Finding Christ in the Old Testament - Genesis 43

Finding Christ in the Old Testament

Genesis 43:1-28

"And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, ‘Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.’"

The famine continues, forcing Jacob’s sons to return to Egypt, this time bringing Benjamin. Joseph, still unrecognized by his brothers, invites them into his house and prepares a feast for them. This moment is rich with Christological imagery. Joseph, though wronged by his brothers, does not seek vengeance but prepares a meal of reconciliation. This foreshadows Christ, who, though betrayed and crucified by sinners, offers Himself as the true Passover Lamb and invites us to His banquet of grace. The brothers’ fear of judgment mirrors the sinner’s natural dread before God’s holiness, yet Joseph extends mercy, just as Christ welcomes repentant sinners into His kingdom. The feast Joseph prepares prefigures the Eucharist, where Christ, once rejected, now feeds His people with His own body and blood, restoring them to fellowship with Himself.

Devotion

Though we, like Joseph’s brothers, have sinned and fear judgment, Christ calls us to His table of grace. In Him, we find forgiveness, reconciliation, and provision beyond measure. When guilt and fear weigh upon us, we look to Christ, who does not cast us away but receives us with open arms, feeding us with His own life.

New Testament Verse:

Luke 22:19 (ESV) "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’"

Collect

O merciful Lord, who in Your great love calls sinners to repentance and welcomes them to Your table, grant that we may come before You not in fear, but in faith, trusting in the forgiveness You freely give through Christ. As Joseph’s feast restored his brothers, so let the banquet of our Lord’s Supper strengthen and renew us, that we may live as reconciled children of Your kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse:

"Jesus sinners doth receive;
Oh, may all this saying ponder
Who in sin’s delusions live
And from God and heaven wander!
Here is hope for all who grieve—
Jesus sinners doth receive."

LSB 609:1, "Jesus Sinners Doth Receive"