For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Joseph sets one last test for his brothers — and Judah, the very brother who once sold him, steps forward to offer his own life for Benjamin.
Today's Story
Joseph had one more test. He secretly hid his special silver cup in young Benjamin's bag, then sent the brothers off toward home. Soon his servants chased them down. “Someone has taken the governor's cup!” They searched every bag — and found it in Benjamin's!
The brothers were horrified. They came back and fell down before Joseph. “The one who had my cup will stay here as my servant,” Joseph said. “The rest of you may go home.”
But then something amazing happened. Judah — the very brother who, years ago, had suggested selling Joseph — stepped forward. “Please,” Judah begged, “don't keep Benjamin. It would break our father's heart; he's already lost one son. Take ME instead. Let me be your servant, and let the boy go home.”
Judah was offering to give up his own freedom to save his brother and spare his father's heart. The brothers had truly changed. The same Judah who once sold a brother was now willing to become a slave for one.
Joseph saw it all. His brothers' hearts had really changed — and Joseph could hardly hold back what he was feeling.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Judah, who once sold Joseph, now offered to take Benjamin's place. How do you know his heart had really changed?
- Judah put his brother and his father before himself. When is it hard to put someone else first? When have you done it?
- Joseph was testing to see if their hearts had changed — and they had. Can God change OUR hearts to be more loving? How?