Genesis 37

“I am seeking my brothers.” —Genesis 37:16

When I was young, washing a car meant scrubbing insects from the windscreen and bullbar. After a long drive, there were bug splats everywhere. Today, we can travel hundreds of kilometres and barely see a mark. The change happened gradually, but eventually we noticed that something once abundant had disappeared.

Genesis 37 describes another gradual disappearance. Peace quietly vanished from Jacob’s family. Jealousy became hatred, until Joseph’s brothers could no longer speak kindly to him. Yet when Joseph was asked what he wanted, he answered, “I am seeking my brothers.” Although they hated him, Joseph continued searching for them.

This points us towards Jesus, the beloved Son sent by his Father to seek those who rejected him. He was betrayed, stripped and handed over to death. Even in rejection, Jesus accomplished our salvation. He did not return seeking revenge, but offering forgiveness and life.

Has his forgiveness made us more forgiving? Has his patience made us slower to condemn? Has his mercy changed how we treat difficult people?

Christianity is not simply knowing the story of Jesus. It is encountering grace so undeserved that it leaves a visible mark upon us. May our mercy, humility and love show that we have been found by the Son who came seeking his brothers.

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