18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God: 19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. 20 But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do.

21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.”

22 Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” 23 They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.

18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God: 19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. 20 But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do.

21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.”

22 Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” 23 They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.

24 He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.

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‘They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come upon us.” ‘ (21).

Actions have consequences. It may take years for the results of a bad decision to show up – but they will. The hidden body finally comes to light. Someone said, ‘We make our decisions then our decisions turn around and make us.’ The brothers were now understanding that chickens come home to roost. They were caught in the headlights.

Hear their confession. Joseph heard it all (23). The grim detail came out. The brothers made their confession, ignorant that it was being heard by a ‘priest’ who was actually the victim of their crimes. ‘Truth will out.’ In these moments Joseph also discovered the part played by Reuben in trying to save him.

See how callous they were. It all tumbled out as they unwittingly came clean. They had hated their younger brother and in those moments, years earlier, they had been heartless in their behaviour towards him.

See how they stood convicted. Without being aware of it, they were in the dock, and out of their own mouths they were prosecuting themselves. Yet, even though it didn’t appear so at the time, they were being treated with kindness and mercy, and they were to float in streams of it in days to come.

But the sense of guilt (and with it fear) did not easily go away (50:15-21). We don’t find it easy to receive mercy; we find it hard to forgive ourselves. But the Cross says we can if we rely on Jesus, our Saviour.