6; Proverbs 17; Psalms 81 – 85)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 92:1 – 4

Read the “0117 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Good Morning! In Genesis 44, Joseph tests his brothers by planting his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, leading to Benjamin’s accusation of theft. When the brothers return to Egypt, Judah steps forward to plead on Benjamin’s behalf…

“Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. … Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.” (Genesis 44:18 & 33)

In chapter 44 of Genesis, we find that Joseph tested his brothers by secretly placing his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, resulting in Benjamin being accused of theft. Judah stepped forward and made intercession for Benjamin. Reading this caused me to remember another member of the tribe of Judah – the Lion of the Tribe of Judah – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Judah interceded for his brother; Jesus intercedes for us.

Judah’s selfless plea points us forward to a greater Intercessor from his own tribe—the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, our Lord Jesus Christ—who intercedes and substitutes Himself for us in an infinitely greater way.

“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)

Judah’s mind was on his father and brother; Jesus’ mind was on us.

When Judah stepped forward, his mind was on his father, Israel, and his brother Benjamin. When Jesus went to the cross, His mind was on us…

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Judah was willing to become a slave to free Benjamin; Jesus tasted death to free us.

Judah was willing to leave his wife, family, everything he had to set Benjamin free…

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:9-10)

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” (John 17:1-5)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John3:16)

Just as Judah’s plea moved Joseph’s heart, Jesus’ finished work moves the Father’s heart on our behalf. Have you thanked God and praised Him for this amazing grace yet today?

Peace!

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