Mar 26, 2026
We wrap up the book of Genesis today, and in doing so, also bid farewell to Joseph. Before he dies, though, Joseph offers us some beautiful insight into trusting God’s sovereignty amid persecution, affliction, and tribulation.
After burying their father, Joseph and his brothers return to Egypt. Perhaps still feeling guilty over their sin, or not believing that Joseph’s forgiveness was sincere, the 11 brothers concocted a plan, saying to one another:
“It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants” (vv. 15-18).
Instead of exacting revenge, as many may try to do, Joseph conveys to his brothers that he is not in the place of God. Rather, Joseph affirms that God has been in control of every detail of his journey to date, telling his siblings, “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (v. 20). Joseph didn’t gloss over the fact that his brothers had sinned against him, but he also recognized that God had a purpose in it.
Oh, friends, I know firsthand how hard it is to move beyond personal attacks and slights, but may we recognize that not one movement on earth occurs without God knowing. And if He knows what’s happening to us, and we know that He is a good Father who has our good in mind at all times, then we can trust there is some good intent for the mess we must deal with from time to time.
Genesis 50 closes with the death of Joseph. Like his father, Joseph passed on the promises of God to them, then made them swear that they would carry his bones away from Egypt when God delivered them. As long as Jacob’s family looked at Joseph’s tomb, they would know that God had plans to take them out of Egypt and carry them into the Promised Land. What a faithful witness, even after his death!
As you reflect on his life, I’d encourage you to consider the many ways that he foreshadows the life of our Lord Jesus. Here are just a few that immediately come to mind:
· Forsaken by those closest to him
· Faced intense temptation
· Favored by God
· Wrongly accused and imprisoned
· Looked to for wisdom
· Wept for those who died
· The evil done to him was for the saving of many
· Brought his family together
· Forgave those who wronged him
· Fed the hungry
· His tomb was a constant witness that this land was not their home
“Joseph died looking forward to God’s unfolding plan of redemption, and that is where the Book of Genesis — the Book of Beginnings — ends. It concludes looking forward to the continuation of God’s eternal, loving, wise plan.”[i] A plan we will continue to see unfold as we begin the book of Exodus tomorrow.
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Journal responses to the following prompts:
· How have you seen God use personal attacks against you for your good (and for the good of those around you)?
· Does your life point to God’s ultimate redemptive plan for His creation?
[i] Study Guide for Genesis 50. (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved February 22, 2026, from
https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-50.cfm