Slices
Prepare
The pain of a relationship breakdown due to sin or the loss of a loved one due to tragedy is understandably expressed by the desperate tearing of clothing. How do you think God feels at the tragic sin and rebellion of humanity?
Bible passage
25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.
26 Judah said to his brothers, ‘What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.’ His brothers agreed.
28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
29 When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. 30 He went back to his brothers and said, ‘The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now?’
31 Then they got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, ‘We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe.’
33 He recognised it and said, ‘It is my son’s robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.’
34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. ‘No,’ he said, ‘I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.’ So his father wept for him.
36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard.
Explore
The brothers seem so callous. They sit to eat while their brother starves and bakes in the cistern. But then an opportunity presents itself, as a travelling train of Ishmaelite traders approaches. Judah quickly spots the chance to trade and avoid getting blood on their hands (vs 26,27). Interestingly, it will be Judah later on who offers himself in a trade intended to rescue another brother (see Genesis 44:33). The Joseph story will truly transform Judah! (Please note that, as we are focused on Joseph, we will skip chapter 38, which focuses entirely on Judah.)
By the end of the section, we see Reuben tearing his robe in exasperation at his failure to lead his brothers (v 29), Joseph’s ornate robe damaged to deceive Jacob (v 31) and Jacob’s clothing torn in grief at the loss of his favourite son (v 34). Meanwhile, Joseph is sold on to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard.
It is horrible to watch this family disintegrate before our eyes. It will take a God-sized miracle to weave their lives back together again.
Respond
Nothing hurts as much as broken and lost relationships. Whether by sin or by death, the pain can be overpowering. Do you know anyone who is experiencing that pain at the moment? Take a moment to pray for them.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 5,6; Matthew 3
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Mission Partner Exeter ICE as they prepare to host the LIFE exhibition, an interactive experience where 500 pupils from many primary schools will walk through the events of Holy Week and decide for themselves who they think Jesus really is.
