Genesis 45:1-14

The story of Joseph gives us a model for forgiveness. If you’ll remember, Joseph was favored by his father – so much that his father gave him that special coat.

Joseph had a dream. When he told his brothers of that dream, it made them angry. So when they were out working in the field, Joseph’s dad sent him to see about his brothers. His brothers threw him in a pit in the ground. Instead of killing him, they sold him as a slave, ruining Joseph’s life.

Joseph worked his way through life, finally getting somewhere. He was once an overseer to one of Pharaoh’s officers, Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt Joseph into laying with her. When he wouldn’t, she lied and said he attacked her. Joseph was then sent back into prison. His life wasn’t fair at all.

He finally catches a break when Pharaoh needs a dream interpreted. Joseph interprets Pharaoh dream to tell that they needed to store up food in the first seven years because there would be seven years of famine to follow.

In Genesis 42, Joseph’s brothers were sent by their dad to Egypt to get food (it was the years of famine). Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them. However, they didn’t recognize them. Joseph could’ve gotten revenge if he’d wanted it. But instead, he showed them mercy.