75. Judah sacrificed himself for his father (Gen 44:18-34)

Judah volunteered to be a slave in place of Benjamin for his father's sake. 

πŸ‘‰ Read Gen 44:18-34

How often do you see the expression, ‘your servant my (or our) father’?

 

Find verses that show Jacob’s favoritism toward Benjamin. (two)

Find verses that Jacob’s life is bound up in Benjamin’s life. (four)

What are the two reasons that Judah volunteered to be a slave? (two, 32, 34)

 

Answers and Meditation

four

Judah lowered his father, Jacob, before Joseph. Jacob was described as an old man who needed compassion.


20, 27

Jacob’s favoritism hasn’t changed.


22, 29, 30-31

Judah kept saying that Jacob could not live without Benjamin (20, 22), but Joseph insisted they bring Benjamin (23). Jacob also didn’t want to send Benjamin (27-29), and Judah vowed to bring Benjamin back to his father (32).

Judah was between the two stubborn men: Jacob and Joseph. Joseph’s request to bring Benjamin turned out to inflict his father Jacob.


To keep his pledge, compassion for his old father

Judah’s sacrifice touched Joseph’s heart for his old father. Joseph could not hold his emotional burst.

Reconciliation of a broken family was restored through the sacrifice of one man, Judah. This is how God restores us. 

By showing love for their father and brother, the family bonding could be restored from their past failure. Judah's sacrifice healed the family's wounds. Thus, they were ready for true reconciliation.


Judah’s sacrifice foreshadowed Jesus’ sacrifice for His brothers and His Father. Thus, Judah became the ancestor of Jesus. Judah's faithfulness and mercifulness resemble God's characters.

The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

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