1. So that we may live and not die (1-20)
The famine was severe in Canaan, so Jacob sent 10 sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognized his brothers when they bowed before him. He remembered his dreams (37:6-11). He knew that God was in control of his life and that he was God's servant. He began to test his brothers--not for revenge, but to help them to remember their sin, repent and meet God (21-22). This is real love.
2. What is this God has done to us? (21-38)
Joseph wept when his brothers confessed their sin and showed remorse, but he continued to press them. When they discovered their silver in their grain sacks, they were terrified. They began to examine their lives before God (28). They returned home and reported to their father: Simeon was a hostage; they could not go back without Benjamin. Joseph was pushing them to their human limits. They must face God.
Application: Lord, help me to love others truly by helping them to repent and meet you.
One Word: So that we may live and not die