Insight:
It’s obvious by their conversation in verses 21 and 22 that the ten brothers have been tormented by the guilt of selling their brother into slavery since that day nearly 15 years ago and still having to lie about it every day. Be very careful of your sinful actions. They can stick with you and lead to regret years down the road and even for a lifetime. Also, Reuben was the oldest brother and he told his younger siblings not to harm Joseph, he was away when his younger siblings sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites. Sometimes it is wise to follow the example of your older brothers and sisters.

Question:
Why was it so important to Joseph that the brothers bring Benjamin? Was it so he could show favor to him, or was it to torment the other brothers, or did he just really want to see him? I wonder what would have happened if they would have admitted to Joseph that they sold their brother into slavery instead of insisting he was no longer living.

Conviction:
Every sin carries regret to some extent, but there may be sinful decisions or actions made in the heat of the moment without consulting with God that will haunt us well into the future. We can’t go back in time and make a better decision, but we can choose to learn from our sins of the past and choose to do what is pleasing to God in the future.

Standard:
Be honest and always have good character, because your sin can catch up with you.