March 15, 2013
A CHANGE OF HEART
Genesis 43:16-34
Katie. Morris
Central Truth
When we understand the severity of our sin, our understanding of Christ, our lives, and our hearts change.
Key Verse | Genesis 43:20–21
"Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food, and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand." (Genesis 43:20-21)
Genesis 43:16-34
16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.” 17 The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph's house. 18 And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph's house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.” 19 So they went up to the steward of Joseph's house and spoke with him at the door of the house, 20 and said, “Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food. 21 And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man's money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us, 22 and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.” 23 He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. 24 And when the man had brought the men into Joseph's house and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder, 25 they prepared the present for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.
26 When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. 27 And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28 They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. 29 And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” 30 Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. 31 Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.” 32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. 34 Portions were taken to them from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry 1 43:34 Hebrew and became intoxicated with him.
Dive Deeper | Genesis 43:16-34
When I became a Christian, my pride kept me far from God. Many believers reading this would admit that they are at times prideful, and like confessing you love puppies, it's not uncommon. Yet, far too often, we become complacent in our sin because of pride and wonder why there is no life transformation. If you can relate to my struggle, you might be able to relate to Joseph's brothers as well.
In Genesis 37, Joseph's brothers threw him into a cistern, sold him into slavery, and broke their father's heart by faking his death. Sounds like a bad day for Joseph. The focus throughout the story has been on him, but now we get a chance to see his brothers' transformation from Genesis 37 to 43. In Genesis 37:28, they sold Joseph into slavery for a mere 20 shekels and thought nothing of it.
Compare this to today's reading, when the brothers could have easily kept all the silver planted in their sacks, but instead brought back every dime to Joseph. Even though they didn't steal the silver, his brothers wanted nothing to do with sin. Before they willingly committed serious crimes, now they avoid immorality like the plague. In Genesis 37:25, Joseph's brothers feasted while he lay in a cistern awaiting 13 years of captivity. Now, they sit around a table as a family, feasting with Joseph (Genesis 43:34). Before, they didn't mind their sin, now with repentant hearts, they turn from temptation and find reconciliation.
Before I started walking with Christ, my sin didn't bother me. Our pride tells us we aren't that bad, the truth is we are worse. Without recognition of our depravity, without hating our sin, we live for our own pleasure. When we recognize we are captive to sin, we put our focus on Christ, because we know we can't fix our sin (Isaiah 64:6). It was when I realized my freedom hinged on recognition of my captivity, that I truly had a change of heart. Without our depravity, what do we need saving from?
Discussion Questions
1. When did the Lord cause you to have a change of heart toward your sin? If He hasn't yet, ask God to show you how He sees your sin.
2. How much do you really hate your sin? What Scripture reminds you of the danger of living in the flesh?
3. Pray for the Lord to reveal sin in your life (Psalm 139:23-24). Process these revelations with your community group and talk about what actions to take to fight temptation or apathy towards sin.
4. Remember what Jesus died for and that He was the sacrifice for our sins. Look up verses that verify this truth -- start with Romans 5:8-11, Romans 6:23, Galatians 5:1, and 1 Peter 2:24.