Joseph's Tears

When you consider all that Joseph had been through with his brothers and time in Egypt, there's no question that his self-disclosure to them in Genesis 45 is particularly amazing. Judah's heart-felt speech to protect Benjamin at the cost of his own life has shown Joseph the change of heart evident now in those who once sought his own demise.

Genesis 45:1–2 (ESV) Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it.


Genesis 45:14–15 (ESV) Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him.

Weeping, weeping and more weeping. He is genuinely loving these brothers of his in outward and openly emotional ways. These were the brothers who could not speak a kind word to him. Now he is showering them with grace and love. 

I would remind you, they have come to this point in large part because of what Joseph put them through. His devising behind the scenes in the previous chapters destroyed their self-confidence and caused them to lean solely upon his mercy. 

That's such a picture of the Christian faith. When we come to the end of ourselves, we see Jesus for who He really is. And what a picture we see! He weeps with joy at our return. Though we were His enemies (Romans 5:10), He showers us with His mercy and love. Though we sought to do away with God's authority over our lives, He lovingly drew us to the point where all we could do was give up and give in.

In the scriptures, Jesus weeps as He approaches Jerusalem for the final time. He wept over a city that would soon be crucifying Him. 

Joseph is a type of Christ, but Christ is far better.

Joseph wept over brothers now repentant. Jesus weeps over those who are still unrepentant. Joseph embraced his brothers while they humbled themselves. Jesus forgave the every ones who nailed him to the tree. Joseph saw repentance before he wept. Jesus saw none and still did weep. 

Think of that for yourself. If Jesus feels that much emotive desire for those who do not repent, imagine what He does when we do repent? Perhaps that's why He informed us of what happens when one sinner does so... A party is thrown in heaven.

I bet He is the loudest one cheering!